I'm going Pro!!

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:04 pm

So It's obvious I'm having issues with my CPAP. Not only am I still dog tired all the time, lately it's been so bad that I started making mistakes again from lack of concentration. The headaches never went away either.

Several times I called my DME for a new CPAP -- anything but the REMstar Plus. They told me that I needed a new prescription, and unless I got it, they couldn't take my old one back.

I went to my Sleep Doctor friday for my followup. I've been to this sleep doctor 7 times now, including my sleep & titration studies. I saw the doctor once -- and he answered his cell phone during my appointment. I decided to give him one more shot, as he is supposed to be the best in my area, according to several people I know in the medical field.

So go in, and once again, I get an NP instead of a doctor. I deal with it, even though I have a $40 co-pay. She asks how I am. I answer "Tired" I then gave her my story, and she insisted on getting the doctor. I'm not complaining about this.

The doctor comes, as well as another doctor who was in from Chicago to compare methods. He listened to my story, and prescribed me a new CPAP -- with monitoring. He also gave me some Relapro (I think) for my restless legs (samples -- yay!) Unfortunately he put me back on the trazedone (sleeping pills).

I called the DME this morning. I saw the nurse's aide fax the prescription n Friday. The DME (of course) claims they never received it. This happened last time with my prescription for a mask of choice. Fortunately, I made friends with the NA who takes care of all prescription. The DME is now seeing me tomorrow. They are insisting on giving me the REMstar Pro 2. I'mhappy, as it actually takes stats, & has a smart card, but at the same time I'd rather get an s8 like my fiancee has.

Either way -- I'm getting something that actually has stats! And best of all, I never had to use the letter Babette had emailed me. (Thanks B!)

bipappap · Post by **bipappap** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:15 pm

I have a pro 2 and am very happy with it. Only trouble is you can't get the software to read the card yourself.
What did you say they gave you for Restless Leg. I am on Requip and would like to what else is available.
Thanks

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:30 pm

I'm sorry -- I had a brain spazz. It is Requip.

See -- I told you I was having concentration mistakes!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:47 pm

Jefe,

Make sure that Pro 2 is a NEW one. Make them show you thr "Blower Hours".
AND, that there's a full 2-year warranty starting from the day you take possession of it.
There are LOTS of Pro 2 machines out there.....they're good machines.....I just wanted you to make sure yours is new and has a full warranty.
I have one and LOVE it.

Best wishes,

Den

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:51 pm

Well, I was surprised to read this. I was thinking you'd given up on the mask nightmare and decided to buy the CPAP Pro brand mask!

http://cpappro.com/

Glad that's not the case!!!! Heard it's lame.

Sorry you didn't get exactly what you want. Buy yourself and extra smart card, and send it off to one of the nice people on this forum to read for you, so you're not dependent on the DME or docs. Get a second opinion, as it were.

BTW, tangenting off here... I wonder if I could morph my new mouth guard with the NAII to get a jerry-rigged cpap pro that would help keep me from grinding my teeth to bits? Hmmmmm....

GREAT NEWS JEFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:56 pm

I'm gonna keep on trying (no funky cpap pro masks!!). Eventually I'll get this licked, and sleep like a normal person! Insurance is buying me a new mask after 3 months, which is (circled on my calendar!) August 10. My DME does not carry the Hybrid -- but I'm going to try to get them to stock one for me. I really don't want the Liberty, as #1, I keep hearing bad things, and (B) The Quattro has scared me off of their crappy masks.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:00 pm

Have you asked your insurance if you can buy retail and get reimbursed? Or if you can use http://www.billmyinsurance.com?

Might be worth a shot.

Good luck!
B.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:11 pm

Also, get ahold of that prescription from the NP or office staff. Don't deal with the faxing. And if you want to buy something cash later online you will have the script.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:13 pm

snoregirl wrote:Also, get ahold of that prescription from the NP or office staff. Don't deal with the faxing. And if you want to buy something cash later online you will have the script.

DEFINITELY! You need a copy of the scrip for yourself anyway, for travelling. Tell them you're flying somewhere, if they give you static about it.

Cheers,
B.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:15 pm

I have the script in my hot little hand, don't worry about that.

As for insurance, I have Optima health, which is actually owned by the same company that owns many of the local hospitals (Sentara Health). As it is local, billmyinsurance.com won't take it.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:16 pm

YUCK!!!!!!!!! Sorry....

Well, best of luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:26 pm

I was saddled with the Remstar Plus by Apria Rip off. I bought a Remstar Pro2 from Cpap.com......I will say that it was a very good machine.
I would call cpap.com and purchase the machine because by the time you pay your co pay and deductables you pay just as much if not more than what you would pay by buying it out right, and you can have Bill my Insurance send it to your insurance or you can send it in to them for payment your self.

Any dealings I have had with Cpap.com and or Bill my Insurance have been 100% better than dealing with APRIA.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:38 pm

Well, like I said, the DME won't take back the plus unless I replace it through them, and my insurance isn't going to buy me 2 machines, so I'm saddled with them for now.

My Dr's office told me that if I don't get what I need from them, they will call up, and make a stink, and get me to a new DME. I'm going to see if I get any grief about it tomorrow. One reason I like this DME is they are 5 minutes from my office, and I can see them the next day when I have an issue.

Machine