Is DME like AVIS?

[drdigital1]

My doctor recommended an AUTO BiPAP machine. Today the DME provided Respironics System One 750P. I found out that this is an old model and, even worse, that the machine is used (clinician mode shows 880 hours). DME says that because Medicare only rents machines, they are passing rented machines from one customer to the next.
I am having the DME take back the machine tomorrow but will I be able to get a new, current model e.g., from another DME?

[chunkyfrog]

Complain to Medicare if you are "offered" a used machine.
Their rates are based on a NEW machine, and there is NO discount for used equipment.

[bwexler]

You need to get a new prescription from your doctor specifying the exact model machine you want (DS960P ?) the Heated Humidifier with Heated Hose and 80W power supply AND the exact mask you want. If you are not sure about any of these details ask a series of questions here and will get answers. Check at CPAP.com to see current equipment, cost, features and reviews.

Do your homework first, save a lot of grief later.

[ems]

You might want to read these:


http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/

[DoriC]

Medicare is rent to own in 13months unless the laws have changed?

[chunkyfrog]

Hmmm, 880 hours, divided by 4 hours a night, would make 220 days; that would be over seven months.
Can they make the 13 month rental, say SIX?

[Pugsy]

You need to get a new prescription from your doctor specifying the exact model machine you want (DS960P ?)

No, she doesn't want the 960...she wants the 760...like I have.
Apparently she has no need for special treatment of centrals.

I am having the DME take back the machine tomorrow but will I be able to get a new, current model e.g., from another DME?

Most likely if the new DME has a 760 or they can order it for you. Just ask them...to get your business they most likely will.

Oh...Medicare really doesn't care if you get a used machine or not...there's nothing in the regulations specifying zero hour machines.
So Medicare won't cover your back on that one.
Though push for the 760 model...it's worth the fight. The heated hose option can be a big advantage and better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Some DMEs routinely keep passing used machines around....and some DMEs simply won't resell a used machine that has been returned to them for non compliance. There's no law prohibiting selling the used machines...but some DMEs just make it a practice to only dispense brand new machines and keep the returned machines to give out on load when someone has a machine that needs to be sent to the factory for warranty issues.

[JDS74]

My doctor recommended an AUTO BiPAP machine. Today the DME provided Respironics System One 750P. I found out that this is an old model and, even worse, that the machine is used (clinician mode shows 880 hours). DME says that because Medicare only rents machines, they are passing rented machines from one customer to the next.
I am having the DME take back the machine tomorrow but will I be able to get a new, current model e.g., from another DME?

The 750P is a fine machine but you would need to get one with zero hours.
The current Respironics equivalent model is the 760P.

[drdigital1]

My doctor requested an Auto BiPAP and I agreed with the DME (prior to the delivery) that they’ll provide a Respironics System ONE BiPAP Auto Bi-Flex. The 750 fits this requirement and looks very similar to the current model (760) – just the panel around the LCD being cream colored
My biggest mistake was not to go into the clinician mode before accepting the machine, but
1. it didn't cross my mind that they might give me an used machine
2. I felt uncomfortable of going into the clinician mode in front of the tech
I will request (again!) from the DME to provide an unused and current model i.e., a 760; maybe they were bluffing when they declined. If they don’t, I’ll have them take back the unit and will try another DME. Is there any risk/downside? A better suggestion on how to handle?
P.S. and, of course, I'll go into the clinician mode next time in order to confirm zero hours

[greatunclebill]

550 and 560 are not bpap or biflex.

[drdigital1]

oops, I meant 750 and 760

[Pugsy]

My doctor requested an Auto BiPAP and I agreed with the DME (prior to the delivery) that they’ll provide a Respironics System ONE BiPAP Auto Bi-Flex. The 550 fits this requirement and looks very similar to the current model (560) – just the panel around the LCD being cream colored

As mentioned....the 550/560 model is the auto adjusting cpap machine...it is NOT a bilevel (BiPap) machine.
If your doctor wrote the RX for Auto BiPap...that would be model 750 or 760.

Get the 760...there is a better pressure support setting available in the 760 that is NOT available in the 750..and of course the heated hose and silent mode. So improved pressure support and a couple of other minor improvements.
Not to mention the fact that the 750 has been discontinued for quite some time and even if you find one with zero hours on it there is the manufacture date which is going to be older. Warranty time is based on the machines manufacture date.

[drdigital1]

Pugsy thanks.
The one I got is 750, which is System ONE BiPAP Auto Bi-Flex. It is indeed an obsolete model and mine is also a used one. Is there any risk in insisting that they take it back if they can't provide what I am requesting i.e., an unused current model (760)?

[Pugsy]

Is there any risk in insisting that they take it back if they can't provide what I am requesting i.e., an unused current model (760)?

Not sure what you mean by "risk"...risk for what. Making them made at you?

Do you have other DMEs that are in your insurance providers network that you could go to?
What I would do is find out what my other DME choices were/are and then call them up and tell them that your doctor has given you a prescription for the Respironics PR System One BiPap Auto and you want the model 760 and a new one unused machine and ask them ....will they give you one.
So have Plan B on the back burner.
Then take the 750 machine back to the DME and explain that you don't want a used machine and you want a 760 machine because you want the heated hose because you like a cold bedroom and lots of humidity and you will need the heated hose. It doesn't matter if you really need it...just say you do for now. There is no heated hose available that is integrated with the 750 so they can't try to substitute another 750.
Tell them that if they won't supply you with the equipment you want that you will go to another DME who has already agreed to dispense what you want and they can have this machine (plop it on the desk) back and thank them very much but this is important to you. I bet they back peddle and come up with a new unused 760 to keep your business but if they play hard ball be prepared to walk.

[bwexler]

Pugsy is right on.
If you are stuck with a DME like Crapria as the only in network provider like I am, you can track down a Vice President and put him to work fixing your problem. I just did. He made some excuses. I totally debunked his excuses about how long it actually takes to at an item to their computer database. He said he would call tomorrow with an update.