Another OSA "scam" thread

[BernieRay]

... As it is, I'm hoping getting the 'script will be my last interaction with them, after which I can select a new clinic for future needs/follow up.

I hope your DME can work with the script because I would definitely fire that clinic as soon as possible.

[Hose_Head]

The "scam" part is more a comment against the sleep clinic. If I didn't think I had a problem, I wouldn't have asked my GP for a referal.

As it turns out, I've never seen a doctor. The doctor only comes in on Tuesdays. My appointment was on a Thursday. I don't know if he was an RT or what, but my experience was 10 minutes with whoever that guy was, a sleep study, and grief with the nurses ever since.

I called back today about my 'script. I asked if it was for a specific machine. She told me yes, it is, and that Respronics is their recommendation. I asked they modify it for a generic CPAP machine, and was told she wouldn't have the 'script changed, that was their recommendation. I'm hoping as it's a recommendation, it doesn't say dispense as written, as I'm pretty sure I want to use the S9 Autoset. We'll see anyway. I called the DME I selected and he said that it may not be a problem, and he's had trouble with this clinic before.

What is unsettling is that this whole thing has no semblence of a medical issue. Someone brought up a DMV analogy, and that is spot on. My referal was to this place http://www.americansleepmedicine.com/index.php. I've been told that they write every 'script as Respronics due to some sort of agreement with them. The experience has been bad all around, with the exception of the guys the night of the study. If I ask any questions, or try to get more information, I'm treated as though I'm difficult to deal with. I want to get on the machine and get started, or I'd have fired these guys long time ago and went to another clinic. As it is, I'm hoping getting the 'script will be my last interaction with them, after which I can select a new clinic for future needs/follow up.

Who is writing the script? My understanding is that only a Doctor can write it. An RT or whomever can "recommend" a script, but they cannot write it.

If the clinic has some contractual or financial arrangement with Respironics, then they are acting unethically. On the other hand, if the doctors in the clinic have some preference for Respironics equipment (i.e. preference related to how the equipment performs), but no financial arrangement regarding it, then there may be no problem.

I'm also curious. It sounds as though they have given you a sleep study and have a diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, I've seen no reference to your having a titration sleep study to determine what pressure a cpap should be set to. This is an essential part of the treatment strategy. Without a titration sleep study, they can only guess a what pressures you need for theraputic treatment. A home titration study using an autopap can be used for this purpose (e.g. an S9 autoset), but it would be a very long process to try to do so with a basic cpap.

If I were you, I'd get a meeting with the sleep doctor as soon as possible. He/she is the one who should have given you your diagnosis. He/she also should be the one to give you a copy of the sleep study results, his/her dictated notes on it, AND your prescription.

BTW, I suggest you check out the cpap.com web site for suggestions as to preferred wording on a cpap/apap prescription. This is the document you will need to shop-around for a machine and supplies, in future.

[MagicCityDawg]

So I go pick up my sleep study and script today. First line of the study summary says I'm a 72 year old male (I'm 30) complaining of loud snoring (I didn't). Nice.

Goods news, DME was incredibly friendly and helpful. Gave me machine I wanted (in stock) and let me try as many masks as I wanted. Can't say enough good things about the DME.

So, here goes...

[BernieRay]

That clinic sounds like they only care about money and the patients are a distant afterthought. I'm glad you found a good DME.

How was your first night on it?

[MagicCityDawg]

Not awesome...

I'm battling a sinus infection also, so I'm willing to place the majority of the blame on that. I have one nostril blocked at all times, so I'm taking deeper breaths, and exhaling harder than normal. So I'm really battling with the backpressure, even with EPR on. That's more to do with the fact I'm used to breathing with nothing on, and the mask itself requires a greater pressure to exhale through. So, I was constantly aware of my breathing, trying to take as deep as needed, yet exhale as softly as possible. I feel asleep around 9:30 (decided to call it an early night) and woke up at 10:20. I couldn't get back down until sometime after 11:40 (last time I checked my watch). Woke up again at 4:20, and decided that was a good start for day 1, took the mask off and slept on my stomach for the last 40 minutes.

I'm groggy today, but I'm still thinking perhaps this is due to my sinus pressure. My machine showed an AHI of 0.5, and I've yet to look at my data as I can't get ResScan installed just yet. Hopefully I can get that in soon.

I'm probably going to try to recline tonight with my wife's old pregnancy wrap around pillow.

I went with the Swift FX because it was the least obstructive, and I didn't want my daughter to be frightened (she's 2). I put it on as soon as I got home, and we pretended I was an elephant for about 15 minutes. She was okay with that, and even wanted to wear the "baby elephant nose" herself. All in all, I think that was successful. That being said, I breathed easier and more quietly through the nasal softgel. I'm probably going back for one of those come December.

[BernieRay]

Considering the infection, that sounds like a pretty good first night to me. I can't tell you how many nights I did the exact same thing. Hope it clears up soon so that you can really get a good night's rest.