DME doesn't want to give me the machine I want.

[Beulah]

I could use your backup and suggestions.

When I started CPAP last month I just took the machine that the DME gave me, an M Series Plus C-Flex. Since then I've done a lot of reading here.

Since I don't feel that much better and am a bit paranoid that the thing's not working and I have no way of knowing, I would really prefer an M Series Pro C-Flex, just to confirm "how it's going".

My insurance company said as long as it's the same procedure and diagnosis code (which it is) as the original, they don't care at all which machine I use. My problem is with my DME. When I've discussed this with them, their tone is very friendly, but sort of like there's something wrong with me. Remember those Seinfeld episodes where it's in Elaine's medical file that she's "difficult"? Yeah, like that. Right now I'm waiting for the manager to call me back because the DME nurse I've dealt with so far is handing me off to him.

Please remind me that I'm not being a jerk by wanting to know that my therapy is actually working! Please remind me that I shouldn't just shut up and go away when they say things like "Why do you think it's not working?" This is an extremely small town and I wouldn't be surprised if I was the first person to ever even mention the words "data capable" in there. Help!

Paula

[BarryKaraoke]

Please remind me that I'm not being a jerk by wanting to know that my therapy is actually working!

You are NOT being a jerk! You are the customer and they are providing a service. Your prescription is still good. I would call some other DME's in the area, specify that you want a particular machine, and ask if they can provide it. Once you find one, be sure to let your existing DME know that if they don't want to upgrade your machine, you will simply return it and go elsewhere to a more accommodating vendor.

I had to do this very thing to get the machine I wanted. I found another DME that could provide the exact machine I wanted (Apria) and days later I picked it up. It was then very satisfying the next day to return my first basic machine to the local bozos.

[bap40]

How familiar that sounds to me! I have only been doing this therepy for just about 8 weeks. Same story, basic machine etc.. Kept telling me that I didn't need anything more. She had the gall to actually call my reg doc to tell him to tell me that I did not need the machine I was requesting. Luckily my doc saw thru her story. I called the DME at our local hospital.. explained my situation and asked if I could recieve the machine I wanted from them. They said of course! I promptly got together all they would need in the form of paperwork took it to them. The next day I took my machine back to the old DME and basically fired her ass. I recieved the exact machine I wanted to boot. You need to do as soon as possible as it gets harder to do with time and insurance. I also made sure the hospital had been in touch with my insurance and explained the reason's I was changing and they got approval right away. My old DME told me many lies, of which I did not let on I knew.... the final straw was when she gave me a set of nasal pillows with only one set, instead of the 3 that are supposed to be included. I did request the rest when I returned my machine and did get them.

I too live in a very small town and this bad DME used to work at the hospital where I ended up.. they all knew who she was.... didn't seem she was much liked there either.

So, the sooner the better and it can be done. It is just a matter of calling around to any other DME's or your local hospital's department, Insurance, paperwork, doc's order and getting on the ball. I made sure all was in place BEFORE I took back my stuff and fired her.

Good luck and keep us posted. It was due to this board that I ended up not settling for basic.

[Wulfman]

Ask your DME just exactly WHOSE therapy this is going to be.......their's or yours?

Tell them that you know that the "Plus" doesn't give any data other then hours slept/used and that you want to be able to monitor your therapy......so you need the "Pro". Don't let them try to bully you into paying the difference, either.

If you wanted to, you could also ask your insurance provider if they would want to save even more money by letting you buy the machine from an online provider like CPAP.COM and then reimburse you for it. If you/they do the math on what the contract monthly payments are, they'll be able to see that it'll save them (and you) money.

Den

[Beulah]

UPDATE:

YAY! The nurse just called back. They were unaware themselves of the difference between the M Series Pro C-flex and the M Series Plus C-flex. She called the company and got a more in-depth description of their capabilities. SHE'S ALREADY GOT MINE ORDERED! She apologized for not knowing the difference and said she's going to be ordering folks the Pro from now on. She said the difference to them is only $45, and she thinks that's a $45 well spent. I am so happy with her! She said, "Well, of course, you want to know it's working. Who wouldn't?" I love it when things work out! It should be in in a few days.

Barry and Bap40, I'm sorry you had a tougher go of it, but glad that you finally got what you wanted/needed. And thank you for your backup. And Den, I'm thinking the next time I need to change something I'd really like for you to come with me, okay?

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): C-FLEX

[KHENAULT]

Congratulations on three levels:

First for educating your self and learning how to take control of your therapy.
Second for standing up to the DME and getting the machine you want and need.
Third for educating the DME so that those that come after you will get better equipment.

JOB WELL DONE!!!

[Slinky]

Clap, clap!!! Kudos to you, Beulah!! Youse done good. And, we have to give some credit to that DME RT who had the good graces to admit, not only her ignorance of the available options between the Plus and the Pro, to offer her apologies AND to say she'll order the Pro rather than the Plus for all her new clients!!!!

