Software

ajnitti · Post by **ajnitti** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:05 pm

Hi Everyone:

I am interested in purchasing the encoreviewer software & card reader for $154.00 from direct home medical. My question? is the data and options incuded in the software worth the money. I have the resmed plus with c flex, the data module & card are already attached. I rather not waste money if the software & data only gives me minimal education on my sleep pattern etc.. Thank You

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:16 pm

Resmed is a different brand. If you have a Remstar Plus, you have a machine that doesn't store useful data. The good news you don't need to buy the software and reader. The bad news if you want to now how your treatment is treating you, you have to get a smarter XPAP and the software and reader. Jim

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:27 pm

What a waste to put a card reader on a Plus machine. I wonder if the reason they put it on the Pluses is to fake some people out into thinking they are getting a data capable machine.

Jerry

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:27 pm

You started this discussion about software nearly 2 years ago.....

viewtopic.php?p=80242&highlight=#80242

You're going to need to get the M Series Pro to see the nightly details.

Den

xyz · Post by **xyz** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:00 pm

What brand of machine do you have, Resmed or Respironics?

If you are not somewhat "computer oriented" then it will not be worth your time and money.

If you use your computer a lot (email, word processing, photos, whatever) then you would probably find the Encore Viewer software to be useful.

If you end up buying it, ask cpap.com to price match. Buy an extra card. And also get the card utility from mycpap.org.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:07 pm

xyz he has the plus machine which does not store data -- only gives compliance which he will already know if he is using his machine or not. No useful details are copied or stored on his card.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:02 am

With a Resprionics Plus buying the software is a waste of money. The machine does not record any breathing data. Only the number of hours you sleep.

O.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:23 am

Wulfman wrote:You started this discussion about software nearly 2 years ago.....

viewtopic.php?p=80242&highlight=#80242

You're going to need to get the M Series Pro to see the nightly details.

Den

The Guest DME must'a got a hold of this one

ksp · Post by **ksp** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:14 am

New to CPAP and mY DME sold me a M series plus with ramp and c flex. It has the card in it but am I to understand that it only logs hours slept? What the heck good is that for data? The doc wants to see results on card before first follow up appt. This was not a cheap machine. Should I ask doc to prescribe something else? If so what does everyone recommend? I too was going to buy the software and reader.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:20 am

ksp wrote:New to CPAP and mY DME sold me a M series plus with ramp and c flex. It has the card in it but am I to understand that it only logs hours slept? What the heck good is that for data? The doc wants to see results on card before first follow up appt. This was not a cheap machine. Should I ask doc to prescribe something else? If so what does everyone recommend? I too was going to buy the software and reader.

DME only needs hours used to collect from your insurance ... many could care less about your treatment or health. The reason it was not cheap is because they charged you full price of the top end model and gave you the low end model to maximize DME profits. The insurance code is the same for low end model and top end model and therefore insurance will pay DME one price only for CPAP or APAP.

Demand an APAP machine with AFLEX pressure relief.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:24 am

ksp wrote:New to CPAP and mY DME sold me a M series plus with ramp and c flex. It has the card in it but am I to understand that it only logs hours slept? What the heck good is that for data? The doc wants to see results on card before first follow up appt. This was not a cheap machine. Should I ask doc to prescribe something else? If so what does everyone recommend? I too was going to buy the software and reader.

Yep.....it only tracks hours slept.
It's not a "cheap" machine if your insurance got billed for it. You could have had a fully data-capable machine for the same money......maybe even an APAP/Auto. However, if you look at the prices on CPAP.COM and other online sellers, it's a "cheap" machine.
The DMEs are only looking to make money.....they don't give a darn about your therapy......there's more fish in the ocean to catch.

If you're just starting therapy and you're renting this machine for a few months, there's hope that you can get it switched. If your insurance provider purchased it outright, you may have to buy one out-of-pocket.
You would need at least the M Series Pro to get the complete details.

Den

ksp · Post by **ksp** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:32 am

AAAAHHHH, So you are saying I got SCREWED huh?
Wouldn't be the first time. I am (with my insurance co) renting to buy. It's over several months so I will have time to speak with my doctor about this to see if he can do anything. I have a little help in this in that my brother is a cardiologist (sp)? He likes to stay on top of my families doctors!!! That is the bad thing about all of this just starting out. You don't know what to expect or what to ask for. I did mention APAP to the guy at DME and he said this is what we have. I got charged like $2000 for the setup which included a Quattro FF mask.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:41 am

ksp wrote:I have a little help in this in that my brother is a cardiologist (sp)?

Not to point out the obvious but Bros. should be very familiar with OSA. Is he the one who referred you to a sleep specialist?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:48 am

ksp wrote:AAAAHHHH, So you are saying I got SCREWED huh?
Wouldn't be the first time. I am (with my insurance co) renting to buy. It's over several months so I will have time to speak with my doctor about this to see if he can do anything. I have a little help in this in that my brother is a cardiologist (sp)? He likes to stay on top of my families doctors!!! That is the bad thing about all of this just starting out. You don't know what to expect or what to ask for. I did mention APAP to the guy at DME and he said this is what we have. I got charged like $2000 for the setup which included a Quattro FF mask.

Yup! I'll bet they didn't even use Vaseline, either.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

They were probably charging the "typical" amounts for your equipment. But, as you can see (from the link), the best equipment can be had for much, much less.

People REALLY need to do more research (online) before getting themselves into these predicaments.

You might see if your insurance provider will reimburse you for out-of-pocket purchases. You could then buy one online....bill your insurance provider and then they would reimburse you......and then take your other one back and get out of the contract. But, you have to go through your insurance provider first and get their blessing. Many will do it......a few won't.

It worked for me. I bought my equipment from CPAP.COM and then billed my insurance provider and then they reimbursed me at 80%.

Den

jules · Post by **jules** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:51 am

People seem to forget there is another reason the DME's give out the Plus with the card --------
They can send you a new script in the mail without showing up to actually change the pressure settings or having you show up for them to do it. After all, making positive people contact is way over their capabilities.

Local DME's charge an arm and a leg for a basic machine. Check the contract you signed to see how you can break it.

Mask