Discontinued BiPAP M Series

[Matphoto]

Recently I was diagnosed with SOSA. My doctor without telling me sent the information to a provider who then came to my home with a machine, the Respironics BiPAP Plus M series. I received it on 11-2-2010 It has the humidifier attached to it which I now understand is not part of the rental and Medicare and my PPO will pay for it. This is a machine that has been discontinued effective 1-29-10 as noted in the following pdf. Please review by copying and pasting, http://mseries.respironics.com/pdf/MSer ... n_2010.pdf If after 13 months where do I stand with getting a new machine when I now own it? There is no support after 2015 and the M series humidifiers are not compatable with the equivalent PR System One Model. Am I getting dupped by the provider or what?

[resp1962]

The keys thing here is the doctor...Call him ASAP...If he scripted for the CPAP machine, the humidifier is now considered a "bundled" rental charge through Medicare... A few years ago the M.D had to include a humidifier in the prescription for Medicare to cover but no longer needed. Now, onto the rental. Usually , Medicare will pay for rental anywhere from 6-9 months then you own. I would take your discontinue reference to M.D. but find an alternate brand and model with any options so that he will write the script...

[Matphoto]

What I did not tell you is that I went to the doctor on 11-29-10 and he gave me a new script for what I thought was a different machine. At that time I was not aware it was a discontinued model. I was complaining the pressure was great after the 45 minutes when it reached maximum pressure. He said it needed to be auto and be able to respond to my needs and I would be more comfortable. The provider then said. Oh, we can take care of it. Just send us the smart card and we will update the new settings and check on your usage. They I assume will be sending me the Smart Card back. The doctor is not aware of or did he prescribe a specific machine. I think I may have to go to my PPO and stop these guys dead in their tracks to find out what is or is not permissable.

[Slinky]

Resp1962, WHEN did Medicare change to a 6-9 months rental of an xPAP??? To the best of my knowledge, Medicare has insisted on a 13 month rental before the capped rental is paid in full and ownership reverts to the patient. Is this something new??

MattPhoto, assuming you have no secondary insurance DME coverage, call the various local DME providers and ask them if they accept Medicare (most do) and if they provide the PR SystemOne Auto. Shop those that do looking for one w/a lenient mask exchange policy and staff that you feel you will be comfortable working with.

You have 30 days from the day you got this M Series PAP to return it. Return the entire kit and kaboodle including humidifier. Then take a copy of your script to the new local provider you feel you will be comfortable with.

If you have secondary insurance DME coverage, call your secondary insurance and ask them what local DME CPAP providers they are contracted with. Then shop those local DME providers. Find the one you feel most comfortable with and give them the copy of your script.

[GumbyCT]

Recently I was diagnosed with SOSA. My doctor without telling me sent the information to a provider who then came to my home with a machine, the Respironics BiPAP Plus M series. I received it on 11-2-2010 It has the humidifier attached to it which I now understand is not part of the rental and Medicare and my PPO will pay for it. This is a machine that has been discontinued effective 1-29-10 as noted in the following pdf. Please review by copying and pasting, http://mseries.respironics.com/pdf/MSer ... n_2010.pdf If after 13 months where do I stand with getting a new machine when I now own it? There is no support after 2015 and the M series humidifiers are not compatable with the equivalent PR System One Model. Am I getting dupped by the provider or what?

While you could try using the fact this is an M series to get another, I think you first need to spend some time here reading + learning which makes/models offer Advanced Data and Even Response also. I have used an M series BiPap since 2007 with out any problems. Mine is a BiPap Auto yours is a BiPap Plus.

The earlier Respironics models with the word "Plus" in them is the clue that is does NOT offer the kind of data and event detection you will need to be successful. While DME's are well aware of this distinction they will just about force these models on folks who don't understand the difference - because the machine cost them less but the insurance pays them the same amount of money as if you got the top-of-line machine.

I am trying to let you know the M series machine are good machines - it is the "Plus" models you don't want for any reason, even a loaner because you can't tell if you are leaking which is the key to being successful. Leaks are the biggest problem and NO you won't always feel these leaks cuz let's face it - you are sleeping.

So read + learn. Ask questions. You have found the BEST forum on the internet.

Welcome to CPAPTalk and Good Luck.

[LoQ]

Personally I would be a little wary about buying any machine made by Respironics. Word on the street is that Philips has been dismantling operations at Respironics since acquiring them, though I have no first-hand knowledge.

[Matphoto]

Well, I am happy to say I have conquered the healthcare provider beast. They say they will give me the BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex DS750 HS in an exchange out for the discontinued BiPAP Plus M series with heated humidifier. That note to the provider in a previous post and the fact that the delivery ticket was contradictory on the specific model, they gave in to my wishes. If they have a long term customer then it might be worth it to them to keep me as a customer. But, the way it was going for me up to now, I was about ready to file a grievance with my insurance and a complaint to the NYS AG office. By the way make sure, if you have a problem, go to the state AG office website and look at what you need to do if you feel you have been wronged by the provider.

[GumbyCT]

Good job...now you can get data too. Have you tried it out yet?

ps. I wouldn't worry about Respironics (PR) going anywhere.

[Matphoto]

The machine will be delivered Friday. I plan to use the Swift LT nasal pillow head gear in combination with a chin strap because the Liberty Mirage is useless. They fitted me with a small and my lower jaw falls out of the mouth cover. The pillows do not stay in your nose. The price is terrible. It is hard to believe that people can stand that system. Leaking was a common complaint and the BiPAP Plus Series M machines give you no indication of what is wrong.

[GumbyCT]

The machine will be delivered Friday.

So it's not over yet...watch them - with both eyes. The make + model of the machine should be clearly written across the top of the machine.
Very simply, if it doesn't say "BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex" right on top of it - then it is NOT.

Leaking was a common complaint and the BiPAP Plus Series M machines give you no indication of what is wrong.

And that is a problem.

[GumbyCT]

What I did not tell you is that I went to the doctor on 11-29-10 and he gave me a new script for what I thought was a different machine. At that time I was not aware it was a discontinued model. I was complaining the pressure was great after the 45 minutes when it reached maximum pressure. He said it needed to be auto and be able to respond to my needs and I would be more comfortable. The provider then said. Oh, we can take care of it. Just send us the smart card and we will update the new settings and check on your usage. They I assume will be sending me the Smart Card back. The doctor is not aware of or did he prescribe a specific machine. I think I may have to go to my PPO and stop these guys dead in their tracks to find out what is or is not permissable.

Whatever was the outcome?

[Matphoto]

Just to let you all know, I am now the proud recipient of a new Resperonic System One BIPAP Auto machine with humidifier. My doctor was of no use. (It's time for a new doctor) He claims that he only writes the script and I had to deal with the DME supplier. I did, but not without anxiety for 30 days dealing with the discontinued Resperonics model. He did change the script for the Auto BIPAP so everything is now fine. I am 100% in compliance with its use.

[robysue]

Congrats on the new machine and the successful battle with the doctor and the DME.

And now it's time to remember to update your equipment list here in at cpaptalk