VA CPAP support ????

[crrroger2]

Greetings friends,

I am a recent CPAP user, entered into this regimen with a super positive attitude, have adjusted well... my OSA and AIH are dropping like rocks, am appreciative to the VA for footing the bill, and have one more question....hoping another VA patient can answer.

My CPAP is a Remstar Auto A-flex. I would really like to monitor my numbers on a daily basis....instead of 7 or 30 day averages. My readings on this great, informative forum tell me that I need EncoreViewer 2.0 software and a data card reader.

Will the VA provide this necessary stuff? If not, will they provide a script that will allow me to obtain it myself?

Thanks for any helpful information and happy night breathing to us all,

Roger

[cflame1]

if you get it from CPAP dot com (our hosts)... you don't need a script for it.

[GumbyCT]

My readings on this great, informative forum tell me that I need EncoreViewer 2.0 software and a data card reader.
Will the VA provide this necessary stuff? If not, will they provide a script that will allow me to obtain it myself?

No and not likely. Or Not likely and NO. Or NO & Hell NO.

I couldn't get them to supply a heated hose, scripted by my doc. BUT that's a local prejudice shining thru.

Certainly you can ask. Does your VA have a DME come to the house? Ask the RT to feel out the topic.

While you are at it - ask for a heated hose - let me know how you make out.

[brazospearl]

Wlecome, crroger2! It wouldn't hurt to ask the VA to get it for you, but they might not do it. You need, though, because it REALLY makes a difference to your therapy to be able to see the data yourself. Your best bet is probably just to order it from cpap.com. I'm not slamming the VA here, they provided my dad many years of excellent care, it just seems that anything out of their ordinary realm kind of throws them off course. And thank you for your service to our country!

[KC5cychris]

had no problem with the eated hose thru tricare but no software that way

[GumbyCT]

had no problem with the eated hose thru tricare but no software that way

aahh see mine doesn't go thru Tricare. The way they get around it is they have someone (I suspect it's a nurse) determine that the docs orders are "Not Medically Necessary". I know, don't ask me how that is - fact is they will NOT give me a clear answer on how that is even possible.

My problem stems from the DME who supplies my area - they claim the heated hose is not available in their supply chain. In fact they claim they never knew one was available. Another stretch I know, but the DME also told me the first couple of times, that a hose cover was not available either. When I pushed on the heated hose - suddenly they found one. LOL.

IF any item is found to be "Medically Necessary" the VA can have them order that item. Isn't there some 'Brother In-Law' principal that comes into play here? Or is it just what you get from the lowest bidder?

It is worth buying the software and reader to get your therapy on track. No one else cares more than you do, period.

[Patrick A]

had no problem with the eated hose thru tricare but no software that way

I wonder if the heated hose would be covered by Obama Care aka Medicare?

[crrroger2]

It is worth buying the software and reader to get your therapy on track. No one else cares more than you do, period.

I took your advice and ordered today from CPAP.com....as was suggested in an earlier post.

$109 plus free 2 day shipping.

Thanks to all who responded,

Roger

[GumbyCT]

It is worth buying the software and reader to get your therapy on track. No one else cares more than you do, period.

I took your advice and ordered today from CPAP.com....as was suggested in an earlier post.

$109 plus free 2 day shipping.

Thanks to all who responded,

Roger

YOU da Man.... you won't be sorry

[jdm2857]

The way they get around it is they have someone (I suspect it's a nurse) determine that the docs orders are "Not Medically Necessary". I know, don't ask me how that is - fact is they will NOT give me a clear answer on how that is even possible.

Can a clerk then declare that the nurse's orders are not medically necessary and take over?

Bizarre.

[sierra21]

Crrroger,
I have just been sent a letter stating that I have osa through the VA. I have an appointment next Monday to get my equipment, from what the letter says. I was wondering how the equipment that they have given you is and are they willing to give you what you want, or is it tough to get what you need.
Thanks for any input you can give me.

[GumbyCT]

The way they get around it is they have someone (I suspect it's a nurse) determine that the docs orders are "Not Medically Necessary". I know, don't ask me how that is - fact is they will NOT give me a clear answer on how that is even possible.

Can a clerk then declare that the nurse's orders are not medically necessary and take over?

Bizarre.

It is scary but not that scary. You have to remember they have a captive audience like active duty they think they can do things just because. Like I said there are ways to deal with their lack of customer service.

When they make appts. they like to just send them to you in the mail, not make them when they are convenient for you. So I just call and cancel that appt and make one that fits my schedule. So I have to waste a bit more of their time (and mine). They really don't care cuz they are not profit minded "AT ALL".

To get back to cpap - you absolutely have to be willing to take charge of your therapy. When I was in one day I brought my smartcard thinking I could get it downloaded and get the card back. Well, they told me that is just not possible - it takes 2 weeks before they could download it. Needless to say I asked for my card back until I had a replacement in hand. Having done my own downloads I knew it only took minutes and could be done without removing the data from the card.

But as far as cpap equipment - I think they use the best machines - the masks and other things seem to vary by area of the country.