Got my APAP today..... NOT!

[engrdad]

My appointment with the RT at the DME was today at 4pm. I was scheduled to get my first machine, mask, etc... Fortunately, I decided to print out a picture of the Respironics M-series Auto CPAP w/A-flex (the machine on my script). The machine the RT brought out had Respironics M-series printed on it, but did not have A-Flex noted (as the pic did). I ask about it and the RT said "yes, see" and pointed to the button that said C-flex. I explained the difference to her and showed her the pic I had. She checked and sure enough, she said it was the wrong machine. It did not have A-Flex capability. I thought all the Auto M-series had A-Flex but I guess I was wrong. She apologized many times...

I then asked about the "provider's manual" on my script. Nope, just had the normal user's pamplet. This would not have been so frustrating except that I have been really "anal" about all this on the phone. I went over everything 3 different times on the phone and noted that this script included some things that were not typical. Each time she told me she completely understood.

Sorry to vent, but now I have to wait till next Monday to start my CPAP therapy. I really thought I had a good DME but now I am starting to doubt...

[Goofproof]

Welcome to, "Wonderful DME World", You forgot to ask her what A-Flex was, and why it came after C-Flex but was two letter before C-Flex.

The correct answer is: The people in charge of product promotion, can not say their A, B, C's, correctly, so the just did the best they could. Makes you wonder what next years flavor will start with. Jim

Be careful, by next week that DME may give you a "M"agic Plus.

[WillSucceed]

Really unfortunate Engrdad, that the DME person did not get things right the first time even though you were really clear on the phone prior to the visit.

However, good for you in that you stuck to your guns and called them on the errors. I hope you get the equipment that you want.

[DreamStalker]

I'm not surprised by your outcome today ... happens way too often.

Hope you get it all straightened out ASAP.

[NickD25]

I must have find a nice place because, although I was prescribed a CPAP machine, the rep I talk to today said it wouldn't be a problem changing my CPAP to an APAP even if my doctor is reluctent to use APAPs and BiPAP machines. He said something along the line "in one month, we'll just call him and ask for a APAP prescription, don't worry he'll accept and you'll have an easier time breathing". He seem to really knew why I wanted an APAP and had no objection to it but you can't evaluate a machine properly in a week so it wouldn't go through.

Even if my CPAP works great, I'll make the transition in a month.

[Bookbear]

Sorry to hear of your problem... it's got to be frustrating. Sadly, it's a tale all too often heard here. Stick to your guns and get what's prescribed.

Good luck!

[MRH]

I had the same thing happen to me. I had the Doc write the script specifically for A-Flex. I waited for them to order since they said they were out. Took a week or so, then they told me they had it. So I took off work one afternoon and went to get it. they brought me out the regular Auto with C-flex!!! I told them it wasn't the right one! Told them it was A-flex I was supposed to get, they got a confused panic look and told me that they didn't know about it and did some checking, only to find out I was right So more waiting for them to order the right one, no big deal I had the M series cpap already. I would have been very embaressed if i were them, not to even know about it!! A week later it came in and I got it and a thank you for introducing them to the A-Flex,!

Mark

[KansasRT]

I have to say that sometimes (In my case only, I cannot speak for other DME companies) I will call respironics and order a specific machine with a card reader and everthing. I only order machines with all the bells and whistles. And every once in a while I will open the box and it will be a bare bones machine. They always fix the problem ASAP and makee it simple, but the Aflex, Cflex thing is difficult and the card reader seems to give them problems. I think they are used to companies only ordering bare bones equipment and anything else is extrordinary. I usualy am very meticulous, but I have gotten to the point in my set up instructions to the patient and realized there is no card reader. I guess that means I am human, but I feel really silly. I am not saying that other DME's errors are not intentional, but sometimes it is the companies fault.

[engrdad]

I have to say that sometimes (In my case only, I cannot speak for I am not saying that other DME's errors are not intentional, but sometimes it is the companies fault.

I really thought that this DME was one of the good ones. And I still do not believe that they tried to pawn off a cheaper machine on me purposely. I believe it was just a little laziness and not paying attention to what thier patient is telling them (over & over).

However, I have a habit of always wanting to see the good in people. My wife calls it being naive.

[sonadams1]

You know, my mum's dropping off an insurance card copy at my DME later today (UHC Student Resources is not the same as UHC, which their billing people screwed up, not the fault of the folks I deal directly with), I think I'll relay a hug of some sort.

Have you hugged your not incompetent/evil/ignorant DME today (for those of us lucky ones)?

[Guest]

Sure hate it when that happened