I have a weird Dr.

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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junie
Posts: 385
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:44 pm
Location: Ocean View Delaware

I have a weird Dr.

Post by junie » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:49 pm

Yesterday the nurse called to cancel me appt. again this is the third time he's canceled she said he's so busy at the hospital, There's only three sleep Dr. in the area, I wanted him to give me a prescription for a cpap
I really don't know how I should get him to write it, please help me out my pressure is on 9, plus I need a humidifier I want one where I can get software to know whats going on, I'm hoping he'll mail it to me,

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Judy

Nixie
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:50 pm

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Post by Nixie » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:54 pm

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Last edited by Nixie on Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

lynx
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:05 pm

Re: I have a weird Dr.

Post by lynx » Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:23 pm

Call the other two sleep specialists, explain your problem, and ask if they'd be willing to have order a copy of your sleep study and write you an appropriate prescription off of that. Your current doc is completely capable of writing the script without you if he has your study and the calibration, though most will want to speak with you first, it should be no more required than having a Strep Throat test come back positive and having the antibiotic script called into the pharmacy.

If you politely explain your concerns to the receptionist you may be able to get some information out of her about what's going on and if you can continue to work with your current doc. If you're suffering, it costs very little to ask the other docs if they'll help you out. Also, you can call docs in any other major town to see if they'll help, since you will probably only need one appointment with them if they have your study ordered beforehand. Just get them to order your CPAP into a local medical supplier, who can show you how to use it.

EDIT: You do not need a referral to the other docs from your current doc, nor do you have to get your own records, your new doc's office staff will take care of that for you. If you have a general practitioner that started the referral, call their office and let them know, they can always throw a fit for you and get a new referral if need be.
Respironic DS400HS pressure 7cm H2O
Mask Petite Opti-Life Nasal interface and heated humidifier
Became a hose head during mid thirties, 5'11" and 250 pounds

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Slinky
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Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2006 3:43 pm
Location: Mid-Michigan

Re: I have a weird Dr.

Post by Slinky » Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:18 am

Call your insurance, ask what local DME supplier they are contracted with. Hopefully, you have more than the current one as that will give you more bargaining/negotiating room.

Call, or if need be to get some results write/FAX, the sleep lab and request a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs from both your sleep evaluation study and your titration study w/condensed graphs (5+ pages each) as well as the doctor's dictated results (1-2 pages each) and a copy of your equipment order (script). You "might" have to get the full scored data summary report from the sleep lab and the doctor's dictated results and your script from the sleep doctor's office. Or if your family doctor will provide you w/a copy of the copies ask that the above be sent to your family doctor. IF the sleep doctor still hasn't gotten around to taking the time to dictate his interpretation of the results then still insist on the copies of the full scored data summary reports being provided to you or your family doctor.

Then just ask your family doctor to write the script for the CPAP you want. And I would suggest that you request either the Resmed S8 AutoSet II or the Respironics M Series Auto w/C-Flex or A-Flex w/the pressure range set 1-2 cms below what appears to be your best pressure from the titration study and 1-2 cms above that best pressure from the titration study.

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Slinky
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Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2006 3:43 pm
Location: Mid-Michigan

Re: I have a weird Dr.

Post by Slinky » Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:31 am

Whoops! I see you already have a CPAP and integrated humidifier. But you have the compliance data only capable Respironics M Series Plus and you want him to change your script to a fully data capable CPAP.

Same advice applies - EXCEPT - since you already have a Respironics M Series - and assuming you've had it less than 30 days - no need to request a new humidifier since you already have one and the integrated humidifier for the Plus will fit the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex and the Respironics M Series autos.

Again assuming you have had this Plus less than 30 days go back to your current DME supplier and request that they exchange this Plus for the Pro. Be diplomatic but be firm. You want the Pro. If necessary just explain that since this doctor is so difficult to get an appointment with you will need a fully data capable CPAP so that if you need to switch doctors and sleep lab you will have a CPAP capable of supplying the data so that you don't need to undergo another expensive sleep study and titration. Most importantly YOU are paying for this equipment whether thru insurance or self-pay is immaterial, YOU want a fully data capable CPAP or (if you have the option) you will go to another supplier who will supply a fully data capable CPAP. And if that turns out to be the case it would probably be cheaper for you to just buy a Respironics M Series Auto online out of pocket and keep the Plus as a backup/travel device.

If you've had this Plus MORE than 30-45 days .... Rots O Ruck. They've more than likely already billed your insurance and it could get sticky whether you can get them to make the exchange. Plus you will also more than likely be responsible for making up two full months payments out of your own pocket - or more, depending on how long you've had this Plus.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex & Humidifier - EncorePro 2.2 Software - Contec CMS-50D+ Oximeter - Respironics EverFlo Q Concentrator
Women are Angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly.....on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.
My computer says I need to upgrade my brain to be compatible with its new software.