Why can't it be like this?

[idahogal]

You know how you walk in to a cell phone store and they have all of their models, accessories ect on display? Why can a DME do the same thing? Wouldn't it be nice to walk in and see all of your options displayed and just waiting for you to try them on and check for fit? They could have disposable covers for all of the masks like a dentist has for his insturments or like a shoe store has for peoples feet. Any time I go to my provider I feel like there is something they are not showing me. Maybe it is my curious nature but I would like to choose for myself and see all there is to offer. I don't want to just settle for what they suggest.

[Rastaman]

Great post! I 100% agree. I think they should start there even though having more than 2 choices really confuses most people. We're suffering because of a slight majority doesn't want to or can't use their brains. But now that the internet is around people don't have to remain ignorant and in the dark like years past. Almost immediately I found this website and I've been learning new information every day.

But seriously, there are so MANY people who just make the process more difficult by giving them a choice it's not even funny. And that's true with most things in life. But I still think a person would appreciate being explained the basics and given an option. And quite frankly they're going to HAVE to do it eventually. It WILL happen. It's just a matter of time and good consumer info-sharing.

[CRMW]

This is exactly what happened with my DME. In the lobby they have most of the machines on display (all of the manufactures but 1 remstar looks like another), and the masks were in the office where I met with the respiratory tech. I tried all of the masks that I wanted to until we found one that fit properly. The masks were test fitted using a chair that reclined about 90%. He then had me go back 3 times in six weeks to read the card and try other masks. They have a sterilizer in the lab that cleans the equipment in between testings.

All in all it was as good an experience as I could expect, given the fact that I was strapping a mask on my face & pumping air into my lungs in an effort to help me sleep.

[krousseau]

I went to the CPAP Company in Tracy, California when I decided the my comfort classic was just a bit too large (Apria had not fitted it). The RT got out all the masks they had and helped me try them on-and hooked them up to a CPAP set to my pressure. No disposable liners-she had to sanitize them after I left. It was too soon to get a new mask through insurance and they are out of network, so she told me where to get the mask for less. I decided her time was worth it to me and purchased the mask there. They have continued to provide answers to questions even though I have to use Apria for my machine.

[idahogal]

Well, it sounds like there are much better DME's out there than mine. I wish I had something like that here. You would think that in Boise there would be a little more to offer. I guess I will just continue to order from cpap.com.

[kathic]

I sent you a PM.

[winknblinknnod]

I have decided it would be nice to try the exhalation relief machines, I don't need auto as my pressure feels OK but I would like to breath more naturally. I called insurance and they will cover a basic CPAP but they said to put the claim in anyways. I called the sleep center and the manager said she would have the doctor sign another script specifying the machine I settle on.

Now I called the DME (I'm stuck with them now per the insurance rep) and the DME guy said he'd have to "research it" and call me back. He never called.... I just don't see the great mystery involved! If I had the money I'd buy direct from cpap.com but at this point neither the DME or the Sleep Dr's office has been willing to give me a copy of my prescription.

[yardbird]

You're in NY. I'm in NY. Your doctor is REQUIRED to give you a copy of your prescription. You need only ask for it. The DME is not required to give it to you as they did not issue it and for them it becomes that whole boondoggle about... "who are we releasing patient information to?"

The doctor issued the script. The script is for YOUR treatment. He is REQUIRED to give you a copy if you ask for it.

Same thing with eyeglasses and contact lenses, folks. If a script is involved you have a RIGHT to receive that script.

[winknblinknnod]

hum, it all started when I called the sleep center and told the manager I was calling to get a copy of my presciption. That led to a 20 minute call on why would I want to change from the plain jane ResMed machine to anything else if I am compliant. (I'm compliant because it's helping my quality of life, but I want to make the experience as comfortable as possible!) But I digress... after all the talk and promising a new script for a specific machine, we hung up without addressing my original request!

Having left it on a good note with this SC manager, I didn't want to call them again until I had settled on a machine, which requires a conference with the DME I'm stuck with....

[winknblinknnod]

which brings us back to the original post by idahogal - why can't it be like the celphone store!

[beneyw]

It appears there are some decent PROFESSIONAL DME's out there. Mine is a professional jerk. Every question I ask is responded to arrogantly and authoritatively. When sores appeared on my nose, all I got was, "well, we can't have you keep trying different masks." I wonder when he goes to buy shoes does he just grab them off the shelf without trying them on?. Surely, these masks are capable of sterilization or made 'safe' with the use of plastic coverings. To suggest otherwise is nothing but a lie.

When I speak to the insurance company I am told I am 'stuck' with this pathetic excuse for a DME. I am not one to give up easily and this guy will find his lack of patient concern will catch up with him sooner or later.

[caty]

I called my sleep doctor and requested a copy of my prescription. I was asked why I needed it. I told them I was entitled to it by law (something I learned on this forum) and didn't need to give them an explanation. They faxed me a release form; I indicated the document I wanted and faxed it back to them. I received my prescription yesterday. Call them back and get a copy. Good luck!

Caty

[birdiebaby]

I agree that it would be wonderful, however... that option will only be available to those people who are free to shop for a DME who must work competitively with patients to stay in business.

Many of us are 'stuck' with the insurance that we get through our employer. If our insurer doesn't allow us to shop for DMEs, then the DME will run its business to keep its shareholders happy by increasing profits and paying dividends. That means doing what they can to keep their exclusive contracts with major insurers. Having a dessert carousel of machines having a number of masks for us to try on and experiment with generally won't be conducive to that type of DMEs bottom line.

I think it's up to us as consumers to register complaints to our employers and our insurers to show them that competition will, in the end, keep costs low. My insurer could have saved 800 by allowing me free choice. and letting me buy from cpap.com. Since I pay a coinsurance on my equipment, it's in my best interest to find the best balance between service and price. If I'm happy with my eqipment and I'm getting good service from my DME, I'll be more compliant with my treatment and the insurance company won't have to fork out the cash for the bills for heart attacks and strokes...

But then again, maybe they expect that I'll leave my job in a few years and I won't be with them any longer so it won't be their problem!