How should my doc write my RX?

[macsnjets]

Hi, I'm still going through testing. I did a home sleep test which indicates severe OSA. Now I have to use the test company's data recording cpap to show that a cpap will help. My Doc, who is just a family med doc, wants to know what she needs to write on the prescription, if and when I qualify for the machine, so I get what I want. I know I want the resmed S9 autoset with h5i and climate tubing. If she writes that along with "dispense as written" and "no substitutions" will this work? What else should she write?
Thanks

[amos]

Concerning the mask, have the doctor write "patient's choice."

amos

[Pugsy]

If she writes that along with "dispense as written" and "no substitutions" will this work?

Should work. Just make sure it says AutoSet on it since that is what you want. Don't let the wording be ResMed S9 Auto because there is a S9 Escape Auto which would technically meet the RX requirements if the word is only "Auto" and the Escape Auto has very limited data on it. AHI and pressure and hours of use and that is it...no leak or anything else.

Mask of patient's choice is also a good idea...that way they can't tie you up into a certain type of mask that may not work for you and you have to go back and get a different mask RX.

[archangle]

If you specify a pressure range, it may be easier to get an APAP through the system. For instance, if she wants 12 cm, specify 10-14 cm. You can always change the pressure yourself if 10-14 doesn't work.

[macsnjets]

I just thought of something else, supplies. How are supplies handled? Do I need a RX for monthly supplies? What usually happens here?
Thanks

[Pugsy]

Normally a RX for so and so cpap machine and mask of patient's choice is also good enough for the supplies that goes along with it.
Most of the "supplies" don't require a RX. Replacement parts to a mask don't require RX. Only the full mask set up requires RX.
You may or may not need replacement parts monthly. You will need to find out from your insurance company what they allow regarding replacement schedule. Don't rely on the DME to know what your insurance allows. Plans are different and they can't be expected to know all the plans.
If you happen to be on Medicare or your insurance company goes by the Medicare replacement schedule then this will give an idea what the replacement schedule is.
http://www.resmed.com/us/documents/1013 ... sories.pdf

Not everything will need replacement per the schedule. The long hose will last a lot longer than 3 months as long as the dogs or cats don't use it as a play toy. I use a nasal pillow mask and my nasal pillows last several months for me. Others do good to get a month of use. Some parts of my mask would last forever almost with proper care.
In my case the short hose assembly and the silicone part of the headgear is pretty much indestructible. The back strap stretches out over time but I usually get well over 6 months before it needs replacing. So a lot will depend on what mask you end up going with.

[Tino2You]

One more thing...remember to keep a copy of the Rx for your records. In that way, if you see something you would like to try on, say, cpap.com, you can get it without a hassle.
-tino

[goldmantx]

As specific as possible. I have been going around for 3 weeks with my Dr. and DME and I can tell you to save a lot of frustration have them write it exactly as it needs to be.
I have given up as I don't technically need the Autoset, but since I was paying for the machine, I wanted to "future proof" myself but I gave up yesterday and just told them to give me the S9 Elite so I can start getting the darn info to see what is going on. I have had 4 rx's written and faxed over and none have really been correct. Time to think about a new doc methinks.
If you want the Resmed S9 Autoset, then that's exactly what they need to put according to my DME!