But, it would NOT have happend had it not been for you so - pat yourself on the back for doing not just yourself but also a lot of other new patients a BIG favor!!!!! KUDOs!

[BarryKaraoke]

She said, "Well, of course, you want to know it's working. Who wouldn't?" I love it when things work out! It should be in in a few days.

Barry and Bap40, I'm sorry you had a tougher go of it, but glad that you finally got what you wanted/needed.

Consider yourself lucky you have a RT/DEM that is willing to learn new things! My old DME took the "we know everything, you know nothing" high road and refused to even investigate data capable machines.

You got a good one! Hang on to her!

[Wulfman]

UPDATE:

YAY! The nurse just called back. They were unaware themselves of the difference between the M Series Pro C-flex and the M Series Plus C-flex. She called the company and got a more in-depth description of their capabilities. SHE'S ALREADY GOT MINE ORDERED! She apologized for not knowing the difference and said she's going to be ordering folks the Pro from now on. She said the difference to them is only $45, and she thinks that's a $45 well spent. I am so happy with her! She said, "Well, of course, you want to know it's working. Who wouldn't?" I love it when things work out! It should be in in a few days.

Barry and Bap40, I'm sorry you had a tougher go of it, but glad that you finally got what you wanted/needed. And thank you for your backup. And Den, I'm thinking the next time I need to change something I'd really like for you to come with me, okay?

Congratulations on educating your DME.
(one down and many, many more to go.....)

Would love to if it weren't so far away.
"I was in Philadelphia once.....but it was closed" - W.C. Fields
(actually, I have been through the Philadelphia airport.....late at night)

Best wishes with your NEW toy.

Den

[rux1960]

Congratulations...

what is the difference between the two? I am on a pro but wanted to get the best (the price DME wants is the same for both S8 vantage or remstar- 1875$)...
I get the same attitude they know best and do not easily give me what I want...It is so annoying but you have to learn to keep up and stand up for your right especially they are the ones who have to serve you. Unfortunately they are mostly in power positions from which they take advantage( weather is knowledge, insurance or whatever)...Is till have lots of questions but I will ask them here
Thanks all
RUx

[bap40]

Great Going and hooray to you. It sounds like you got yourself in with a GOOD DME.. it's a relief to know there are a few out there!

Consider yourself a lucky one.

[rested gal]

I am on a pro but wanted to get the best (the price DME wants is the same for both S8 vantage or remstar- 1875$)...

Rux, your profile is showing you as having a resmed S8 Vantage (autopap), not a "pro" machine. "Pro" is the name of a Respironics M series cpap machine.

You asked about the S8 Vantage or the "remstar." I guess you are asking about comparing the S8 Vantage autopap with the Respironics REMstar Auto with A-flex M series machine --

In a nutshell, I'd say these two things would, to me, make the most difference in comparing those two autopaps -- exhalation relief in auto mode, and the software:

Exhalation pressure relief (EPR) cannot be turned on when using the S8 Vantage in auto mode. resmed's EPR can be used with the Vantage only when you set the Vantage to work in plain cpap mode.

Exhalation pressure relief (C-Flex or A-Flex) can be used in the Respironics M series Auto with A-flex when using it in auto mode. You can choose either of those relief features in auto mode. Or you can use C-flex in cpap mode with that machine.

The resmed machines have a better data display on top of the machine if a person is not going to use software.

If a person does want to use software, to get much more detailed data about their treatment from the "Smart Card", Respironics created a very good software for patients to buy if they wish -- Encore Viewer.

[jomac30]

If you're in Auto mode, what's the difference in using A-flex or C-flex?

[MrGrumpy]

[quote="Beulah"]I could use your backup and suggestions.

When I started CPAP last month I just took the machine that the DME gave me, an M Series Plus C-Flex. Since then I've done a lot of reading here.

Since I don't feel that much better and am a bit paranoid that the thing's not working and I have no way of knowing, I would really prefer an M Series Pro C-Flex, just to confirm "how it's going".

My insurance company said as long as it's the same procedure and diagnosis code (which it is) as the original, they don't care at all which machine I use. My problem is with my DME. When I've discussed this with them, their tone is very friendly, but sort of like there's something wrong with me. Remember those Seinfeld episodes where it's in Elaine's medical file that she's "difficult"? Yeah, like that. Right now I'm waiting for the manager to call me back because the DME nurse I've dealt with so far is handing me off to him.

Please remind me that I'm not being a jerk by wanting to know that my therapy is actually working! Please remind me that I shouldn't just shut up and go away when they say things like "Why do you think it's not working?" This is an extremely small town and I wouldn't be surprised if I was the first person to ever even mention the words "data capable" in there. Help!

Paula

[rested gal]

If you're in Auto mode, what's the difference in using A-flex or C-flex?

A-Flex feels a lot more like natural breathing to me. Lessens the feeling of pressure coming back in that you can sometimes feel with C-flex while you're exhaling. Smooths out the pressure transitions. As nice as C-flex can be for breathing out, A-flex makes exhaling even easier and more natural feeling to me.