Getting prescription active at cpap.com and my doc possible?

[beedix]

Kinda confused about the CPAP prescription process, but I'm hoping to get access to CPAP masks and accessories through CPAP.com without sacrificing the relationship I have with my doctor.

Some background...I did a sleep study with a doctor (Sleep Med Associates of Texas). I was eventually diagnosed with a trifecta of problems (insomnia, RLS, sleep apnea). The doc prescribed a couple meds and a CPAP. I then immediately met with another gentlemen in the clinic who ran me through how to use the CPAP (Respironics 460p). He hooked me up with all the appropriate accessories. The process was smooth and no real complaints. The gentlemen said that if I needed any supplies to setup an appointment and he'd fix me up.

I like the doctor and the other gentlemen. Really no complaints except access to the clinic is difficult. It's far away from where I work and only open on Wednesdays unless I drive even further. Mail order for supplies is much more convenient for me.

On the cpap.com website, there is an option to have them get the prescription from the doctor (I think). If I did this, would it impact my relationship with the doctor? Any thoughts on how to handle this?

Thanks mucho
Ben

[Nooblakahn]

Do you have a copy of your prescription? if so your dr doesn't even need to know about your dealings with cpap.com

The below info was taken from

Prescriptions
Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine and/or humidifier. You do not need a new prescription to fulfill this requirement and can send us your original prescription.

We provide many easy ways to get your prescription:

We can request your prescription for you! When you checkout, just let us know you would like us to request your prescription, or you can log into your account to have us request your prescription.
Fax your prescription to our Toll Free fax number: 1-866-353-2727, or our international fax number: 713-541-7370
Email your prescription to cpap@cpap.com
Upload your prescription in your account, under the prescriptions section or you can upload it here if you do not have an account.
If you are planning to visit your doctor soon, you can take our standard prescription form for your doctor to use.

[beedix]

I do not have a copy. The prescription generation and filling process seems to be integrated in the clinic.

[Pugsy]

They shouldn't care one bit if cpap.com has a copy of your RX. If they mention it just say there was something there you wanted to try that was a steal of a deal (or whatever).
For a doctor to have financial interest in the business of dispensing equipment...well that is totally no allowed if the patient is Medicare patient. There's a thing about conflict of interest that Medicare gets real upset over.
Even if you aren't Medicare..the shouldn't insist that you only use their services.

When I asked my doctor for a script I just told him I could get a free mask online through a product challenge but it was required that have so and so RX to be able to participate. At the time it was the truth.
I also told his nurse I wanted it also to keep with me in case I traveled somewhere and something broke and I would need it for a local DME to be able to help me. Both are reasonable reasons to have a copy in your hands.

[kaiasgram]

On the cpap.com website, there is an option to have them get the prescription from the doctor (I think). If I did this, would it impact my relationship with the doctor?

Hi Ben. You can simply call the clinic and request a copy of the prescription for your records. You're entitled to it, it's a very common request and it's always adviseable to have copies of your important medical records. If you wanted to, you could say that you've been advised to have a copy with you when you fly with your cpap machine (consider yourself so advised ). But you should not have to give a reason.

If choosing a more convenient method of purchasing your supplies does impact the relationship with the doctor then I'd question the doctor's ethics. There is no reason you should feel obligated to purchase from the doctor who diagnosed you. I realize their operation is set up to make you feel that way since the same clinic where you get diagnosed also sells you your equipment and supplies (immediately after giving you the prescription according to your description). This arrangement would make me a little uneasy.

[BlackSpinner]

You should have a copy of your prescription regardless of where you buy your supplies. If you go on holiday or away on business you want a copy just in case things get crushed, broken, flooded, lost or stolen.

[chunkyfrog]

Some providers want you to be "loyal" to them, but rarely return the favor.

[jdm2857]

If your doctor has any problem giving you a copy of your prescription, find another doctor post haste.

You can't trust him to look out for your best interests,

[JohnO]

On the cpap.com website, there is an option to have them get the prescription from the doctor (I think). If I did this, would it impact my relationship with the doctor?

I used this option last fall. Other than it taking about 10 days, I never heard anything back from my clinic. CPAP.COM basically faxes a form to the Doctor, they fill it out, sign it, and fax it back.

John

[Denial Dave]

I specifically asked my doctor for a copy of my prescription at my 30 check-up...

I honeslty told her that my insurance out of pocket deductible is $750 per year & the DME charges way too much for items.

I told the doctor that I could buy those items on line for half the cost. My doctor asked "which items"? I stated back-up machine and new masks & cushions...

they gave me a copy immediately... I faxed it to CPAP.com and was all set.