prescription

[walter]

I have been using a cpap machine for years. I need a new machine but my doctor wants me to have a new expensive sleep study first. I am going to get an M series Auto CPAP and can't afford a sleep study when I just need a functioning machine. Does anyone know where I can get a prescription for a new machine or someplace I can order from that wouldn't require a prescription. Thanks.

[wlo2008]

No DME or online store will give you a machine with out an RX. The only other option would be going on craigslist and seeing if anyone in your area is selling one you need. Ebay will not let anyone sell cpap machines anymore do to the RX issue. So this would be your only other option.

Another option would be to switch doctors. Or ask him to do a home study. But sense it has been years, I can see why he wants a sleep study done. You may not be able to bypass the sleep study with other doctors as well. Do you not have any insurance that will cover some of the cost of the sleep study?

[JeffH]

From what I understand your Rx is good for life. Send it to cpap.com and get what you want WITHOUT the docs being involved.

[CorgiGirl]

My husband just ran into this. His sleep study was 5 years ago.

First, he just saw a new sleep doctor who did not require a new sleep study, just a copy of the original one. I'd try changing doctors, if you can.

However, the DME did require a new prescription for a machine, so the original prescription is not good for life, unfortunately. Does anyone know how long a CPAP prescription lasts before expiring? Medication prescriptions are one year, but this isn't exactly the same....

[bap40]

I am also under the impression that prescriptions are good for life. Two different DME's told me this when I started therapy.

[wlo2008]

From what I understand your Rx is good for life. Send it to cpap.com and get what you want WITHOUT the docs being involved.

I think the RX has to say the type of machine. At least that is what I was told when I went on line to get mine done. My Neurologist had to word it just right to get my machine Resperonics Bipap Auto SV. Infact he worded something wrong and they faxed it back to him to correct it.

[wlo2008]

My husband just ran into this. His sleep study was 5 years ago.

First, he just saw a new sleep doctor who did not require a new sleep study, just a copy of the original one. I'd try changing doctors, if you can.

However, the DME did require a new prescription for a machine, so the original prescription is not good for life, unfortunately. Does anyone know how long a CPAP prescription lasts before expiring? Medication prescriptions are one year, but this isn't exactly the same....

you are correct about RX are only good for a year. That is why when an RX runs out, you have to go back to your doc and have him right a new one. I just assume all RX's are the same. I had to get a new one when they changed machines on me.

[wlo2008]

I am also under the impression that prescriptions are good for life. Two different DME's told me this when I started therapy.

This also could be diffrent for each state.

[Wulfman]

A prescription for medications is good for one year or until they are taken (then it's up to the doctor to renew or require another visit to rewrite).

A prescription for XPAP machines is good for life with (most) online sellers. With brick & mortar DMEs it's more subjective (to their interpretation, from what I've read). However, a doctor can note on the prescription something like "99 months", (also from my readings here). Masks are somewhat the same thing, although there is no requirement for an Rx to buy online (at this time).

Den

[wlo2008]

A prescription for medications is good for one year or until they are taken (then it's up to the doctor to renew or require another visit to rewrite).

A prescription for XPAP machines is good for life with (most) online sellers. With brick & mortar DMEs it's more subjective (to their interpretation, from what I've read). However, a doctor can note on the prescription something like "99 months", (also from my readings here). Masks are somewhat the same thing, although there is no requirement for an Rx to buy online (at this time).

Den

I guess it is all about doing research with what online companies will and will not. Also some insurance companies will not honor online Cpaps. So it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider to check this out. It may be an out of pocket cost.

With this in mind and the RX is good for life depending on the place you go to get your machine. Does the RX have to just CPAP or does it have to name that type of Cpap. I know with my DME it did. And corrections needed to be made before they would feel the order. Can you go and switch to a Bipap if the RX says CPAP. Will online companys and other DME's honor this. Or is this a state by state and each place has there own rules type of thing?

[Slinky]

My understanding is that an Rx for a CPAP is good for life w/online DME suppliers for either a CPAP or an auto CPAP (auto CPAPs are considered CPAPs).

However, bi-levels are an entirely new ballgame. So far as I understand it a bi-level Rx is also good for life w/online DME suppliers, but only for a bi-level or auto bi-level, not for a CPAP or auto CPAP.

Rx's are NOT NEEDED for masks, hoses, etc. via online DME suppliers.

[wlo2008]

My understanding is that an Rx for a CPAP is good for life w/online DME suppliers for either a CPAP or an auto CPAP (auto CPAPs are considered CPAPs).

However, bi-levels are an entirely new ballgame. So far as I understand it a bi-level Rx is also good for life w/online DME suppliers, but only for a bi-level or auto bi-level, not for a CPAP or auto CPAP.

Rx's are NOT NEEDED for masks, hoses, etc. via online DME suppliers.

Ok that makes sense on why they made my doc make the corrections to the RX before they would feel it. Because it went from a Cpap to a Bilevel.

But yes no RX for hoses, masks, filters, software and so on. You can even get those on Ebay

[Guest]

RX *IS* required from whichever entity sells you a mask if it is a FDA-regulated item. Just because some online retailer made its own decision not to require an RX - they mave have to answer for that perhaps at a later date to the FDA.

Net, if you dispense FDA-regulated items you have to collect an Rx. It's really that simple.

[JeffH]

RX *IS* required from whichever entity sells you a mask if it is a FDA-regulated item. Just because some online retailer made its own decision not to require an RX - they mave have to answer for that perhaps at a later date to the FDA.

Net, if you dispense FDA-regulated items you have to collect an Rx. It's really that simple.

sick'em DreamStalker...LOL

[Hawthorne]

Do you have the prescription for you current, old machine? If you do and it says "cpap" on it, you can fax or upload it to cpap.com or other online supplier and they will sell you a new cpap or autopap with that prescription.