Software to download info

[Guest]

My DME stated that only they could download the information from my bipap, is this true? Is they security that might keep me out?

I have the BiPAP Pro 2 with Bi-Flex -- appears to be a very nice unit.

And If I do purchase the software/reader, can I read the card without them knowing?

[snoozin']

My DME stated that only they could download the information from my bipap, is this true?

No

Is they security that might keep me out?

No

And If I do purchase the software/reader, can I read the card without them knowing?

Yes

There is a special way to download the software so that it remains on the card for the DME. I don't remember how off hand, but it's been posted on the board before. If you get the software, I'm sure we can find it or someone can post it again for you.

Debbie

[rested gal]

The DME may want to keep you out and keep themselves in control, but they told you wrong.

Debbie ("snoozin") is giving you the correct info.

Below is a link to Derek's great review of the Encore Pro software. That's the software that will give you data from the smart card that comes with the Respironics machines. If you read the section on "Installation" in Derek's review, you'll see how to make the smart card not erase the data. That will let you download your own data as often as you wish and still keep it intact for the DME to download later.

Derek's Encore Pro Review

You can buy the Encore Pro software and necessary card reader online from cpap.com with no prescription. The software/reader is about $200. The software is well worth having for anyone who wants to monitor their own nightly treatment. Otherwise the patient must rely on whatever info the DME and/or the doctor have the time to share - or care to share - or even understand about what download data can show.

[ballast949]

I have the BIPAP Pro 2 and the Encore card reader & software. Although the disclaimers say the reader & software are only for use by Clinicians & Doctors, CPAP.COM will sell it to you. The reporting for the Bipap Pro 2 is kind of limited tho. You will get a daily compliance graph showing the time you started using the Bipap and duration, also showing 'breaks' in the bar indicating interruptions (ie turning it off to get a drink etc.). It also shows a graph of the ipap/epap pressure setting on your machine for each night of operation. (It will be interesting to see if I get any comment from my DME when the report shows I have altered my setting from where he had them set.)

Other than those 2 charts and some stats on total time used and averages, there is nothing else to report since that is all the Bipap Pro 2 senses & records on the card.

I bought the reader & software because I have plans to talk my Dr into the Respironics APAP machine, at least for a trial. That machine has all kinds of reporting and I wanted to be prepared. The only "security" the machines have is secrecy (not telling you how the settings are altered)

[rested gal]

ballast, thanks so much for the clarification on the Respironics BiPap Pro 2's very limited reports.

I was mistakenly thinking of the Respironics REMstar Pro 2 (their cpap instead of their bipap.) The cpap "Pro 2" captures: enhanced compliance data (AHI, leak, and snoring) with the Encore Pro SmartCard and Data Management Software.

But since the BiPap Pro 2 doesn't yield that kind of info, then the software wouldn't be worth getting. Unless it's with a future plan like you've got cookin'...to eventually get the Respironics Auto that does give more data.

Thanks again for your great explanation, ballast!

[Guest]

I have the BIPAP Pro 2 and the Encore card reader & software. Although the disclaimers say the reader & software are only for use by Clinicians & Doctors, CPAP.COM will sell it to you. The reporting for the Bipap Pro 2 is kind of limited tho. You will get a daily compliance graph showing the time you started using the Bipap and duration, also showing 'breaks' in the bar indicating interruptions (ie turning it off to get a drink etc.). It also shows a graph of the ipap/epap pressure setting on your machine for each night of operation. (It will be interesting to see if I get any comment from my DME when the report shows I have altered my setting from where he had them set.)

Other than those 2 charts and some stats on total time used and averages, there is nothing else to report since that is all the Bipap Pro 2 senses & records on the card.

I bought the reader & software because I have plans to talk my Dr into the Respironics APAP machine, at least for a trial. That machine has all kinds of reporting and I wanted to be prepared. The only "security" the machines have is secrecy (not telling you how the settings are altered)

Thanks...I think I wait and see how I do on this machine...I love the full reporting of the other unit...

