Is my DME Full of You Know What?

[mdkohm]

I just found out last night that my S8 Vantage does not provide the Auto (6-16) EPR (3) that my doctor has prescribed.

The EPR is not an option when the machine is set to Auto.

I called the DME to point out the mistake and am now getting a run around about correcting the problem. I found that the RemStar Auto M with C-Flex will be available any day (called Respironics who at first told me it was avail. then said may be 1 - 2 weeks).

I asked the DME to order the new RemStar Auto M to provide the features that were prescribed. He told me that:

1.) Auto is only used on a temporary bases. The always switch out those machines after a month and put patient on regular CPAP. He said no one EVER uses an Auto machine as their regular machine..

2.) Using Auto is really ILLEGAL. A doctor prescribing 6 - 16 is like writing a prescription for taking 4 - 7 pills each day. It has to be specified at a single pressure.

3.) I asked why my insurance had been billed for the machine if they were going to swap it out. He told be that they were probably billed for a different machine. I told him that my insurance company wants me to call back with the SN# of my machine so they can verify that they were billed for what I am using.

I think this guy is full of it. I was at the doctor last week and he seemed to favor the Auto because it provided only the pressure needed and no more. I am going to talk to him after work to get this straightened out.

Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?

[tomjax]

Yes, he is.

very full of it in everything he said.

Pitiful.
you may quote me.

[Guest]

He told me that:

1.) He said no one EVER uses an Auto machine as their regular machine.

That is patently untrue.

2.) Using Auto is really ILLEGAL. A doctor prescribing 6 - 16 is like writing a prescription for taking 4 - 7 pills each day. It has to be specified at a single pressure.

That is hysterically funny and also patently untrue.

3.) I asked why my insurance had been billed for the machine if they were going to swap it out. He told be that they were probably billed for a different machine.

That sounds fishy.

I think this guy is full of it.

I think you're right.

[Sleepy Dog Lover]

If you really want to get on them, tell them you want the bipap that was prescribed to you. Bipaps are at least twice as expensive as an auto cpap. On inhalation pressures of 16, many people are prescribed bipaps because they need a lower exhalation pressure. The auto 6-16 actually is a wide range, but they usually narrow it after they have a few weeks of data from it.

[yardbird]

Last I heard, the smart card module for the Respironics M series wasn't ready yet. So you might want to check on that and confirm if you intend to collect data.

I use a Respironics Auto with CFlex and it's my "always" machine. It's not temporary. It is also set on auto with a range entered. The prescription merely said "Auto CPAP" and I bought what I wanted from cpap.com.

Your DME is absolutely full of **it and if you want to make them REALLY nervous call your insurance provider and explain to them what's going on (briefly) and that you suspect the DME may be billing for equipment that they aren't delivering or that they are exchanging later for a cheap substitute.

[CrystalP]

My experience has definitely confirmed that the providers are all idiots!

[beneyw]

Hmmm...sounds like my DME...I am in sw FL...and I thought my guy was 'unique'...told me I was getting a new CPAP machine and that is bogus since it is being rented. I want to try a new mask and of course he said, "Well, you have to pay since insurance has already gone through." I have no problem with that except he quotes me the price he charges the insurance company. I checked online and can find the same mask 50% less. Tomorrow, I see my doc and will inform him of this BS artist. As a health care professional myself I have little tolerance for liars in this profession. I want a smart card and seems to me how can anyone know what is really going without having one and this DME says..."not needed."

[pratzert]

Yes....

Your DME provider is SOOOOO Full of **IT that it has started coming out of his mouth.

Everything that came out of his mouth is untrue and STINKS !!!!

Doctors sometimes DO prescribe pills in varying amounts.

You might see a "pill" prescription that has a range of say "2 Pills every 4 Hours OR AS NEEDED for PAIN.... Not to EXCEED 12 Pills in a 24 hour Period."

Just like a AUTOPAP machine, it delivers a pressure "AS NEEDED" UP TO A MAXIMUM Pressure.

Repeat the Mantra..... "EVIL DME's.... EVIL DME's....EVIL DME's"

Tim

[harikarishimari]

1. no one EVER uses an Auto machine as their regular machine.

2. Using Auto is really ILLEGAL.

3. Insurance was probably billed for a different machine.

[Guest]

OMG !!!!

ROTFLMAO.....

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

I sometimes wonder if we are, really I am, being completely fair to the DME community. At least in terms of motive?

What else do these folks provide? Certainly they don't make their living off of xPAPs? In general they provide other sorts of respiratory equipment if I not not mistaken? Is it that the uses of these other sorts of equipment are much more straightforward and these folks really don't understand the subtleties of xPAP therapy? They haven't been trained? The technology moves too fast? I mean how can they be this ignorant otherwise? Are oxygen delivery and respiration systems simpler?, more straightforward?, less ambiguous? more serious therefore they are better trained?

Truly, from what I have heard and from my own personal experience the great majority of DME experience and experiences is nothing but dismal. That is not to say there aren't good practioners out there but...

SB

[NightHawkeye]

I sometimes wonder if we are, really I am, being completely fair to the DME community.

Actually, SB, folks here have been fair. Everyone that comes here starts out believing their DME's and variations on the same story are replayed again and again.

The real problem, and the reason you're raising this question, is that most folks have trouble believing something in the medical system can operate this way. I'll even go so far as to say that most folks on this forum think the problem is restricted to xPAP issues. It's not. The entire medical system is corrupt!

Just like the fox guarding the henhouse . . .

Regards,
Bill

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

Last I heard, the smart card module for the Respironics M series wasn't ready yet. So you might want to check on that and confirm if you intend to collect data.

May I ask where you heard this? I am sitting on a prescription for an Auto, which I will pay out of my own pocket, and really do want the Remstar.

Have you heard any delivery estimates?

SB

[Guest]

from another thread:

I just called Respironics (1-800-345-6443) and was told the RemStar Auto M w/ C-Flex is now available.

Customer rep. named Lori told me that it is more compact and it does offer Smart Card capability.

Here's the thread to click on:
viewtopic.php?p=77532#77532

[Wulfman]

mdkohm,

Another example of an EVIL DME

I can't come up with much more than the others did.
It's really amazing what those folks will stoop to!


Den