Just diagnosed with OSA

[archangle]

I hope that they will not try to give me a S9 Escape but if they do, what is my move? I really need to get this machine and start therapy as I feel like I am about to die without it. I dont want to screw myself out of something I NEED but I also dont want to wait weeks to "hopefully" get the Autoset...

You can buy the equipment from any DME you want to. If you're on insurance, you may need to buy from certain DMEs to get covered. Figure out what other local DMEs are in network for your insurance. Do that BEFORE your go to the meeting.

If the CPAP offered is not what you want, tell them "no thanks, I'm going to go shop around other providers." They can't legally sell a CPAP without a doctor's prescription or order. Find out who the doctor is and get a copy of the prescription. You have a legal right to fill the prescription with any licensed CPAP provider.

By the way, expect to be told "your insurance doesn't cover that machine." That's a lie in 90% of the cases unless you have an HMO. Insurance usually don't care, they pay the same price for any CPAP. They do set it to CPAP mode if the doctor orders a fixed pressure, but they can dispense an APAP.

Once you find out the name of the doctor, another DME can call and get a copy of the prescription.

You've lived without CPAP for years. You can take another few days to get it right.

[mayondair]

This sounds suspiciously like the " Snore Clinic " that I was referred to. I suspect you will never meet the MD who reviewed your sleep study and RXd a PAP at whatever pressure. By going "down the hall" for equipment they are trying to give the illusion of having no conflict of interest. I bet they will have a machine all programed and waiting for you, probably an Escape . Have you spoken to your insurance about who they contract with? Do you have a choice of more than one DME? If so, shop around. Ask for copies of your sleep study and RX from the "clinician". You do not have to accept any machine You don't want and it is in your best interest to shop around, even if it takes a few days or weeks, you will be using machine for at least 5 yrs, so best to get it right. Check the model numbers, don't believe anything they tell you and if its not the S9 Autoset you want say no thanks, I want X machine , and will be looking elsewhere for it if you cannot provide it. Walk out the door if you need to. Don't sign anything until you are certain, They must give you a copy of your sleep study and RX. Your primary care doc can use your sleep study to write an RX if you want something with a specific model. Maybe you will get lucky and there will be an S9 waiting for you, if not, walk out. Kathy

[archangle]

Don't let them do the old "Escape Auto" instead of "AutoSet" either. If it's ResMed, you want S9 Elite or AutoSet, not Escape anything.

[mrghos]

OK, everyone! I just returned from the DME and it went much better than I expected. My pressure is set at 9cm. They told me that I could get the Elite or the Autoset but they were going to charge me $355 for upgrading to the Autoset. I know I read somewhere on here the "upcharge" is bogus but after asking some questions of the person dispensing the equipment, I felt good about getting the S9 Elite. They told me they will let me "test drive" it for 1 month and if I wanted to come back to get the Autoset (for $355) I could. This DME told me they dont even give out the "Escape" models.

I figured since my pressure is fairly "low" I will try the Elite and see if it does what it is supposed to do and I dont have issues with the constant pressure. While I am "test driving" the Elite, I am going to make a call to BCBS and see what they can tell me about this "upcharge" and if it is bogus or not. They may not be able to help but I will try.

I am happy with unit at this point and look forward to using it tonight.

I'll keep everyone posted.

[mrghos]

UPDATE: First night with S9 and things went very well. AHI was .19. Down from original untreated AHI of 57.8. No leaks to speak of, no dry mouth or nose, only woke up twice. The Swift FX worked like a charm. No soreness on the nose to speak of. Wife said snoring was pretty much non existent. Viewed first night in Sleepy Head and although I have no idea what I am looking at, there was hardly any ink on the page. Woke up a bit groggy and been a little tired all day but I know this will pass. I have a lot of catching up to do. Pressure of 9 was so slight I barely could feel the back pressure. Even when I turned on my side, I had no problems. If this continues, I guess I wont need the Autoset... We will see tho...

Thanks for all of the help everyone!