Do you need a prescription to buy a mask?

tiredted · Post by **tiredted** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 5:01 am

My doctor prescribed the Respironics comfort gel mask which I will try when I get my machine. I've read so much about the Activa mask that I would like to try that one if the Respironics mask doesn't work well. I would just like to buy it without going back to my doctor if possible.

Titrator · Post by **Titrator** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 7:23 am

Howdy Tired Ted,

My name is Ted and I am kinda tired today myself

The online cpap suppliers, more specifically cpap.com, do not require a prescription to purchase masks or supplies. The only time you need an RX with us is to purchase a machine.

Happy Holidays,

T

tiredted · Post by **tiredted** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 7:45 am

Thanks Ted. What a great name, isn't it?

My doctor insisted that I go through a DME to get my machine. His logic was that it wasn't costing me anything, so why not? He said if I was paying out of pocket, it would be worth it to go online. Sounds like the insurance companies are getting ripped off. It did make me wonder if any kick backs are involved.

At any rate, I got my test results Tuesday and the doctor's office was supposed to notify the DME immediately. They said I should hear something within 48 hours. So far, I haven't heard anything. I'd like to get my machine before leaving for the holidays. It would be nice to get used to it while I'm off work in case I have any bad nights at the beginning. Should I bug my doctor Monday since I haven't heard from the DME? I have the prescription so I guess I could do whatever I want if I clear it with my insurance company first. I'm a "path of least resistance" sort of guy.

Titrator · Post by **Titrator** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 7:49 am

Ted,

I am all for bugging the local DME. They should not be too busy to set you up. To get faster service you may need to go to them instead of them comming to you.

May you sleep well this holiday season.

Ted

tiredted · Post by **tiredted** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:00 am

Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the DME. I didn't anticipate this problem, so I didn't ask my doctor. I guess I'll call Monday and find out. I leave town on Wednesday so I'd like to have this resolved before then. Thanks for the help!!

SuckingWind · Post by **SuckingWind** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:05 am

I had the same problem with my DME. The doctor had called in a prescription for a CPAP (or in two other situations, a cpap pressure change and a bipap) and the DME never bothered to get in touch with me.

I called my doctor and explained that the DME hadn't called me, and she lit a fire under them. I think they respond quicker to a doctor that can cease sending business their way, if you know what I mean!

I would buy a bipap online instead of waiting for the insurance company to approve it, but I just can't afford it right now.

Call your doctor!! Good luck.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 10:05 am

Hi tiredted,

I paid the extra $25-30 and got next day air shipping when I ordered from cpap.com The machine arrived the next day and I spent the evening after work setting it all up. I even was able to call the cpap.com help line (open till 10PM) with some questions. How's that for service. The funny thing was two weeks later my sleep lab (they are also a DME) called me and said that "my Doc called them and wanted them to set me up" I know he didn't "call" them because he knew I was buying online and why did it take them two weeks? Are these DMEs imported from the used car business?

Since you have the prescription in hand I'd order where you want. You will get better answers and better availabilty from this supplier in Texas than you most likely will get from the one down the street IMHO.

Good luck!

felineperson3 · Post by **felineperson3** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 8:51 am

Just curious as to what IMHO in your post is the abbreviation for? I think LOL stands for laughing out loud and ROFL stands for rolling on floor laughing--I'm older and just not up on all the language shortcuts, I guess, but not too old to try and learn. I enjoy these boards and pick up a lot of valuable info from everyone that share their experiences as we journey together. Thanks to all.
Happy Holidays and sleep well!!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:12 am

Hi felineperson3,

I'm in no way a chat abreviation expert. IMHO means "in my humble opinion."

Maybe these terms would be a good sub-chapter for the apnea encyclopedia Johnny is thinking of adding.

sinemac · Post by **sinemac** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 12:10 pm

felineperson3 wrote:Just curious as to what IMHO in your post is the abbreviation for? I think LOL stands for laughing out loud and ROFL stands for rolling on floor laughing--I'm older and just not up on all the language shortcuts, I guess, but not too old to try and learn. I enjoy these boards and pick up a lot of valuable info from everyone that share their experiences as we journey together. Thanks to all.
Happy Holidays and sleep well!!

Here's a great resource for all those online acronyms:
http://darrel.knutson.com/english_educ/ ... onyms.html

Enjoy!

Scott

felineperson3 · Post by **felineperson3** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 10:20 pm

Thanks so much for your quick responses to my question about the abbreviations that I was not familiar with. It certainly helps in my understanding the responses to the different posts. I particularly liked the resource site that you provided, Scott, and bookmarked it for future reference to further my education. An old adage is, "It is a day wasted if you don't learn at least one new thing" so with my going to that site I certainly did not have a wasted day today. Again, many thanks--This is a wonderful site and everyone is so helpful!!
God bless and may we all breathe better and have wonderful dreams!

Do you need a prescription to buy a mask?

Do you need a prescription to buy a mask?

Call the doctor

IMHO

Re: IMHO

Thanks for your great resource site--