After night three...

[DJ Sean]

If you have a good sleep doc (or PCP), ask them to write a script for exactly the machine you want, and to be sure the script is dispensed as written (with no substitutions by the DME).

I guess I will find out!

[Drowsy Dancer]

Thanks, BleepingBeauty. Unfortunately I am so tired right now, cranky and feeling hopeless (likely due to lack of sleep) that I don't see this working out the way I want it to.

If they say patients don't monitor their stats, what do I say? 'Yes they do.' We can go back and forth like that all day. I guess I will see if there is another DME that my insurance works with and take it from there.

Yes, you could go back and forth like that, because the professional who says patients don't monitor their own therapy is either ignorant or deceitful. I think I would say, "I don't care about what anyone else does or doesn't do. I want to monitor my therapy, and I need a machine that reports efficacy data. If you won't provide me with such a machine, I'll find another provider who will. If they remain steadfast, give them back the DS150. They'll likely ask you to sign something that says you're refusing treatment. Don't sign anything like that. Cross it out, if need be, and write that you're returning this machine to this DME and will obtain your equipment elsewhere.

You have everyone's sympathy, Sean. We were all in the same boat at the beginning - so foggy-headed and irritable from lack of sleep that we're less likely and/or able to question (or fight for) anything. As a result, we're easy marks. But having efficacy data is of the utmost importance in attaining successful therapy, so it's worth the hassle. If you have a good sleep doc (or PCP), ask them to write a script for exactly the machine you want, and to be sure the script is dispensed as written (with no substitutions by the DME).

You have the best chance of swapping your compliance-only machine for a data-capable one within the first 30 days, so don't delay.

But don't feel hopeless, even if you can't get what you're asking for right now. Many of us resort to buying our equipment from other sources and get exactly what we want - at a better price and with no hassle at all. So try not to be too discouraged, because there's always a solution. Best of luck.

+1. Remember to use the broken record technique (how a propos for a DJ! ) until you get what you want. Don't hesitate to complain to the doctor if the DME does not provide you with adequate information.

I am ever more thankful for the sheer dumb luck that got me a data-capable machine before I even knew what one was.

Good luck!

DD

[Janknitz]

Here's what I find scary:

Yes- she said both AHI and Leak Info were possible. However, she seemed firm in stating that patients don't monitor this info on their own.

Suppose your doctor was to ask for AHI and leak info in order to see how your therapy is going? How is she going to provide them on a machine that doesn't have them???? Falsify a report? I wouldn't put it past her.

The unfortnuate thing is most doctors could care less and NEVER ask. She knows that. So she gets away with this all the time.

[DoriC]

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... chine.html

Can you get this link to them? It's all there in black & white, basic entry level machine with compliance data only! Please don't be discouraged, it will be worth the struggle in the end. Keep us posted.

[DJ Sean]

Can you get this link to them? It's all there in black & white, basic entry level machine with compliance data only! Please don't be discouraged, it will be worth the struggle in the end. Keep us posted.

Thanks, Dori...but they know this already I am sure.