Paying for mask fittings

[betty303]

I would be curious how much (or even IF) people are paying for their mask fittings.

I just got my insurance statement about a mask fitting I had at the sleep center where I had my study done and it was for $275! Soon after, I went for a second fitting (before I knew what they charged) when the mask they recommended did not work out. (I bought the mask somewhere else, because the Sleep Center cannot bill through insurance.) Now I have a second statement for another $275!

Gadzooks - I could bought the masks I was trying out!

The Sleep Center does sell masks (usually at a significantly higher than our hosts) and I have been talking about buying one from them if I can find one that really works (they loaned me one for 2 weeks), so it doesn't seem like this charge has anything to do with whether or not you purchase a mask.

I will say that the person who worked with me trying to get something to fit, was the first person I have found that knew what he was doing and I got to try them out lying on a bed and with my pressure. When my DME was helping me, I was sitting in a chair and the second time, I had pressure only because I took in my machine with me. But they were free.

What are other people's experience?

[Slinky]

I was in twice to my sleep lab for a fitting. But then they knew the DME and I were NOT seeing eye to eye and also that the DME RT wasn't good at and didn't have the proper facilities/equipment to properly fit a mask. I was NOT charged a penny either time! Nor was my insurance.

[Goofproof]

My Dr. ordered a new mask, I went into Lincare gave them the script. They made me have a fitting and charged the INS when no fitting was needed. (I have always known which way was UP.) The hard part is getting the package open, not a problem with Lincare, because everything has already been opened. (and tried on someone else)

They do Milk everything for all they can get, a year before it wasn't done like that, they have got smarter at overcharging now, they even call me, to pump me into getting supplies. (Which are never the same as I have ordered.) Jim

[lvwildcat]

Gee-I never even had an actual fitting, The doctor wrote the script for the mask that I used at my study-was lucky enough that it comes with small;medium and large cushion packaged.

[Wulfman]

Betty,

You (or your insurance) received TWO bills for $275?
Have you called them to get an explanation?
Maybe they "accidentally" double billed.
Do I understand correctly that you didn't even get a mask for either of the $275 charges?

Den

[betty303]

Den

Yes there were two charges for two different dates (I had two sessions) and on the second one, I took one mask home for a week trial - F&P 431.

I kept working with the Hybrid for that week, so emailed them to see if I could keep it one extra week - no problem. I sent in several reports of my progress (and lack of progress) and finally after the third week, they said to just keep it - no charge. I was pleased until I realized that this mask was actually a $550!!

The guy who heads up the sleep study center is the one who does the fittings, and he is great to work with, is helpful and informative. I definitely WILL call him, but I wanted to see what others had experienced to see what ground I could stand on when I talk with him.

There was never any mention of a charge and the whole process was quite casual, so the billing took me by surprise.

It is helpful to know other people's experience about their fittings.

[Swolcott]

Not as expensive but when I got my first mask I was also surprised by a charge. The RT asked me if I was a mouth breather. I said I really don't know but since I snore my guess would be yes. He gave me a ultra mirage FF mask. First he measured me for a medium and then brought a small out. When I questioned him he just said. This one fits you. In the fitting which was only done in a chair and I am a side sleeper he put it on and just kept tightening the straps until the leak stopped. Did give me a couple of hints on cleaning the mask but that was all. They charged me (my insurance)$50 which I did not realize until I got home. The first night was fair. Then I had problems. I watched the DVD that came with the mask and realized the RT had no idea what he was doing. I did like the mask but I kept having leaks and my Right eye would be swollen every morning. I happened to see the RT two weeks later and told him about it. His response was. Just keep using it for a few more weeks and if it doesn't get better come in. Now I realize that I missed my 30 day window to exchange the mask. So sure enough my insurance was charged for a second mask. I am lucky that my deductable is paid for the year because otherwise I would have paid $350 out for something that didn't fit me right in the first place.

Sorry this is long but it does feel good to vent!

Sam