The reason the AHI is so during that almost 2 hours at 6 cm test was very likely related to sleeping position making the OSA worse and the pressure of 6 not being about to do much to prevent the airway collapse. Pugsy is absolutely correct. Your study shows that you are particularly susceptible to ...

Sorry, but it's not up to the DME provider to decide what equipment I need . I agree. It's something you and your Physician should discuss and decide together. Because he's the one sending in the request. If you can't make money providing the equipment the patient wants that has been diagnosed with...

Okay, I've gone back and reread all of your posts (and I did finally find the one I quoted but on a different day and time than you said) and I think I finally get what you are saying. The DME you work for doesn't actually lose money on the sale (they are still collecting more money than the machin...

The fact of the matter (and these are the facts) is that CMS (and Medicare) is compelled to cut costs. They were mandated by the House to reduce reimbursement to company's that supply products and services to patients. In 2008 they passed laws to force DME's to bid for services supplied to Medicare...

You are correct that Medicare reimbursement rates vary by region. In the part of southern California were I am located the rate is $42/month x 13 months. The heated humidifier is a sale item and is not included in the rental. An Auto CPAP (ResMed or Respironic) cost my company over $300 kcodeblue, ...

If the doc orders an apap then he feels it is necessary. Last I knew a Respiratory Therapist is not a doctor. I have actually sent DME an email today that if they can not bill per my policy they can come get their machine. I receive orders all the time that say on the Rx "patient would like an Auto...

what do YOU charge for the heated hose conversion kit? (and by "YOU" I mean, whoever you work for, in case that's not obvious) If a patient wanted to cash pay for a heated tubing conversion kit I would charge him around $90. If that was too much I would see if we could come down. If not, I would di...

Pugsy wrote:BTW, welcome to the forum.

Thank you! I can tell the you have earned the trust and respect of those here on the forum. From what I have seen in the short time I've been here, I'd say it's very well deserved! Not that you need me to tell you. Thanks again!

Over the years, there have been a number of RTs, RRTs, and other DME-type employees who have joined this forum and offered their expertise here. Many were warmly welcomed and stayed for varying amounts of time. We have generally appreciated their knowledgeable contributions. Unfortunately, there ha...

Physical structural abnormalities/deficiencies/anomalies (in the airways) are the primary causes of obstructive sleep apnea. Giving people false hope is like handing them a fully loaded revolver and suggesting they play Russian roulette. The obituary sections of newspapers have numerous examples of...

aren't co-pays determined by ithe insurance company, not the DME? You are precisely correct sir. That is why it made no sense when the comment was made that $75 was cheaper than the copay would have been had the DME provided it with their usual "mark up". The DME can't mark up the co-pay, that's fr...

The DME said they need a prescription when I wanted to go to a heated hose option too. Luckily one of the members of this forum pointed out that was BS. They only want a prescription so they can bill insurance. Legally and practically speaking they don't need a separate Rx. But if they want to get ...

The Rx you have on file with the DME should be for CPAP and supplies, no way you need a prescription for every little thing you need. Actually, that depends on your insurance. Some insurances require that each item be authorized prior to being dispensed. These items are categorized by their billing...

I don't personally use one but I set them up and based on patient feedback I would go with the ResMed Airfit P10. Patients love them because they are lightweight, comfortable, and simple to use. I love them because the patients are happy and rarely need to be refited when they get them. Good luck to...

I do think that if a patient wants an apap for whatever reason....then they should get an apap and if a DME is unwilling to dispense that machine because of the lack of profit margin then the patient needs to be told the truth and the patient given the choice as to what they wish to do...get a full...