The author evaluates based on an analysis of the documentation covering a certain period and locality the state of the indication and approval process of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy. In both these activities shortco-mings were found. Their typical features are on the one hand errors in adherence to the appropriate criteria and lack of a uniform procedure in processing of applications, on the other hand excessive tolerance to both these facts. The author describes the reasons of this situation with emphasis not only on health hazards but also the financial aspect of the not quite competent approach to the problem. In the conclusion the author suggests a simple solution which is within the possibilities of the mechanisms of the health insurance company.

        Key words: long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy – indication criteria blood gases – respiratory insufficiency – retention of CO2/progressive hyperkapnia – oxygen (oxygen therapeutic) test – oxygen concentration