A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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mike1953
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A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

Post by mike1953 » Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:21 pm

So far things are going good. Now the questions. What is a brick machine? How can I get my DME to exchange my Escape Auto for the S9 Autoset? I am on SSDI and Medicare with a Medigap policy. Thanks for any or all the help. Mike

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LSAT
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Re: A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

Post by LSAT » Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:38 pm

A brick is a machine that does not give any data. Your Escape is a good machine and will give good therapy but will not supply you with any data. An autoset will supply data and will be able to be used as a fixed pressure machine or a variable pressure machine. Talk to your DMEabout an exchange or ask your doctor to write a prescription for a data capable machine.

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Pugsy
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Re: A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

Post by Pugsy » Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:40 pm

A brick is a machine that doesn't offer any useful data to help you evaluate your therapy. It only offer hours of use.
Your Escape Auto is one tiny step above a brick because it offers generic AHI and pressure. It doesn't offer anything else though.
Won't tell you what kind of events you have in that AHI and won't tell you about leaks. It also uses an older algorithm for therapy.

Getting the DME to swap it out...that depends on the DME....some are hard asses and won't do it and some will just if you ask.
You might need to be willing to change DMEs to another one that would dispense what you want. They are out there but sometimes hard to find. Where you live do you have other choices for a DME that works with Medicare? Do you happen to live in a known competitive bidding area for Medicare?

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mike1953
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Re: A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

Post by mike1953 » Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:45 pm

Thank you both for your replies. Only one other DME with medicare in my area and not a competitive bid area. Will ask my current DME tomorrow about an exchange. Again thanks.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Using a Buckwheat pillow its great

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Pugsy
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Re: A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

Post by Pugsy » Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:56 pm

Medicare pays the exact same amount for the Escape Auto as it would pay for the S9 AutoSet which is a full data APAP machine.
Medicare pays by HCPCS code and not model name...so it pays the same for the Escape, the Escape Auto, the Elite cpap only, or the AutoSet.
DMEs dispense the cheapest model that satisfies the RX so that they make the most money and the Autoset is the one with the highest price tag to them.
The amount that Medicare allows is fixed depending on which part of the country you live in.
Competitive bidding areas opens up a totally different can of worms. Glad you don't have that issue just yet.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

Janknitz
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Re: A newbe 2 weeks in and a couple questions.

Post by Janknitz » Mon Sep 01, 2014 2:27 pm

Take a look at my blog "Help, I'm stuck with a Brick!". Good luck, it won't be easy.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm