Sleep study? Really? Just to get a new machine?

[elmunc]

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in the fall of 2008. I've been using the same CPAP machine ever since then. 100% compliance since night one -- I love it and am glad to know I'm healthier than I'd be without it.

It's time for a new machine!

Since 2008, my overall health has been unchanged (and is generally good). I'm within a few pounds of the same weight as I was. My sleep has remained the same. My wife, who used to hear me gagging throughout the night before CPAP, reports quiet, uneventful nights.

So all I want is a new machine ... but I'm being told that I have to go back for another sleep study. And that means going to the hospital (where the lab is) and spending the night in the hospital environment -- during COVID.

I wanted to tap the expertise of this forum. Is there no way of getting this done these days without spending the night in a lab, with the attendant covid risk (and financial expense)?

[greatunclebill]

if your insurance wants a sleep study, you're kinda stuck with it. if it's a doctor decision, then you'd have to get another doctor. any old doctor can order it for you, if they will. also you can pick one up from people selling them at craigslist, etc.

[Pugsy]

Who is your insurance with?

Have you called up your insurance to see if THEY want/need a new sleep study or not?

Often DMEs or equipment suppliers or doctors say that "your insurance requires this" but in fact it is their own in house policy because they want to make more money.

Always, always verify with your insurance company yourself. Do NOT rely on what a DME or doctor or sleep lab says.
Most insurance will NOT require a new sleep study because they simply don't want to pay for it. It's cheaper just to buy a new machine.

[Goofproof]

What it comes down to is the money you use, yours or OPM. Good machines can be picked up. Buying out of pocket, by-passes the hassles. However, a thought,your new machine will not have the lifespand of your old one. I have 3 machines 3 years older than yours, I'm going to use them until the wheels fall off them. They still have a lot of tread left, but by having 3, I never have to worry if one fails. Jim

[Miss Emerita]

If insurance doesn't require the sleep study for a new scrip but your sleep doctor does, you can get a valid prescription from any MD, dentist, physician's assistant, doctor of osteopathy, naturopathic physician, or nurse practitioner.

[chunkyfrog]

FYI: Elmunc has a history of starting threads, never to return and let us know
if any advice was used, results, or was even read in the first place.
A little feedback might be nice . . .