READY TO BUY A MACHINE HELP!!

[harpo029]

Ok guys I FINALLY have a prescription in hand to get my machine. I have contacted a DME supplier so now it is just a matter of picking a machine. I do travel for work so I want something pretty compact that will be easy to lug around in my travels. I am aware of what my insurance covers and I am looking at cost effective but in the long run I want what will fit my lifestyle and if I need to pay more for that then so be it. I am a side/belly sleeper but I can use a nasal mask so that part is good. So what information do you guys need from me to help me out in this endeavor?

[ChicagoGranny]

What is your diagnosis? What does your prescription say?

[harpo029]

Here is what the prescription says
Pt needs cpap machine. A flex over range 7-13 cm H2O z fisher and pclykel (or pciykel not sure exactly there) Eson 2 nasal interface, size small or her choice.

[LSAT]

Here is what the prescription says
Pt needs cpap machine. A flex over range 7-13 cm H2O z fisher and pclykel (or pciykel not sure exactly there) Eson 2 nasal interface, size small or her choice.

Your doctor prescribed a Fisher and Paykel auto CPAP. I would ask the DME if you can have a ResMed Airsense Autoset model. The DME may not be agreeable since the ResMed has a higher cost than the F&P. The DME gets paid the same from the Insurance company regardless of which machine they give you......Just my opinion.

[OkyDoky]

Here is what the prescription says
Pt needs cpap machine. A flex over range 7-13 cm H2O z fisher and pclykel (or pciykel not sure exactly there) Eson 2 nasal interface, size small or her choice.

I think the Fisher & Paykel is referring to the Eson mask. The A flex points more to a Respironics and the pressure range to an Auto. An auto in either the Resmed or Respironics brands would be good machines.

[JimW159]

Here is what the prescription says
Pt needs APAP machine. A flex over range 7-13 cm H2O z fisher and pclykel (or pciykel not sure exactly there) Eson 2 nasal interface, size small or her choice.

If the doc who wrote you is one who will help you in getting the best machine for your needs going forward, ask if he/she would modify the prescription to avoid confusion or conflict with the DME.
For example:
"Pt needs apap machine brand and model to be specified by pt - unit must be fully data-capable with initial range set for 7-13 cm H2O; Unit must include and be activated with breathing relief such as AFlex or EPR; all typical included components must be present, including hose, humidifier, case, data card, etc. Pt will be fitted with nasal mask of her choice."
If you can get this, you should get what you want, not what they want. Take any opportunity you can to gain control.

[jagzoo]

Harpo029,
If you ever think that there might be the possibility of you being somewhere without electricity, then I would recommend a Philips DreamStation APAP as they, being 12v, are easily connected to a small portable, rechargeable lithium ion battery ( I have one for camping). The ResMed products while being equally as good as the Philips, are 24v and are more expensive and cumbersome to use off a battery.

[harpo029]

Thanks everyone things are definitely making more sense and I am feeling a little less like I have no idea what I am doing!!

I did talk to the DME yesterday and I didn't get the impression they were going to make me stick to that particular machine on the prescription but I will most definitely get a new one if it comes to that!! Thanks for that advice!!

I am also waiting for my insurance company to open so I can talk with them on specifically how they pay whether they pay solely on the HCPCS code or if they only cover certain machines and what their allowable amounts are.

I certainly appreciate all the help in making this all make a little more sense and helping arm me with the tools I need to make this right for me!!

[JimW159]

I did talk to the DME yesterday and I didn't get the impression they were going to make me stick to that particular machine on the prescription but I will most definitely get a new one if it comes to that!! Thanks for that advice!

Among the most critical components of the suggested Rx revision are the phrases "fully data capable" and "brand and model to be specified by pt." Keep in mind, you will be sleeping with this every night - you should both get along with each other. Without the "data capable" part, the phrase "you never tell me how you feel" comes to mind. With CPAP, like any relationship, communication is critical.