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Included in Medical Insurance as a Separate Chargeable Item
In fact, this is not the first time hydrogen–oxygen inhalation has been included in Shandong medical insurance!
As early as January 5, 2021, based on the therapeutic effects of nebulized treatment in hydrogen-oxygen medicine,“hydrogen-oxygen mixed nebulization” was, as a novel form of nebulized inhalation therapy, included for the first time in Shandong medical insurance coverage, with clearly defined charging standards[1].
Charging standard for hydrogen–oxygen mixed nebulization
Based on hydrogen–oxygen medicine, positive effects have been demonstrated across a range of conditions, including chronic respiratory diseases, with outcomes shown to be superior to those achieved with nitric oxide inhalation therapy. On May 20, 2025, the official website of the Shandong Provincial Medical Security Administration issued a notice (Lu Yi Bao Fa [2025] No. 15) [2], formally including “hydrogen–oxygen mixed gas inhalation therapy” as a separately billable medical service item, with pricing to be independently determined by medical institutions.
Screenshot of the Shandong Medical Insurance Administration announcement
Screenshot of the detailed medical service price list
Compared with the clearly defined pricing standards applied when the service was first included in Shandong’s medical insurance scheme, the current independent pricing mechanism offers substantially greater flexibility, allowing medical institutions to set fees based on local conditions and thereby benefit a broader population.
For patients in Shandong Province, two hydrogen–oxygen medical interventions have now been included in the medical insurance reimbursement fee schedule.
In addition to Shandong, “hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas inhalation therapy” was included in Jilin Province’s newly added medical service items on January 19, 2021[3], that is, inclusion in Jilin medical insurance.
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Important Reminder
Pay attention!! Here comes the key point!!
The “hydrogen–oxygen mixed gas inhalation therapy” included in medical insurance, uses the Asclepius Meditec hydrogen–oxygen generator, a Class III medical device awarded the title of “National Innovation,” and must not be confused with industrial hydrogen-producing equipment on the market.
Regarding hydrogen–oxygen inhalation therapy, Academician Zhong Nanshan stated during a visit to the People’s Daily Health Client that industrial hydrogen contains toxic impurities and cannot be used for medical purposes, and that hydrogen is flammable and explosive; therefore, hydrogen–oxygen generators must be managed in accordance with high-risk device EMC standards[3].
Finally
The inclusion of hydrogen–oxygen mixed gas inhalation therapy in medical insurance is a major benefit for patients; it is believed that in the near future, more provinces will incorporate this innovative therapy into medical insurance coverage, saving substantial resources and medical costs for the country and society!
