Desperate for help away from home.

NoSlak · Post by **NoSlak** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:56 am

Hi everyone, I just flew out from San Fran to Omaha last night , went to bed and my Remstar M series APAP died.
It won't go past 5 in pressure except maybe when I unplug it from the wall for a little bit then it will crank up to maybe 8 quickly then quickly back down to 5.
I am here for a week and my normal pressure is around 15-16.
First time in 2 years that I went a night without a machine and I already have that headache and look and feel like crap.
My DME back home is APRIA.
Is there anyway I could get into the settings or any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all , I'm desperate here.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:15 am

You can try calling the Omaha branch of Apria to see if they can help;

Omaha
Branch
(402) 731-8700
5505 F St
Omaha, Nebraska 68117-2818

Brenda

NoSlak · Post by **NoSlak** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:33 am

Thx for that info.
Just called them and to repair it they need a doctors prescription(REDICULOUS !!!!!) I have not heard from my doctor in 2 years now . Since I did my study.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:37 am

You could have your regular MD fax or call in a Rx for the repair. Did you ask about a loaner machine while yours is being fixed?
Here's a link to machine settings;

http://www.cpap-supply.com/Articles.asp?ID=130

Brenda

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:48 am

Call YOUR Apria back home, tell them where YOU are - let them take care of the rest. It is they who has ALL your info, right? After all Apria IS a national chain - lucky for you.

If they do not perform to your satisfaction - FIRE them when you get things straightened out.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:55 am

Snort! That sounds exactly what so many have come to expect of Apria. And I can just imagine quite a few "sleep doctors" refusing to write a script for repair w/o your coming in for a new sleep study.

(I can just see my good ole family doctor who tends to get more than a bit frustrated w/local DME suppliers from time to time FAXing Apria a script saying "FIX the d*mn CPAP!")

Your best bet is to probably try contacting some of the other Omaha DME suppliers to see if one of them will rent you a CPAP temporarily after explaining your problem.

BUT - contacting your insurance and explaining your situation and Omaha Apria's response to your dilemna might bring you some results. And if nothing else it will make them aware of the sh*tty service they provide (DON'T provide).

You might also try calling your local Apria branch back home and explaining your situation. They "might" tell the Omaha branch to shape up.

Better yet! Climb up the Apria ladder, to corporate headquarters w/your problem. Somewhere along the line you MIGHT even encounter an almost decent, caring human being. Maybe.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:26 am

Slinky wrote:You might also try calling your local Apria branch back home and explaining your situation. They "might" tell the Omaha branch to shape up.

Yea, what she said. That IS the way this needs to be handled. Your DME does have ALL the prescriptions you need to proceed with any Apria policy.

Wish I thought of it.!

BarryKaraoke · Post by **BarryKaraoke** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:43 am

I use Apria and they specifically told me that if I was traveling and had a problem, to call them and they would get me what I needed from the location closest to where I was.

Call the folks back home,

xyz · Post by **xyz** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:21 pm

> Just called them and to repair it they need a doctors prescription

That's just the type of response that you would expect from Apria. Call back and talk with the branch manager. Tell them that you will complain to Apria corporate, your insurance company. and your state licensing board if they do not take care of this. If they still refuse, tell them you want the name and telephone number of the Apria representative who coordinates issues with your insurance company. They have one.

Demand a temporary NO COST loaner. This may allow you to get by until you get home. Then your local Apria can take care of the replacement.