[ballast949]

I was looking at the CD containing the Encore Software. It has a PDF document that shows/explains all the reports the software produces. I was going to look at the reports produced by the APAP machine (so I coud see what I would be able to do if I talk my GP into prescribing that machine). In doing so, I also glanced through the reports the Bipap Pro 2 produces.

To my amazement, the Bipap examples included all the same info as the APAP reports. I was ready to call and complain that their examples were faulty, as my Bipap only produced what they called "Summary" reports. Then I took a closer look and followed the directions below - and there were ALL the reports showing Snore index Hypops, Apneas, Leaks... everything.

So ignore my previous post about the limited reports on the Bipap machine. To get the detailed report, follow these instructions.

"To create this report:
1. Open a patient’s record (from the home screen, right-click on a patient’s name and select Open Patient Homepage).

2. From the Interaction List, right-click on a Compliance Download and select View Interaction Report.

3. The Report Options screen will appear. Select Summary or Full Details. Note: The Summary view will include the Hours of Usage and FOSQ Score graphs only. The Full Details view will include all of the graphs listed under the sample report. If the download includes more than one day of therapy, you can also select a specific date range for the report. Click OK."

[sthnreb]

You need to purchase the software.

[rested gal]

Cool, ballast. Thanks for the correction.

<scribbling note to self - "BiPap Pro 2 does give full data.">

[Guest]

Cool, ballast. Thanks for the correction.

<scribbling note to self - "BiPap Pro 2 does give full data.">

I'm the guest that who started the thread, I just received the software and reader today -- l looked at all their sales material, and determined it would do the reporting I was looking for.

I didn't respond, cause I didn't want to step on any ones toes.


Well I gotta cold, haven't sleep for three nights, I be preparing reports tonight

[tbone106]

Cool, ballast. Thanks for the correction.

<scribbling note to self - "BiPap Pro 2 does give full data.">

I'm the guest that who started the thread, I just received the software and reader today -- l looked at all their sales material, and determined it would do the reporting I was looking for.

I didn't respond, cause I didn't want to step on any ones toes.


Well I gotta cold, haven't sleep for three nights, I be preparing reports tonight

Alright,

I'm registered -- See Ya old as Tbone106

[Guest]

Its amazing that when you open up interaction report the default setting is summary. This is the umptheenth time I have read about the need to click
Full Details. Wish the default was different.

[sthnreb]

So the software doesn't erase the info each time, you must go to my computer, C drive, programs, Respironics, Encore Pro, Utilities and then double click on "Don't erase data after download". It will ask if you want to add that to the registry, select yes and then close. The next time, Encore Pro will ask you if you want to erase the information on the card. You can then choose yes or no, your choice.
Responding because the question was raised earlier in the thread.

[rested gal]

Its amazing that when you open up interaction report the default setting is summary. This is the umptheenth time I have read about the need to click
Full Details. Wish the default was different.

I wish so, too. Not surprising, though, that "summary" is the default. Neither the doctors nor the DMEs nor the insurance companies are really interested in delving into the details of what happens during our treatment on these machines.

All they care about (or perhaps have time to care about) is this: "Is the person actually using the machine the minimum hours to be in compliance?" A quick bottom line is all they want to see, if even that. Hours of use. And sometimes what the 90% pressure is, if doing a titrating trial at home on an autopap.

I'll bet most people's machines are never even checked for compliance. My uncle's wasn't. Ten years on cpap under Medicare, and not checked once. He was very noncompliant, yet the DME brought him a new cpap every three or so years. He politely thanked them each time - and stored it in the closet.

For the most part, the only ones who truly care how treatment is going and what the details show... is....us. So, we're the only ones who do the extra click to look at the overnight details.

[wading thru the muck!]

RG,

How many "uncles" are out there doing what your uncle did. Lucky for your uncle (and us taxpayers) he's got you to get him "fixed up"