DME Says Data Machine Not Acailable for CPAP

[kentoboo]

I just talked to my DME, looking for a machine that has data on it, besides just time of use. They told me there is no CPAP machine available with that, you have to go to BPAP. You can only do this thru your doctor. Is this true?

[sleepnationtv]

This is not true, every machine manufacturer has data capable machines. The DME just pays more for those. Here are a few videos you can watch all of these machines can be data capable.
http://www.sleepnation.tv/post/2337667545/resmeds9
http://www.sleepnation.tv/post/808897740/episode1

Just show them these as proof.

[6PtStar]

Sounds like you have one of those DME's that "If their lips are moving they are lying"! In your present machine the PR System One the Pro Model and the Auto both collect Data. Not all BiPaps collect data. Must be the BiPap Auto as I remember. In the Respirionics line nothing with Plus in the name will collect data. If it does not collect data you might as well go hook your mask up to the leaf blower in your garage, JMHO !!

Jerry

[BlackSpinner]

I just talked to my DME, looking for a machine that has data on it, besides just time of use. They told me there is no CPAP machine available with that, you have to go to BPAP. You can only do this thru your doctor. Is this true?

If you believe that I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale cheap. I have had a resmed s8Elite for over a year which gives me all that info.

Get a new DME with qualified people.

[robysue]

kentoboo,

Talk to your insurance company and ask them for a comprehensive list of DMEs that are "in network" and start shopping around. You need to find another DME in my opinion.

You might also want to try to find a DME that specializes in CPAP equipment rather than a more generic DME. That's what I did. The CPAP-oriented DME that I found only carries full data APAP machines for their default CPAP/APAP machines. Most of the staff uses CPAPs. And the techs that set the machines up for customers always set the machines up so that the customers have access to the on-board data.

[chunkyfrog]

what a bunch of dirt bags!(your current DME) --In my humble opinion, you need to switch DME's before your RX 'expires'.
The guy that read my sleep study used my request for a new Rx to require a totally unnecessary office visit--which puts me past the year-end deductible reset. You'll be lucky if insurance covers a full-data machine; if it doesn't, you can buy online; cpap.com, for example. You will find the price for what you want is probably far less than the current machine, (which you will probably use as a back-up.)

[nanwilson]

You need to go to another DME....if they would out and out lie to you, what else are they going to try. Run, don't walk, go, these guys need to be reported, there are lots of data capable machines that will run in straight cpap mode or auto. My spare machine is a Respironics M series auto, a flex, and I use it in straight cpap mode, I don't like it in auto, but I certainly do like the data I can get off of it. Just look up any manufacturer and you will see what liers these guys are.
Good luck in your quest you've come to right place for help.
Cheers
Nan

[Borgasmord]

what a bunch of dirt bags! --In my humble opinion.

Yeh, but cpaptalk.com foiled them! Good move by coming here, kentoboo!

[robysue]

Sounds like you have one of those DME's that "If their lips are moving they are lying"! In your present machine the PR System One the Pro Model and the Auto both collect Data. Not all BiPaps collect data. Must be the BiPap Auto as I remember. In the Respirionics line nothing with Plus in the name will collect data. If it does not collect data you might as well go hook your mask up to the leaf blower in your garage, JMHO !!

Jerry

Just wanting to post accurate information concerning BiPAPs here: PR makes the System One REMstar BiPAP Pro (straight BiPAP) and the System One REMstart BiPAP Auto (auto BiPAP). Both of these machines record AHI, FL, RERA, snore, leak, CA, OA, HY, PB as well as compliance data. I don't believe that PR makes a BiPAP that only records compliance data.

But PR does indeed make a System One REMstar Plus CPAP that only records compliance data. *sigh*

[rested gal]

My list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated through March 2010:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

The ones in blue record full data. The ones in red do not.

In case the DME tries to convince you that a machine provides the kind of "data" you want to see, simply because it happens to have a card stuck in it:
viewtopic.php?p=344265#p344265

For some entertaining reading about that:
check out LinkC's post on page 2 of this thread:
viewtopic.php?p=342111#p342111
And roster's post on page 3 of that same thread.

[Janknitz]

Ken,

If you don't get anything else from this thread, I hope it helps you understand that your DME is a lying snake. I would hate to think that your DME is just ignorant--then they would have no business dealing in DME in the first place. But there are no rules against lying to people who aren't as smart as you to check their facts.

Your next question will be whether or not you want to do business with these creeps. If at all possible, you should find another DME, but be prepared to be lied to by the new one too (it seems to be the norm, not the exception). The next DME you will encounter will probably admit that yes, there are data capable machines in every line they carry, but be prepared for them to tell you either that 1) your insurance won't cover a data capable machine or 2) your prescription doesn't cover a data capable machine. Both of these are LIES also--unless you have an HMO or Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan. Otherwise, in 99% of the cases, your insurance does not care if you get a data capable machine or not (because they are going to pay the same amount regardless of which machine you get) and your prescription does NOT have to require a data capable machine.

So, once you decide whether or not you are going to stick to your current lying DME or choose another, BEFORE you try to get the machine of your choice, have a look at my blog herehttp://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/. This will help you understand the insurance coverage and how to deal with these lying SOB's--er, I meant "DMEs".

[jonnybee]

snip..........

Get a new DME with qualified people.

Is there such a thing?

[cflame1]

Sounds like you have one of those DME's that "If their lips are moving they are lying"! In your present machine the PR System One the Pro Model and the Auto both collect Data. Not all BiPaps collect data. Must be the BiPap Auto as I remember. In the Respirionics line nothing with Plus in the name will collect data. If it does not collect data you might as well go hook your mask up to the leaf blower in your garage, JMHO !!

Jerry

Just wanting to post accurate information concerning BiPAPs here: PR makes the System One REMstar BiPAP Pro (straight BiPAP) and the System One REMstart BiPAP Auto (auto BiPAP). Both of these machines record AHI, FL, RERA, snore, leak, CA, OA, HY, PB as well as compliance data. I don't believe that PR makes a BiPAP that only records compliance data.

But PR does indeed make a System One REMstar Plus CPAP that only records compliance data. *sigh*

Unfortunately they've made a Remstar Bipap Plus with other models... our hosts don't seem to have that one that I can find... it's compliance only.

[Slinky]

Insurances pay by HCPCS (insurance) code NOT by brand and model. CPAPs and APAPs are the exact same HCPCS code: e0601. Bi-level PAPs (Bi-PAP is the proprietary name for Respironics' bi-levels, VPAP is Resmed's proprietary name for their bi-levels) are an entirely different HCPCS code. Bi-levels are considerably more expensive than CPAPs and APAPs.

Any Respironics or PR SystemOne PAP w/Plus in the model name are NOT fully data capable. Any Resmed w/Escape in the model name is NOT fully data capable.

Be sure to check out RestedGal's link to fully data capable CPAPs and APAPs at the link she posted.

[DoriC]

Every time I read one of these DME outrages my teeth start to hurt~~ To the OT, please take the good advice given to you and take charge of your own therapy! Knowledge is power and a data-capable machine and a properly fitted mask will give you that. And read everything you can on this forum and ask questions! Good luck.