New machine

[jojo2785]

I'm able to return and get a new machine. anyone I want.

if you suggesst 1..let me know.

[dsm]

Sadly not.

The S8 Elite & S8 Elite II are data capable as is the S8 Vantage & S8 Autoset II (new version of the Vantage).

The Escape is (AFAIK) compliance data only. (bummer)

DSM

[jojo2785]

Guess i'll have to call my Dr to see if I can trade up...has anyone done this ?..is there a trial period..I was given 30 days for masks.

[Slinky]

Less than 30 days, call your insurance, don't mention that you have the Escape. Just ask them what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than this one as it gives you more bargaining/negotiating room.

Take that Escape back to the DME supplier. Tell them you expected a fully data capable CPAP and that you want to exchange that Escape for an Elite. Be diplomatic BUT BE FIRM. If necessary remind them that YOU are the one who must sleep w/this CPAP for at least the next 5 years and you want your doctor to have the necessary data to help pinpoint problems should problems arise. If necessary remind them that YOU are paying for this CPAP (makes no difference whether thru insurance or out of pocket). Do NOT let them charge you extra for the upgrade. If you have the option of another local DME supplier here is where your advantage comes. You can return the Escape and go to one of your other optional local DME suppliers.

You might even want to check w/your other optional local DME suppliers to see if they would be willing to provide you w/the Elite before you approach your current DME supplier about the exchange. But you HAVE to do this before their billing cycle and submission to your insurance so you have to do this w/in this first 30 days. The sooner, the better.

[JRI]

I'm not sure if my experience can apply to your situation.

My doctor gave my perscription to the DME they work with prior to my having any input on the selection. I receieved a call from the DME telling me my machine was ready. I asked to view what they were giving me and went to their office where they showed me a ResMed elite II all set up for me. I had done a lot of research and had decided that I wanted the AutoSet II so I did not accept delivery of the elite II.

It did take an extra 3 weeks and I changed the DME but I got what I wanted. The majority of the time was consumed getting the doctor to write the perscription and having the insurance change the approval from one DME to the other.

I would think your experience would be similiar but don't waste any time. I think after 30 days you may run into more difficulty.

[jojo2785]

thank you for the help..i'm curious why you didn't except the elite ?..are you happy with the autoset ?

[brucelegs]

I did the same thing. When I got the call from the DME saying they had my machine ready (from a script from the ENT, I hadn't met with the sleep doc yet) I told them to hold off I wanted to speak to the sleep doc first. I did tell them I wanted the S8 II Autoset. Saw the sleep doc told him the same and he said no problem. ?got my script saying I was very particular about the machine. Called the DME back and told them S8 II Autoset - they said no problem. I go to pick it up excited to have things moving forward. Then I got home and saw they had given me the Vantage - nope I don;t think so. Immediately called them and told them I wanted the Autoset. I did not even plug in the Vantage. A week later I had my Autoset.


don't let them jerk you around - there are plenty of other DME folks who will want your business and all the future supplies you will need over the years. I am a cash cow for them. My insurance covers whatever I want, whenever I want it - heck if I wanted a new mask every WEEK I could get it - I just have to meet my $400 deductible (not a problem this year after my sleep study anyway).

I've got my newly diagnosed friend taking the same approach - they first gave him a Respironics straight CPAP that was quite loud compared to mine - I went over and clued him in - they replaced that with the Vantage - uh, no call them back and tell them you want the Autoset, mega quiet and you can follow your own therapy - he picks it up tomorrow.

[jojo2785]

I think my problem is this..I got my machine where I had my sleep study..But i'm making calls tomorrow..

[sleeplessinaz]

JoJo--I had the escape too at first. I did not have a clue about anything when I first got diagnosed and they took advantage of that. I had it for a year--then lucky for me that I had to change insurance companies and new DME's. SO I went back to my family doctor and had him write me a Brand new script for a new RESMED Elite with humidifier---and I got it under Apria --no problems at all. LOVE the machine!!! Every morning I can see my data so I can follow along that way --or I bought the software and card reader on the Internet awhile ago that I could hook it up to my laptop, and download the data. Just have not done it yet. You do want to get that Elite so you can have data---that Escape has a card in it but like the others have said will only tell you compliance. Good luck and don't wait!!! Try and exchange it before the 30 days are up.

Carrie

[dsm]

JoJo--I had the escape too at first. I did not have a clue about anything when I first got diagnosed and they took advantage of that. I had it for a year--then lucky for me that I had to change insurance companies and new DME's. SO I went back to my family doctor and had him write me a Brand new script for a new RESMED Elite with humidifier---and I got it under Apria --no problems at all. LOVE the machine!!! Every morning I can see my data so I can follow along that way --or I bought the software and card reader on the Internet awhile ago that I could hook it up to my laptop, and download the data. Just have not done it yet. You do want to get that Elite so you can have data---that Escape has a card in it but like the others have said will only tell you compliance. Good luck and don't wait!!! Try and exchange it before the 30 days are up.

Carrie

Re Elite II vs Autoset II. I would seriously say to anyone that the Elite II will do as much as you will ever really want. Most
people who have an Auto sooner or later narrow the range to such a tight band that it really doesn't need to be Auto anymore
& with the EPR II (sharks fin waveform version ) and the ability to set 1 2 or 3 cms gap, you have the best of two good worlds.

However, If I was going for an M-Series machine I would prefer the M-Series Auto rather than the non-Auto model.

DSM

[jojo2785]

I work nites...will be on the phone 1st thing..thank you all.

[jojo2785]

ok..well i'm a happy guy..insurance said take it back and get what you want..all suggestions welcomed.