Handling Doctor and DME

[Madalot]

Because I have gotten a lot of good information and excellent suggestions, I wanted to post and tell you all what I opted to do with respect to my doctor and my DME.

My DME is very new at this type of service and have obviously got a few issues. I have NOT been told very important information, like the best way to clean my mask, what products NOT to use and that when you have oxygen through your machine, it's very important that the oxygen/machine be turned on and off in a certain order so you don't get an oxygen build up in your machine. I've also been given downright wrong information, like the one that brought me here where my DME changed the Auto On feature to OFF, claiming it was the automatic feature to regulate breathing when in reality it is the feature to turn the machine on automatically.

I called them and in the spirit of us all resolving these things, both for me and them, we discussed it. I outlined all my concerns and they agreed that these are serious issues that they need to know about and fix. They also said that my machine, and any possible problems with it (ie it not always blowing at the prescribed inhale pressure) need to be addressed and resolved NOW. They also agreed that they are very new at this service and need this type of feedback to know how they're doing and areas they need to work on. Cross your fingers that this works out and doesn't end up biting me in the butt.

I also sent an email to my doctor, basically thanking her for all she's done and continues to do, and gave her an update on how I'm doing. I asked her a few questions about my therapy and what she's prescribed so that I can be sure my DME is actually giving me what she asked for. I should hear from her within a day or two, hopefully.

I'm hoping that doing these two things (and I tried my best to do them in a positive manner) will make it easier for everyone to get me where I need to be and keep me there.

[mattman]

It's amazing what people can accomplish when they sit down and talk like rational adults isn't it? There's pretty much nothing that can't get done when you just talk TO people rather than AT them.

Glad things seem to be moving in a positive way for you and it definately sounds like you're starting out with a great company.

mattman

[Madalot]

[quote="mattman"]It's amazing what people can accomplish when they sit down and talk like rational adults isn't it? There's pretty much nothing that can't get done when you just talk TO people rather than AT them.

Well, unfortunately, this isn't the way it ended up happening. The woman that I originally spoke with, that DID respond in this manner, simply told my RT that I had some concerns and had her call me. She showed her true colors yesterday and those colors are that she knows what she's doing, is doing the best she can, was very defensive and obviously really angry that I was questioning them in any way whatsoever. She swears that she was in the clinical menu when changing the options, but I was sitting right there and she wasn't. When I tried to point out instances where I have been given downright wrong information, she either ignored it or claimed she was just trying everything she could think of.

I'm not sure what will happen, but I suspect I'll be parting ways with them and finding me a new DME.

For me, I can totally handle people that are still learning and getting their feet wet, but a person needs to take responsibility for their mistakes. My RT did not take any responsibility at all. She just got nasty with me.

[roster]

My DME is very new at this type of service and have obviously got a few issues. .... Cross your fingers that this works out and doesn't end up biting me in the butt.

New at this type of service? The DMEs I have dealt with have been doing it for ten and fifteen years and aren't any better.

Better keep your butt covered or it will be badly scarred.

Don't depend on the luck of crossed fingers. Cross swords instead and make sure yours comes out on top.

It sounds like you want to take control, so just do it.

[Madalot]

I must tell you -- that sometimes you guys just crack me up with your replies!!! Considering that I have been pretty stressed and upset over all this, having some of these replies just makes me laugh!!

My doctor replied to my email and based on what she has said, I think I've figured out what is happening on my machine (and it agrees with some of the responses I've gotten here). My bipap is set to a straight 12/6, and I think that the sensitivity isn't set high enough to always recognize that I've inhaled, thus it's not changing to the 12 every time. It's either that, or the machine just isn't sensitive enough OR the machine is malfunctioning.

Despite the harsh words with my DME yesterday, she agreed to swap out the machine in case it's malfunctioning, but they don't have the same model in stock and won't be getting it until next week.

I don't necessarily want to take control, but I also don't want to blindly let my DME do things/not do things without my knowing and understanding the why's and what for's that go along with it. And despite her agreement to continue to try to resolve these issues, I feel I need to understand and watch her carefully to make sure she's doing things properly, based on what my doctor has ordered.

[JohnBFisher]

... For me, I can totally handle people that are still learning and getting their feet wet, but a person needs to take responsibility for their mistakes. My RT did not take any responsibility at all. She just got nasty with me. ...

Though you got some better response, I would continue to start the process of shopping around. While I realize it's an all too common response (at the following image shows), you need better from your DME.

