How do you 'influence' the doctor prescription

[SleepyJohn43]

So, it would seem that there will be a phone call from the doctor who evaluates my sleep results prior to the prescription being written. Would this be the time for influencing them that the machine must be data capable, have all the bells and whistles, dispense as written?

Do we usually need to push for this or are the doctors savvy enough to 'get it'?

From what I've read, it seems that if I can get the right prescription, it will save a battle with the DME later.

Anyone care to offer some thoughts on how to deal with this and how receptive the doctor might be?

[beautifuldreamer]

I would say it never hurts to ask for what you would like -
and if you can explain why you want what you want, that might help too

You could even start out by explaining you appreciate that your doctor is your doctor and then add on from there about how you have been reading the forums and other places where you have gleaned your information from, and explain why you would like the specific device you are interested in . . .

Hope that helps. . .

[Nozzelnut]

See what machines he might prescribe; if he usually Rx's S9's or PRS1 560's, you shouldn't have to say much more. (Unless they've already mentioned BiPAP or ASV)

If they say it doesn't really matter or they leave it up to the DME; tell him you've been doing a bunch of research online. You want to follow your data, you'd like a machine that will take care of your needs if you lose weight or change sleeping positions, you'd like one with the most up to date technology so in 3 or 4 years it will still be good to go...

[robysue]

I was completely unable to persuade my first sleep doc to prescribe anything other than "CPAP at 9 cm". When I asked for a full efficacy data machine his response was: "You don't need a data machine because you will feel better in two weeks." Yeah, right. Two weeks into PAP I was a walking zombie basket case feeling about 1000 times worse than before I started PAP.

Point being: I got a full data Resmed S9 AutoSet as my first machine even though the script simply said "CPAP" by calling a lot of DMEs that worked with my insurance company and asking a lot of questions. The DME that won my business sets all their new patients (including my hubby) with a full data APAP. If the script says "CPAP at n cm" they simply set the APAP up in CPAP mode.

So tackle the "How do I get a full data APAP?" question from both ends. Try to persuade the doc to write the script the way you want it. But also start calling DMEs NOW and asking whether they'll order the machine you want if the script just says "CPAP" on it. You may find a good DME that will sell you the machine you want regardless of whether the scrip specifies what you want.

Best of luck

[Guest]

most docs wont revisit it once the script is written
so best to make a list and start asking now

roby makes some good points but forgot to mention
you need to get the script in your hands
do not let the doc fax it period
you will also need a copy of your sleep study

[chunkyfrog]

"S9" is not enough; my doc knows the Escapes are bricks, but didn't know that the P/R "plus's" are also.

[Tino2You]

In my case I asked my doc to write the script for s9 Autoset 5 to 15 pressure range....which he did. I still had to fight with my DME to get the s9 sutoset as they wanted to give me the Escape. I finally won but point being, i had to know what to ask for before hand otherwise I would be sleeping with a brick. I am glad I did too, because about a month into therapy, I realixed, from my data, I needed to adjust my pressure. I could only do this because I had data to look at!

-tino

[deerslayer]

Simple Diplomatically put your foot down. You are to comply with settings you were scripted with. That being said you in turn should receive the specific machine you request ! Like others have said, prove your case by explaining the knowledge you have gleaned . Let them know you are dedicated to being pro active in cpap therapy .
Good Luck,
tim

[BlackSpinner]

Any one who can write a prescription can do this, including your dentist (and maybe your veterinarian).
Download a copy from our host and fill it out and tell them to sign it.

[Janknitz]

"Doctor, it's important to ME that I take an active role in monitoring my treatment for optimal therapy. So I want the prescription to specify that the machine Will have full access to EFFICACY data including a breakdown of AHI and leak data"

If you get a response like Roby Sue did:
1. Find another doctor (any doctor can write the script for you, but you need to dump this jerk)
2. Be your own advocate. Call around as Roby Sue suggests. Find a DME who will provide what you want, or buy your own and bypass the BS.

[millich]

I'm confused. Using "jailbreaks", can we not get into clinical menus and set pressures as desired? I especially want to know this for the S9 and the PR One…

Thanks!

[Ladyflower]

I really don't know what my doctor wrote on my script as it was faxed directly over to the DME. But, when I talked to the DME on the phone I asked what machine they wanted to give me. When they told me an outdated model, I said "No, I want THIS machine." She said she would check and I received the call back next day saying they could order the machine I wanted.

[robysue]

I'm confused. Using "jailbreaks", can we not get into clinical menus and set pressures as desired? I especially want to know this for the S9 and the PR One…

Thanks!

Yes.

But if the DME sells you a brick---an S9 Escape or a System One Plus for example---there's nothing in the clinical menu that will allow you to tell the machine to record efficacy data. A brick is a brick and it can't do what it can't do.

[SleepyJohn43]

If they say it doesn't really matter or they leave it up to the DME; tell him you've been doing a bunch of research online. You want to follow your data, you'd like a machine that will take care of your needs if you lose weight or change sleeping positions, you'd like one with the most up to date technology so in 3 or 4 years it will still be good to go...

Any one who can write a prescription can do this, including your dentist (and maybe your veterinarian).
Download a copy from our host and fill it out and tell them to sign it.

"Doctor, it's important to ME that I take an active role in monitoring my treatment for optimal therapy. So I want the prescription to specify that the machine Will have full access to EFFICACY data including a breakdown of AHI and leak data"

Thanks for the great advice.

I do have a doctor in the family, so I might be able to go that route, too.

[sleeplessinaz]

Don't need a script from a sleep doctor. I went to my primary care doctor and we sat down, he asked me what I wanted him to write on my script.