nuther nubie

[datara]

I have been recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (OSA), insurance does not cover machine (Canada), all the usual, but I have asked (Diagnosing doctor,RT) about my rights, options
and legal obligations, if I can buy a machine out of the states. each says I have to ask the other, then I asked my GP, who says that all I have to do is show her that my machine is set to the script, do another sleep test to prove it is capable of providing the therapy, and that the machine is capable of recording and showing,printing the neccessary compliance info. My trial ends Monday July 4, I have ordered the Respironics PR System one auto with A Flex from the US. I know this machine is capable. The RT says that it could mean my drivers license and my job requires extensive travel.
The RT (also one of only two suppliers where I live) made it sound like he is obligated to inform DMV of the condition, should this not be the responsibility of the diagnosing doctor or my GP, neither of whom informed me of the neccessity to inform DMV. Also I have read in numerous locations that the most important thing in ensuring compliance is the mask, which happens to be the first thing I asked the RT about, he shoved one in front of me and said it was my only choice, I have since seen quite a few options on various sites, although I am stuck with nasal pillows as I have beard and stache.
Boy I,m rambling....
i ll sum up:

Am I breaking any laws or not going to meet compliance requirements by buying online from the states

Is the mask thing a common occurence

Why such a difference in cost of supplies between the great white north and the US, am I missing something

So far in my trial I love the way I feel after using the machine, and actually (if its possible) look forward to using it (mask issue aside, I ve gotten use to it)
does it continue to get better (three weeks use)

Thanks, and sorry if these questions have been answered a million and one times

[jedimark]

You should have seen the difference in cost ordering from Australia from the US.. The were going to charge me $3000 locally, I paid $1000 to source mine from CPAP.com, and that was including $200 postage.

I have no private insurance. (I could of got my machine for "free" via australian Medicare, (Basic model without Humidifier, etc..) but it would of cost nearly $1000 in rental and mask charges just to qualify)

Sometimes your better off biting the bullet than taking crap from an insurance company who only has their interests at heart..

Just My 2c..

[datara]

Thats about what I would have had to pay for the S9 they wanted to sell me, I ended up ordering PR system one for $766 including shipping, the big thing is that I have to ship it away for warranty work
so I ll probly order the Devbliss travel unit as well and I m still saving $1400

[jedimark]

Thats about what I would have had to pay for the S9 they wanted to sell me, I ended up ordering PR system one for $766 including shipping, the big thing is that I have to ship it away for warranty work
so I ll probly order the Devbliss travel unit as well and I m still saving $1400

I should of grabbed a backup machine as well.. I was kind of trying to work around the 1000$ customs limit..

[Emilia]

There are many Canadians on this forum who will chime in, I am sure. You might want to check out http://www.secondwindcpap.com that is located in MN not far from the border. They do a lot of business with Canadians, and their prices are excellent on both the new machines they carry and the gently used one they certify, sanitize and warranty. The owner is a RT and is very helpful, too. I bought my Intellipap from them last August and was very pleased with the service I received.

[datara]

Thanks Emilia, I actually did see their site, but I ended up buying from CPAP Blowouts, I called and it turns out he is Canadian, and a CPAP user, we ended up chatting for quite a while, he was very pleasant
and far more informative than my local supplier. I hadn't even committed to buying and he still took the time for me, whereas when I questioned the pricing at the local supplier, all of the sudden I felt like a waste of his time.

[Julie]

Hi, I and a lot of other Canucks have been ordering from the US (especially Cpap.com) for years with no problem - but check with your insurance co. here to be sure they will cover your submitted bills - every company is different, though most are similar.

[datara]

Thanks Julie, my insurance company doesn`t cover CPAPs, that`s why I ordered on line, but when I called around to see if I could find someone to set it if ever I needed it changed they all told me that if i don`t buy from them they won`t touch it, and I`m not allowed to set it myself, and if I send it back for setting I`d be in non compliance, due to the fact that I`m severe I could lose my license,
which is critical for work (I cover a 400KM territory)

I think at this point I`m going to write a letter copied to the BC Society of RT`s, the competition Bureau, all the insurance companies, the BBB, and my wife`s cousin who happens to write for a major Canadian news paper. If OSA is that severe an issue then I don`t think the industry should be able to self regulate the way they do. It seems more like collusion to me.

[Emilia]

If you need to change settings on your new machine, you are able to do that yourself. Most of us here are proactive cpapers who tweak things and manage our own therapy. Utilizing the data software and knowing how to get into clinician's settings is all it takes.... that and understanding what you are doing and why. You will learn all that by reading, asking questions, and participating in this great forum filled with amazingly smart and helpful folks!

You can get the clinician's manual for just about any machine at this link. You will probably need to email the site admin to have it emailed to you. They do this for free, but donations are appreciated.

http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm

[datara]

Again thanks, I have actually read about that, but I`m not an RT, who signs off that it has been set by an RT. I was told that it MUST be set by an RT.

[Emilia]

Yeah, well 'they' like to micro manage, but this is YOUR therapy and YOUR body. My sleep doctor is 110% in my corner as far as my handling my therapy needs and making adjustments. He knows I am well versed in my machine and the software. You can most certainly take charge of your therapy, and if your data supports the changes you've made and reflects good therapy results, who are they to argue?

A knowledgeable patient is an empowered patient!

[jedimark]

For CPAP therapy to have any chance of working well, you have to be proactive about it. Learn everything you can about it..
It's not easy or pleasant at first having air shoved up your nose at pressure, but you will love it when you notice how it does actually improve your life.

It's been said plenty of times before: You are your own best healthcare provider.. Everyone else including your doctor has an advisory role.. (unless you're in a coma of course..)

A data capable machine and software to track it is an absolute must, even if you aren't inclined to tweak your settings.. Regularly reviewing the machines recorded data gives you incredibly valuable feedback into whether or not your treatment is actually working.

[nanwilson]

If you have bought your machine, etc on your own the RT is full of horse puckies!!!!! The only ones that need to know that you are compliant is your insurance comany and you did not go through insurance,so no reason there, also if you are a truck driver, DOT needs to know.................otherwise NOBODY Needs to be informed. The RTs tend to use scare tactics and outright LIES to keep us in line. Also, they do not need to set your pressure you can do that all on your own. My RT told me the same thing "I will set your pressure and you are not allowed by law to change it" HORSE PUCKIES!!!!! There are no cpap police and there are no laws to that effect. Get a copy of your prescription and a copy of you study, your study will tell you what pressure you need to set at.
I wish you good luck dealing with that RT. They cannot report you to the DMV that is an outright lie!
Nan

[datara]

Boy are you right, I went to Ministry of Health BC website, it was determined that the industry should be self regulated, I am writing a letter to my MLA (My wife is on a first name basis due to her affiliations) Obviously Self regulation has led to lack of transparency, conflict of interest running rampant. Due to the serious nature of OSA, it should be mandatory that the patient be aware of their options
without monetary gain entering into the equation.

I get a bee in my bonnet .....