Reasons for auto bipap

[ZeroDigger]

I've recently been prescribed a bipap instead of the auto cpap that I've been using for two months. According to my DME, the prescription is for a straight bipap. I thought I recently saw some good arguments for having an auto version instead, but my searches haven't been able to find them. Could anyone supply some good reasons for having an auto bipap that I could take to my doctor in an attempt to have him rewrite the prescription?

The prescribed pressures are 11-18. Some nights on my apap I never go above 15.

The insurance is medicare.

Thanks in advance.

[jnk]

The arguments for an auto are the same for a single-pressure machine or for a two-pressure machine. Auto is auto. So every argument you might find for using an auto is an argument that can be used for using an autobilevel.

Pressure needs vary during the night and vary night to night. I need higher pressures during allergy season than I need during the winter, for example. I need higher pressures when sleeping on my back than I do on my side. Using an auto is a way to be the most comfortable and the most successful with my therapy for those reasons.

I asked my doc to presribe an autobilevel when he told me what my bilevel prescription was going to be (during a phone conversation), but he would not write a prescription for autobilevel--only bilevel--out of fear of insurance. (Which is silly, since my understanding is that they are the exact same insurance code.) He WAS willing, however, to write "patient may use auto-BiPAP." That was enough wiggle room for him to feel he wasn't prescribing autobilevel, but it was enough wiggle room for me to argue with my DME that I would not sign to accept any bilevel that was not an auto, since the word "auto" was on my prescription.

If it is a game, patients need to learn how to play it to win too.

Your mileage may vary.

edit: spelling fixes. Why can't I learn to spell?!!

[ZeroDigger]

Thanks for mentioning that the billing code is probably the same, whether for a "straight" or auto bipap. When I called my DME and told him that, he agreed, as far as the insurance was concerned, but wondered how he'd set it up for my prescribed pressures. He only stocks the regular bipaps.

He ended up by saying he would check the price difference, consult with his owners, and give me a call.

I'm expecting to start shopping for a new provider. There's an Apria office nearby...

[LarryD]

I really liked JNK's response. He nailed it. I went through a similar situation with my DME when I wanted and auto CPAP. If you don't sign for it, they don't get paid. Their (DME) hearts and minds soon follow.

Larry

[robysue]

Thanks for mentioning that the billing code is probably the same, whether for a "straight" or auto bipap. When I called my DME and told him that, he agreed, as far as the insurance was concerned, but wondered how he'd set it up for my prescribed pressures. He only stocks the regular bipaps.

He sets it to straight bipap mode and then sets the IPAP and EPAP pressures---just like setting an APAP to straight CPAP mode.