I'm lovin' my Doc, and now maybe my DME

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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j.a.taylor
Posts: 399
Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:59 pm
Location: Muskegon, Michigan

I'm lovin' my Doc, and now maybe my DME

Post by j.a.taylor » Tue Aug 28, 2007 5:22 pm

j.a.taylor wrote:I went to my Primary Care Physician . . .

. . . I said that it seemed to me, with the numbers I have showing severe apnea, that he would be interested in me monitoring those numbers, much like my wife monitors her diabetes, so that my visits with him would be more effective as we work on my treatment plan.

He pause for a moment, went "hmmm", then said, "I've never had a patient ask me that before, what do you need?" I explained that my DME gave me a machine that wasn't data capable, but that I wanted one that would enable me to monitor my progress.

His reply, "my only concern is that you don't get too obsessive about this, but if you can guarantee that, then I think it's a good idea." He then told me to do some homework (already done), send him what I want, and that he'll write a new prescription. If the insurance doesn't hassle him, he'll give me whatever I want . . .
Awhile ago I shared the above.

Today, I touched base with my DME. After reading all the horror stories on this board, I wasn't sure what to expect.

My RT returned my call, and missed me, because I was out of the office. I returned her call, and missed her, so I expected to begin the process all over again tomorrow.

This afternoon, she called back again. I explained the above to her, just as I had my Doctor. Her reply stunned me:

"Hmmmm! Sounds like we need to get you an APAP machine. Just have your doctor write the prescription, and we'll get you what you want."

Then, she proceeded to tell me exactly what to have the doctor write, so that everything will go through just fine with my insurance.

I'm faxing the information to him tomorrow.

I guess I got one of the good RTs, and a DME willing to work with me. I'm giddy.

And definitely lucky.

John A. Taylor

AdmiralCougar
Posts: 272
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2007 12:57 am
Location: Portland, Oregon

Post by AdmiralCougar » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:03 pm

Image Seems to be a lot of good posts about victories over Drs and DMEs Glad your getting what that data compatible machine.

Christy
Admiral Cougar

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Slinky
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Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2006 3:43 pm
Location: Mid-Michigan

Post by Slinky » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:48 pm

Congratulations, ja. Delighted to hear that there is another good DME out there! Enjoy your new auto!!


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Birdseed
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Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:40 pm

Post by Birdseed » Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:52 am

Good for you! Nice that you'll be able to partner with the doctor and DME in your treatment plan. My doctor doesn't yet know that I'll be partnering with him, but I think he will cooperate. However, my first experience with the RT at the DME was interesting.....he would NOT set my machine to show the AHI numbers, saying that I'll get the numbers (along with my doctor) when I send in the card for reading. (Of course I've already fixed that little issue.)

Cheers!
LB


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