[Bear100]

I have gone through 5 DMEs untill I found one that has good service, and most importantly is knowledgeable. They carry all the major brands, so I can get what I want. My Doctor was very supportive through the process, as he feels that anything to ensure compliance is important. So don't be afraid to switch DMEs if they don't provide adquate service.

Bear 100

[Madalot]

I think that I should start shopping for a new DME, but there are a couple of problems in doing that. I live in rural area and we don't have a ton of choices for providers that are reasonably close. The other problem is that this is the same DME that handles my powerchair, so I need to be extra careful about burning bridges with them.

:::sigh::: I never wanted to be on breathing equipment. I told my husband I wouldn't do this. And because my issues are related to a progressive neuromuscular disease, my issues will continue change and worsen over time. And I truly did not want to do this.

But I relented because my kids are still at home and need me, plus I know my husband wants me around. So, I got my attitude right and decided to do this, despite my deep desire to just let things happen and not go this route. And now I have to deal with this nonsense with my DME.

[Bear100]

Keep at it, CPAP treatement is vital to those of with Sleep Apnea. A good Doctor and DME are required to get it under controll. I too was frustrated in locating the DME, and challenged my Doctor. He gave me a list, and told me which he thought were good, but he would be willing to work with any DME. So just start going through the internet or yellow pages for those near you. Ask questions, get references, move on if you don't like what you hear. This investment in time will pay off, stay strong.

Bear100

[jnk]

I would ask to use a ResMed autobilevel as a loaner in the meantime, with the sensitivity increased for sensing breathing in--ideally, this one, since it has a timed backup to initiate breathe-in pressure whenever needed:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

And ideally, it should be set up by an experienced RT who has set such machines up before.

[carbonman]

I live in rural area and we don't have a ton of choices for providers that are reasonably close. The other problem is that this is the same DME that handles my powerchair, so I need to be extra careful about burning bridges with them.

And now I have to deal with this nonsense with my DME.

In the time you will spend fretting and trying to make
the DME fix everything for you, you could spend
educating yourself and take charge.

You don't need to burn any bridges.
You will know exactly what you need from them
and when you need it, make exactly sure what
you are getting is exactly what you need.
You no longer will "have to deal with this nonsense with my DME. "

I learned early on that the DME I have to deal with is
incompetent and ignorant. I accept that.
When I need something, I spell it out for them.
If I don't get what I want, we do it again until I do.
All very nicey-nice.

Being educated and in control is much more comfortable
than worring and wondering if the information I am given is correct.

I don't think any hose head wanted this.
I know I certainly didn't.....but I'm very thankful it's there for me.

[Madalot]

Hi Carbonman --

I was really hoping I could do exactly what you said -- just take charge and tell them what I needed done and just make them do it. Unfortunately, my RT has proven to be one of those people that thinks she knows best and once you let her know, that YOU know, she's screwed up, doesn't take kindly to it. I was kind of shocked at her nastiness yesterday. I spent 27+ years in customer service and I guarantee that I would have been fired for treating a customer the way she treated me yesterday.

But -- I'm not ready to give up on them completely yet. I'm going to make a few more attempts at exactly what you suggested. Educating myself on what I need (and my doctor was great in giving me information in my last email) and letting my DME know that I know and understand and NOT let them do things or tell me things that are inaccurate.

It's all I can at this point.

[jnk]

I know what you are thinking, carbonman. And, no, I don't think it is time to assemble the marchers, signs, and bullhorns just yet.

Although, when it is, I should be able to get to any DME location in Virginia in about 10 hours.

[rested gal]

I know what you are thinking, carbonman. And, no, I don't think it is time to assemble the marchers, signs, and bullhorns just yet.

Heck. So... well, then...how about passing out torches and pitchforks? Huh? huh? huh?

[jnk]

I know what you are thinking, carbonman. And, no, I don't think it is time to assemble the marchers, signs, and bullhorns just yet.

Heck. So... well, then...how about passing out torches and pitchforks? Huh? huh? huh?

I stopped mentioning "torches" for legal reasons once I partially compromised my anonymity. But I think carbonman knew what I meant with my use of the codeword "marchers."

ps-Please note, Madalot, that this is our way of expressing how mad it makes us all when we hear about uncooperative DMEs. We get emotional about it too and have the overwhelming desire to DO something about it beyond online help. I hope you get that.