Newbie - Software for my CPAP machine?

[gadgetgrl]

I got my first CPAP machine this past Tuesday. It came with a ResMed data card. Does that mean that software can be used with my machine? And if so, where do I get the software?

I'd really like to make sure that I'm getting the most benefit out of my CPAP machine.

[Emilia]

Someone who knows more about your machine will be along soon to help you. I believe that machine requires a special card reader, but others who know best will help you.

[6PtStar]

Maybe or maybe not, depends. It must be the Elite or Autoset models in order to record anything except how many hours you were hooked up to it. The card in the bottom line machine is there to make it easier for the Doc or DME to change the settings without bringing the machine in. It also records compliance hours that some insurance companies require. I think the model that does not record data in the ResMad line is the Escape.

Jerry

[jdm2857]

The model you have, the Escape, only keeps track of the number of hours it is used. It has no data that is of any interest to you.

Most DMEs, however, will exchange machines if you complain loudly enough within the first 30 days. The S8 Elite II has the full data that you want. The S8 AutoSet II has the data, and also can automatically adjust the pressure, which is an advantage in many situations.

Above those are the newer S9 series machines. The S9 Elite (no II here) uses the new H5i humidifier which, in combination with the ClimateLine hose, can solve problems with condensation in the hose. The S9 AutoSet also uses this new humidifier, and has automatic pressure adjustment using an improved algorithm over the S8 AutoSet II.

Any of these machines would be a big improvement over what you have now.

When you get your new machine, make another post and we'll help you get the ResScan software.

[jdm2857]

Having your doctor write a new prescription specifying "access to leak and AHI data" or a specific machine (and "dispense as written") can help you get your DME upgrade your machine.

[gadgetgrl]

Thanks for the help. I'll be seeing my doctor soon and will see if I can upgrade my CPAP machine.

[gadgetgrl]

Okay. This is where I am with trying to upgrade my CPAP machine. My doctor wrote the prescription for the Resmed S9 Elite.

The place where I got the S8 Escape was confused as I'd just gotten that machine less than a month beforehand. They've let me know that the insurance carrier will not pay for the second machine so soon after the purchase of the first. They offered to sell the machine to me at cost: $500.

My first reaction was amusement as I saw that they billed the insurance carrier $1400 for the S8 Escape.

I'm leaning towards buying the S9 Elite but wanted to make sure that I understand the benefits. With the S9 Elite and software I would be able to see my API and would be able to adjust the machine's pressure setting accordingly. Is that right?

Thanks.

[robysue]

My first reaction was amusement as I saw that they billed the insurance carrier $1400 for the S8 Escape.

I'm leaning towards buying the S9 Elite but wanted to make sure that I understand the benefits. With the S9 Elite and software I would be able to see my API and would be able to adjust the machine's pressure setting accordingly. Is that right?

With the S9 Elite you will be able to see your AHI. Some basic data can be accessed directly from the S9's LCD. For example, the LCD will give you the AHI, AI, and CI for the whole night. It's easy enough to estimate how many events you had since AHI = (# of events)/(#hours machine ran). So muliplying the LCD AHI by the usage time and rounding UP to the next whole number gives you a good idea of how many events happened last night.

With the Resmed software you'll be able to see much more detailed data such as when any events are occurring, what kind of events are occurring, the duration of each event, and your full leak data (the LCD seems to only report the 95% leak rate), among other things. The software is not available for sale, but it can be downloaded.

So, yes, it's well worth it to upgrade your S8 Escape to the S9 Elite.

As to how to prevent both you and your insurance company from getting fleeced by that DME that wants to (a) still charge your insurance company the full $1400 for the S8 Escape and (b) get $500 more from you for the S9, I can only make the following suggestions:

1) Call the DME and tell them that your doctor has decided that the Escape machine is "medically unacceptable" and that is why he/she wrote you the new prescription that specifies the S9 Elite and tell them that you expect them to provide you with the appropriate machine AND to bill your insurance company for the correct machine. Be polite, but insistent. Tell them that if they will not exchange the machines due to the prescription change, that you will inform your insurance company since your insurance company should not be billed for the wrong equipment.

2) Call your insurance company and tell them the doctor has revised your prescription and that you now require a different machine than the one the DME provided. And then tell them exactly what the DME told you. And see what they say. I bet the insurance company could put some real pressure on the DME in order to get them to take the original machine back (so that they're NOT charged for it) AND issue you the new one in it's place for no additional charge. Most insurance companies bill CPAP machines by code and both your old S8 Escape and the new S9 have the same equipment code.

2) If your doctor's office recommended the DME, call the doctor's office and tell them that the DME is unwilling to let you exchange the Escape for the S9 and that you believe his/her office should no longer refer patients to that DME.

Good luck

[jdm2857]

gadgetgrl --

Check your PMs for info about using the S9 and the software for it.