reading APAP data yourself

Zees Pleez · Post by **Zees Pleez** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 10:37 am

It does seem like that would be convenient and if I have an option to get that bundled in (I don't have the permanent machine yet, just the REMStar auto loaner/trial machine) I will certainly get it. But if it isn't, popping out the card and mailing it in or dropping it off doesn't seem like too big of a deal. I wouldn't do it all that often anyway. But the one thing I wondered about is the "authority" or whatever you would call it of your self produced results. Does your doctor treat your reports as "real data" like receivning it from the DME? I wouldn't want to bother with it if I still had to get an "offical" report from the DME also.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:08 pm

Zees Pleez.

Don't you feel that your Doctor trusts you? It's not like you're providing drug testing results.

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:22 pm

I cheat my cpap every night. I hook it to my goat. After all, goats are about the same size as humans. Thats why their milk is better for you than cows milk. While it thinks I'm sleping I'm really down at Joes bar sucking down the suds. The goat sleeps well tho. I tell it I'm training it to go into space. Everyone knows the only reliable data comes from DMEs . Taken while you are straped down with hidden cameras watching so you can't cheat.

Cheers,

Chris

Zees Pleez · Post by **Zees Pleez** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:18 pm

I think my doctor trusts me, but he still takes my temperature when I come in reporting a specific fever. Also, I didn't know if there were any standards on how diagnostic data is collected. And not having seen how the software works, I didn't know if it required any expert analysis or if it provides all the summary needed automatically. I know there aren't people out on street corners trying to score some CPAP (or maybe there are; so maybe I don't know) and it's not like I'm trying to justify narcotics for right wing radio hosts or anything.

Which masks fit the goats best? I am using the Nasal Aire cannula, so i am not too keen on sharing, even with other primates...

jberken · Post by **jberken** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:28 pm

chrisp wrote:I cheat my cpap every night. I hook it to my goat. After all, goats are about the same size as humans. Thats why their milk is better for you than cows milk. While it thinks I'm sleping I'm really down at Joes bar sucking down the suds. The goat sleeps well tho. I tell it I'm training it to go into space. Everyone knows the only reliable data comes from DMEs . Taken while you are straped down with hidden cameras watching so you can't cheat.

Cheers,

Chris

LOL

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:45 pm

Zees, the software provides all the data and summaries automatically. Doesn't matter who downloads it - you, the doctor, or the dealer in a back alley.

With the Encore Pro software and smart card, during the download, there's a point when it asks if you want a summary or full report. I always click "Full" (that will include the summaries automatically, along with the detailed charts and graphs of "events".)

Actually, doctors and DMEs (and insurance companies) don't seem to be a bit interested in detailed reports. All they are interested in are a couple of bottom line figures they can glance at....the 90% pressure that got the job done over the long haul, and that you were using the machine enough hours/night to be worthwhile continuing to pay rental on it.

Most people who take their smart card or their machine to the DME for downloading are sorely disappointed with the "report" the DME hands them. The DME usually just prints out the one page that shows "compliance" - how long the patient uses the machine. DMEs usually won't take the time (or paper) to print out the more interesting pages with info about "events".

No one is as interested in our own treatment data as we, ourselves.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 5:00 pm

Gotta stop going to those Back Alley Dealers...

Didn't think they sold medical equipment tho... Although a few do have syringes if you forgot yours

Zees Pleez · Post by **Zees Pleez** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 6:20 pm

I just got a call from my DME today. They got the permanent machine perscription from my doc and told me to just keep the CPAP they gave me for the trial. "What about the card?" I asked (they have it because they downloaded to print report for the doc). "It will work without it." they say. Then I am told it is already set up okay (it was set for 4-20 and my perscription is for 6-14). I used the instructions I got from someone here (Thanks!) to change my setting. They say I can get the card when I need to download. Will it store any data without it?

Anyway, this experience is moving me toward the "read it yourself" plan, but I am still not sure I want to shell out for the reader and software. My insurance company has a "work with our preferred provider and it's 100% covered; go outside and it is 0%" policy, so I have to stick with them for now. So even though I feel like they should have given me the card back now (I think I will call back tomorrow and ask for it so it can be recording) and told me that my settings have to be changed, it hasn't cost me a nickel. In a few months, the machine will become mine (rent to own plan) and I will definitely insist that the card be in my possession at that time.

derek · Post by **derek** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 7:58 pm

Geez Zeez,
No! Absolutely not! The machine will only store data if the card is in it. When I want to play around I remove the card so that the machine will not store anything.

Get that card back from them, or talk to cpap.com about purchasing another one.
derek

ps - When I say "play around", I don't really mean "play around" - if you get my gist

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:21 pm

chrisp wrote:I cheat my cpap every night. I hook it to my goat. After all, goats are about the same size as humans. Thats why their milk is better for you than cows milk. While it thinks I'm sleping I'm really down at Joes bar sucking down the suds. The goat sleeps well tho. I tell it I'm training it to go into space. Everyone knows the only reliable data comes from DMEs . Taken while you are straped down with hidden cameras watching so you can't cheat.

Cheers,

Chris

Chris, you cheat on your cpap with a goat?

Zees Pleez · Post by **Zees Pleez** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:57 pm

derek wrote:ps - When I say "play around", I don't really mean "play around" - if you get my gist

You mean no goats?

I will call them and get the card.

gailzee · Post by **gailzee** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 10:21 pm

I opt for the guy in the back alley! Mysterious cpap'er......

rested gal wrote:Zees, the software provides all the data and summaries automatically. Doesn't matter who downloads it - you, the doctor, or the dealer in a back alley.

With the Encore Pro software and smart card, during the download, there's a point when it asks if you want a summary or full report. I always click "Full" (that will include the summaries automatically, along with the detailed charts and graphs of "events".)

Actually, doctors and DMEs (and insurance companies) don't seem to be a bit interested in detailed reports. All they are interested in are a couple of bottom line figures they can glance at....the 90% pressure that got the job done over the long haul, and that you were using the machine enough hours/night to be worthwhile continuing to pay rental on it.

Most people who take their smart card or their machine to the DME for downloading are sorely disappointed with the "report" the DME hands them. The DME usually just prints out the one page that shows "compliance" - how long the patient uses the machine. DMEs usually won't take the time (or paper) to print out the more interesting pages with info about "events".

No one is as interested in our own treatment data as we, ourselves.

reading APAP data yourself

reading APAP data yourself

OK, OK...

well, my DME is making me do a 180