A couple of questions

karmich · Post by **karmich** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:12 am

Sorry in advance for being so long winded I'm still trying to get my bearings with the whole CPAP thing.

Has anyone used the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight 425 Bi-Level. I just read the interview and according to it the machine was or will be available starting in November. If anyone is using it please let me know what you think. I am suppose to start my BiPap treatment on Tuesday with a rental but am seriously considering buying my own once I know little more about being on this therapy.

Wading and Restedgal - you have made me really aware of some of the features I should be looking for especially the software for checking out you overnight events. I like you would like to know how my nights are going so I can be proactive about my treatment. Thanks for all the advice.

Wading - How did you get your insurance to pay for part of your machine? My insurance does pay half of the cost of my machine but I believe it is only if I go through their DME. Was this the case with your company and if so how did you get them to work with you.

Final question - Has anyone heard of or tried the new procedure where you have inserts placed into your soft palette (sp?) to stiffen the tissue to stop it from collapsing and closing the airway? Has it had good results? It nice to know that reasearch is still being done to find other alternatives for this condition.

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:14 am

Karmich,

Sounds like your on the right track. Asking questions, wanting to know, etc...

I called my insurance 3 or 4 times before it came time to get my equipment. Asked what equipment they would pay for, what my doc would have to write on the script to get the equipment I wanted, and if I could file for reimbursement myself if I bought from an online provider. The woman I talked to seemed at first to be giving me programed responses. "It will be cheaper for you if you go to the in-network DME blah blah blah" It seemed to snap her out of it when I told her what the local In-network DMEs were quoting me ($3000 +/-) of which the insurance would pay 90% and that I could buy it for online ($1000+/-) of which the insurance would pay 70%. For me my out of pocket was the same, for them the savings was huge.

The benefit I got was the great service I've received from my online provider (cpap.com)

Your doing the right thing. Just keep at it. It may not work out the same for you, but your best chance is when you are proctive in the matter.

Good luck!