Help Ordering New CPAP

[newt0n]

I am looking to purchase a Resmed Airsense 11 (out of pocket) because my medical provider only provides Phillips products. I am a 100% Disabled Veteran getting my care directly from the VA.

Anyhow, I was looking for somewhere or someway to purchase this unit without having to go through Dr appointments etc. I am not sure if I can get the VA to provide me my prescription or not. Basically I am lost as to what steps I should be taking next. There seems to be a lot of sketchy websites etc

[Miss Emerita]

I hope your VA doctor will do the right thing. Prescriptions for PAP machines can also be written by nurse practitioners and dentists, if that's of any help to you. Do you already use a machine or have a copy of your sleep study? That might help if you approach someone other than your usual doctor.

Forum member LSAT sometimes has lightly used machines for sale, so you might send him a private message to alert him to your needs. You might also phone Second Wind to see how they might be able to help you. They are a trusted vendor.

ResMed machines are somewhat scarce and expensive these days because of the PR recall. In your place, I'd be open to getting a lightly used ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset or ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset For Her.

[Pugsy]

The AirSense 11 model machines are in very short supply.
Not really any available as an online purchase. Even short in availability for DME equipment supplier brick and mortar stores.

Why are you specifically wanting AirSense 11 model?
Exactly which model are you wanting?

Are you aware that the AirSense 10 models do the same thing in terms of therapy functions?

Are you aware that pretty much any online supplier is going to require a prescription?

[SleepGeek]

I am looking to purchase a Resmed Airsense 11 (out of pocket) because my medical provider only provides Phillips products. I am a 100% Disabled Veteran getting my care directly from the VA.

Anyhow, I was looking for somewhere or someway to purchase this unit without having to go through Dr appointments etc. I am not sure if I can get the VA to provide me my prescription or not. Basically I am lost as to what steps I should be taking next. There seems to be a lot of sketchy websites etc

IF you are registered with the VA you can get a cpap from them.

You will need to provide your primary doc with a copy of your sleep study. Hopefully, you have one or can request a copy. IF not you will need to do a sleep study there. Much easier and faster if you can provide a copy.

The VA is setup like an HMO so you start everything with your primary who will have to refer you.

Is there a reason you want an A11 cpap as opposed to an A10?

The VA deals in both Resmed and Philips tho I doubt they will dispense a Philips these days. If you are skillful you can negotiate the cpap and mask mfg. Always request an Auto cpap at the very least.

Sorry, I don't think the VA will dispense any medical equipment w/o a Dr. appt. or test result to document the reason. Esp. being an HMO style operation.

[JLROhio]

I am a 100% Disabled Veteran getting my care directly from the VA.

...I am not sure if I can get the VA to provide me my prescription or not. Basically I am lost as to what steps I should be taking next.

As SleepGeek wrote above, you can get your CPAP machine prescribed (and provided for) by the VA.

Since you indicated that you are getting your care directly from the VA, you will need to have your Primary Care Doc at the VA refer you over to the sleep clinic at your location (or refer you out to Community Care if they cannot refer you to their sleep clinic within 28 days).

If you're already working with your VA Sleep Clinic (or prosthetics department for CPAP equipment), I'm very curious as to why you indicate they would only provide you with a Philips CPAP? If I was you, I would strongly insist that you will ONLY accept a ResMed device based upon the recent history of Philips CPAP's and the materials they use in their machines.

We seem to be missing some pieces of your VA CPAP saga. There are a few VA patients up here and have some experiences to share with you.

Some missing pieces:
- Have you been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea AND does the VA know you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea?
- Does the VA have a copy of your Sleep Study?
- Have you already been referred to your VA Sleep Clinic (or prosthetics dept for supplies) by your VA Primary Care Doc?


Also, as SleepGeek questioned, why would you want an AirSense 11 vs. an AirSense 10? ResMed is still in full production of the AirSense 10 machines and there is a known supply chain (and probably plenty of supplies for the AirSense 10 vs the 11). I don't know this for a fact, but if AirSense 10's are rolling off the assembly line, I'm sure the software is probably the same as in the 11's or the 11's are still using the same algorithms' and software as the AS 10's. (someone will confirm or refute I'm sure).

FYI...I get my supplies from the VA as well. I've been waiting on a replacement CPAP machine for a few months now - hopefully they send me a AirSense 10, as I have a TON of supplies for the AirSense 10. If I get sent an AirSense 11, I'll be having a AirSense 10 supplies party giveaway!

[SleepGeek]

For the record - IF the VA doesn't have a mask or some other accessory you need or want to try AND you are on Medicare OR have other health insurance (OHI) you can certainly order your supplies from another DME who accepts your insurance.

IME - even tho the VA is a Federal organization not all locations operate the same.

So don't be discouraged if the VA can't or won't supply you with what you want - just use your OHI (Other Health Insurance).

HTH

[Deborah K.]

By law, your doctor has to supply you with your prescription if you request it. Just ask.

[MPC]

Ordering a cpap machine from the VA will takes weeks and weeks and weeks. Everyone is out of Resmed.I got tired of waiting for a new Dreamstation from them. I submitted my recall in June. That’s 8 months ago. No one knows how long it’s going to take. I got real tired of the blaming of the companies and passing the buck. Phillips is a real shady company! I just bought a Resvent iBreeze and like it. No more worries about what I’m breathing in. Out of pocket…but solved my problem!

[chunkyfrog]

Knockoffs are better than nothing.
And when you get a Resmed, the resvent can be the travel/backup/loaner unit.
I urge you to keep trying to get a good machine.