Dr Rx - Changed from CPAP to BIPAP w/o exam new study

[no1texan]

In the process of getting new supplies, I also requested a new machine since I have been using a Respironics BiPAP, meeting the Medicare requirements since June 2012 (over 5 years). All is well, so far, the new BiPAP was approved (Doctor issued a Rx) by Medicare and I received my new DreamStations BiPAP Pro Hum DOM Cellular Modem. So far so good.
Bit of needed history is needed:
June 2012: first time to begin using new Respironics BiPAP (don't remember pressure settings) as BiPAP (the machine had the capability to use as BiPAP or CPAP.
Sep 2015:
1. 3 years later, doctor ordered a sleep study. Half-way through the study, I began to have pain in my chest and difficulty breathing. I was taken to a local hospital where a large amount of fluid was discovered around my lungs which was removed, and a stent inserted in an artery.
2. Following my stay in the hospital, the doctor ordered Rx a change to a CPAP with different settings. In his order he included a new machine. A new machine was not possible since I had not used machine for the required 5 years. The outcome: stayed with the Respironics BiPAP but it was converted to CPAP with different settings.
October 2017:
1. Today, received my new DreamStations BiPAP Pro Hum DOM Cellular Modem. What is the problem? The machine is set up as a BiPAP and different settings (believe the settings from June 2012 are being used) while I have been using the BiPAP "converted to CPAP for 2 years with different settings."
2. In other words, the doctor issued a Rx for a new "BiPAP" machine, with new settings to replace CPAP machine I have been using for 2 years, he did this without any examination, no discussion with me, and no new sleep study. I tried using the new BiPAP and have a very hard time breathing.

[Pugsy]

So what settings were you using on the old machine and why can't you duplicate those settings on the new machine?

[no1texan]

Thanks for your reply. From the beginning of using first the machine as a BiPAP in 2012, I was told the settings should be changed only in consultation with the doctor, i.e. the doctor makes the decision on the settings based on what he finds in hearing from the patient, other observations and when needed, a sleep study. None of this was done when the new Rx was given for my new machine. The Rx from the doctor stated a BiPAP even though the same doctor has had me using the same machine but converted to a CPAP for the last two years and at a lesser setting. Again, this done without discussion with me, examination or possibly a sleep study.

[Pugsy]

Well either get with the doctor or change it yourself...it's not hard.
People do it all the time but you would have to know what your old settings were to know what to change it to.
Go here and request the manual for your new machine. Even if you don't want to try changing the pressure yourself there's still good information in it and if you do want to change it the manual explains how to get into the ultra secret menu where settings can be changed.

http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

[LSAT]

Sounds like your doctor may have some relationship with the DME. $$$ to be made when you change machines.

[JimW159]

I suspect what happened is that the DME set up the machine with the settings from the initial Rx. Either they just never read beyond the initial order or just didn't update your file with the new instructions. Set it yourself and run it by your doc at your next visit - just tell him/her "the DME set the new machine to your original order; I assumed you wanted to maintain the change to CPAP rather than BiPap - is that correct?"

[RicaLynn]

I suspect what happened is that the DME set up the machine with the settings from the initial Rx. Either they just never read beyond the initial order or just didn't update your file with the new instructions. Set it yourself and run it by your doc at your next visit - just tell him/her "the DME set the new machine to your original order; I assumed you wanted to maintain the change to CPAP rather than BiPap - is that correct?"

+1

[SewTired]

Did it occur to you to CALL THE DOCTOR and ask why the settings were changed? He probably made a mistake. When it doubt, call the doc for an explanation.