Do I really need a prescription to get a replacement mask?

[Wuzer]

I have BCBS PPO, after 2 years, my mask finally gave up the ghost and self destructed last night. Local DME takes my insurance but says they need a prescription to replace the mask under insurance.

To get a prescription, I need to see the doctor, the doctor is booked solid for the next month......is the DME being nuts? Can any doctor give an RX for this or does it have to be a 'sleep' doctor? I was thinking I could call my family doctor and she'd probably be happy to call it in.

I tried to call BCBS a little while ago but was on hold forever, I'll try again later.


Thanks,

Cliff

[Wulfman]

I've heard that the local DMEs like to have a prescription from a doctor....which only adds more cost to the already inflated prices that they charge your insurance. It could also be an insurance requirement for reimbursement to the DMEs.

Just go to https://www.cpap.com or http://www.cpapauction.com and buy one out-of-pocket and avoid all the hassles......you do NOT need a prescription to buy one from an Internet seller.

Den

[rested gal]

Can any doctor give an RX for this or does it have to be a 'sleep' doctor? I was thinking I could call my family doctor and she'd probably be happy to call it in

Yes, ANY doctor can write the prescription for a mask. Or even for a machine, for that matter. Doesn't have to be a "sleep doctor" for any of this. You can use your family doctor.

[Wuzer]

Just go to https://www.cpap.com or http://www.cpapauction.com and buy one out-of-pocket and avoid all the hassles......you do NOT need a prescription to buy one from an Internet seller.

Den

Thanks Den, I would definately do this except I neeeeed a mask today, mine is completely useless at this point and I don't have a back up. I called BCBS again and they confirmed that I would need an RX and they also said my family Dr could write it.

Thanks for the replys!

--
Cliff

[jasper]

My family doc wrote a prescription for a mask, no problem. 'Course her husband is on CPAP, so she understands the whole scenario.

Pick up the prescription if you can do so conveniently. Then you can keep it and give a copy to the DME next time. Calling it in would also work.

[yardbird]

I called my regular doctor. Told her I need a mask. "Can you please write me a script for a CPAP mask?"

"Sure! Can you come in and pick it up or do you want me to fax it somewhere?"

"I'll come get it if that's ok."

"it will be at the front desk waiting for you"

Done deal. She wrote a script that simply said "CPAP Mask. Patient Choice"

... or something like that.

When I needed a new machine and my sleep doc very nicely gave me an appointment THREE MONTHS AWAY (grrrrrr...) I called her and she wrote me a script that said, "Auto CPAP". That's what I asked her to write it for and she did.

Done deal.

Bought my machine at cpap.com