New DME

[flyingwithoutwings]

I'm changing DME's and the new DME wants my machine's serial number? I don't know why they want the serial number, I told them I bought the machine myself, not thru my insurance company. They also want me to bring my machine with me when I go for my mask fitting. Is this normal procedure?

[library lady]

Maybe they want to do your mask fitting with your machine at its present settings... makes sense in a way. I think it just means they are interested in getting the right mask for you, plus they can put the info into your profile in their records. A lot of DMEs might not care about that.

[jencat824]

Kind of odd, but maybe they have warranty in mind?

Jen

[LSAT]

If you ever have a problem and the unit is under warranty, the DME will need to send it in....you cannot.

[Hose_Head]

It's just as likely that they want to check your machine to see if it's delivering the proper pressure. Xpaps should be checked periodically.

If it bothers you to have them look at your cpap, then just go to the appointment without it. There's nothing that they can do about it. Remember: the DME works for YOU, not the other way around.

[JDS74]

Are the settings on your machine the same as your prescription?
If not, they'll change them to the scrip values.
It would be nice if they checked pressures, etc.
However, it is nice they are doing the mask fit with your machine at your pressures.
Not many DME's do that.

[Bill44133]

I don't know if it is related or not.. but I put order in for supplies for me with my DME this week and I had prove compliance.
They wanted me to bring in the machine. I of course just sent them the Encore report instead. If you are getting supplies to bill to insurance it is most likely they need the info to get paid by the insurance company. New Year I guess everything starts over again.

[flyingwithoutwings]

I just thought it was weird since I bought the machine on my own (it's only 5 mos old), not thru any DME. And no, the pressure is not as prescribed. My prescription is for 7 and I have it set at 7-10. As for compliance, I called my insurance prior to contacting the DME, just to make sure everything is in order.
I debated whether or not to go with a DME since my deductible is $500, but I figured I'll be spending more than than in a year.

[Janknitz]

They are probably doing their due diligence to make sure that your machine is set to your prescription. Personally, I would NOT take the machine with me--it's yours and none of their business. I doubt very much they want to use your machine for a mask fitting. Maybe I'm more suspicious than most.

I doubt you will spend $500 a year on CPAP alone now that you have the machine. You may need to replace cushions a few times a year, headgear maybe once, but you don't really need a whole new mask every few months. Filters and hose are cheap. (Shhhhh, don't tell--I've been using the same hose for 3 years!). I've only changed water chambers once.

Of course, if you have other medical expenses, that's another matter.

[flyingwithoutwings]

They are probably doing their due diligence to make sure that your machine is set to your prescription. Personally, I would NOT take the machine with me--it's yours and none of their business. I doubt very much they want to use your machine for a mask fitting. Maybe I'm more suspicious than most.

I doubt you will spend $500 a year on CPAP alone now that you have the machine. You may need to replace cushions a few times a year, headgear maybe once, but you don't really need a whole new mask every few months. Filters and hose are cheap. (Shhhhh, don't tell--I've been using the same hose for 3 years!). I've only changed water chambers once.

Of course, if you have other medical expenses, that's another matter.

Thanks, cause I really don't care to take my machine with me.

I've only been on CPAP since October, 2013 so have no idea how much the yearly expense would total. Just thought it would add up to more than $500. But I really didn't think I had to follow the "schedule" they try to push on us.

[Pugsy]

Personally, I would NOT take the machine with me--it's yours and none of their business.

I tend to think like Janknitz does.
The DME I use for masks only ....all my machines have been private pay...has never once asked me for anything from my machine.
He did offer to help if I had any questions or issues.

I think sometimes that medical people tend to think that we as patients should just not ask questions and blindly do as we are told. It never has set well with me and most often they got the "why" response...if they didn't have a reasonable explanation about what they wanted from me...they usually got the "I don't think you do need that" response.
I would be asking "why do you want my machine...it has nothing to do with you"...and if I didn't like the response I got then I would just refuse.

I have never heard of any insurance company wanting proof of compliance to cover a mask or other supplies.
If I was told that was the case I would be checking with insurance company directly and wouldn't blindly accept what a DME says.
In nearly 5 years I have never given my DME anything that proves how much I use the machine and they have never asked...I just get whatever I am allowed in regards to masks when I am allowed. I call and request...and go pick up.
I don't really need anything else from them anyway. Tanks, hoses...don't need replacing all that frequently IMHO for my needs anyway and I can buy filters cheaper online than my co pay is plus I buy in bulk to same time and aggravation.

[chunkyfrog]

I would mark my machine with my identification-permanently, just in case somebody in the back room . . .

[Stevoreno_55]

They are probably doing their due diligence to make sure that your machine is set to your prescription. Personally, I would NOT take the machine with me--it's yours and none of their business. I doubt very much they want to use your machine for a mask fitting. Maybe I'm more suspicious than most.

I doubt you will spend $500 a year on CPAP alone now that you have the machine. You may need to replace cushions a few times a year, headgear maybe once, but you don't really need a whole new mask every few months. Filters and hose are cheap. (Shhhhh, don't tell--I've been using the same hose for 3 years!). I've only changed water chambers once.

Of course, if you have other medical expenses, that's another matter.

Every 6 months I get a new water chamber for my machine; a new nasal mask with headgear; a chin strap although I still haven't found the right one yet; one new reusable foam filter; 2 disposable filters and a 6' standard CPAP hose for my machine. Some of the supplies I'm eligible to receive once a month like the hose for my machine; a new mask every 3 months; new headgear every 6 months but to keep it simple I get all of my supplies once every 6 months. I purchase extra filters both the reusable and the disposable ones out of pocket myself just to have them around if and when I need them.



Stevoreno_55
MS Gulf Coast
03/14/14

[sleepyb]

DME got me on that once. I brought in my machine and he wiped my settings and history.
He said it needed cleaning, which required new filters ( I had replaced them that morning).
Just be very careful when dealing with them. I certainly would never give them access to the flash card.