Suggestions for first DME visit

[sleepyinO]

Thanks to those of you who have already responded to my sleep study results, from my first post.

I've been reading more posts on here about dealing with DMEs, APAP vs. CPAP, data-capable, etc. and I have a few questions.

My doctor's office just contacted a DME today, so I should be hearing from them soon to get setup with my machine. I would like to be as educated as possible when dealing with the DME, so if anyone could answer a few questions for me, I would appreciate it.

The doctor that analyzed my sleep study and provided the report suggested using an auto-titrating CPAP. Is this what APAP is?

Also, I thought I read on here somewhere that all APAP machines are data-capable? Is this correct?

One more thing: Can anyone explain the humidifier options to me? If I even sleep with a fan on, I wake up with dried-up sinuses, so I'm guessing I should probably get a humidifier...

In summary, I think I want to try to get a data-capable APAP with a humidifier from the DME. Should this be difficult?

Thanks for your help!

[cflame1]

It might or it might not be difficult... but seeing as you know that's what the doctor had intended... don't let the DME talk you into something that's not.

You'll probably want to stick to one of 3 brands of machines... these are all fully data capable, the others are less data capable, if at all. Make sure that it says that it's an Auto... otherwise it may or may not be. May be worth writing down the names of the auto machines from these companies and making sure that you get one of them.

Respironics
Puritan Bennett
Resmed

[Slinky]

The only fully data capable autoPAPs are:

Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage
Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex
Respironics M Series Auto w/C-Flex
Puritain Bennett GoodKnight 420E (the E is the key "word")

The DME supplier might still have the Respironics pre-M Series Remstar Auto w/C-Flex on the shelf. Its a better product than the M Series Auto w/C-Flex.

[KansasRT]

Resmed just came out with an APAP - Resmed Auto set II with easy breathe. I just got a few in and they look very promising. I am trying one out to see how it goes.

[Slinky]

Thanks, KansasRT!! We've been hearing about the AutoSet Spirit II but weren't sure of availability in the US yet.

I have, just got 25 March, their new Resmed VPAP Auto which is a bi-level in the S8 body and uses the Humidaire 3i. LOVE it. It has the EasyBreathe techonology.

[xyz]

> The only fully data capable autoPAPs are:
Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage
Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex
Respironics M Series Auto w/C-Flex
Puritain Bennett GoodKnight 420E (the E is the key "word")

Plus the bipaps.

[cflame1]

xyz,
True... but bipaps come under a different code than an auto or a straight CPAP.

[snoregirl]

Sleepy

You ask for advice. Well the first thing you need to do is to get your prescription from the doc. DON'T let them fax it to a DME. Which I am guessing they already did.

You need to call multiple DME's that your insurance co will work with (find this out by calling your insurance company yourself) and get prices. Not monthly rental numbers, but the whole deal. How many months rental at what price until you own. They will likely quote you a monthly rental number only and maybe without the humidifier if you don't ask the right questions.

The humidifier will be upfront purchase but the machine will be rent to purchase. The mask is also an upfront purchase.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES walk out of a DME with a machine that is not what you want. Much harder to get a different one. Also give a copy of your prescription and sleep study, not the original.

Hang tough.

[GumbyCT]

In summary, I think I want to try to get a data-capable APAP with a humidifier from the DME. Should this be difficult?

Sleepy

You ask for advice. Well the first thing you need to do is to get your prescription from the doc. DON'T let them fax it to a DME. Which I am guessing they already did.

You need to call multiple DME's that your insurance co will work with (find this out by calling your insurance company yourself) and get prices. Not monthly rental numbers, but the whole deal. How many months rental at what price until you own. They will likely quote you a monthly rental number only and maybe without the humidifier if you don't ask the right questions.

The humidifier will be upfront purchase but the machine will be rent to purchase. The mask is also an upfront purchase.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES walk out of a DME with a machine that is not what you want. Much harder to get a different one. Also give a copy of your prescription and sleep study, not the original.

Hang tough.

What she said. Get a copy of your script or just tell your doc what you want on it. You will not get a humidifier unless it is on the script.

As for the meeting - get a notebook to write ALL your Q?'s in before hand. Leave room under it for the answer. Go thru each Q? before you let the DME go. When they see you taking notes - well you'll have their attn.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT

[xyz]

> Get a copy of your script or just tell your doc what you want on it

And have him/her write "Do not substitute" no it.

> When they see you taking notes - well you'll have their attn.

Good advice. And bring a friend/spouse/relative with you if you can.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hello--it all depends on what insurance company you have. Not all just RENT a machine for you--I have CIGNA and they bought me the S8 Elite WITH humidifier outright the day that I was there--so be on the lookout and research what your insurance will cover, and take a look at the deductibles and stuff as well. Once you see the DME and have your machine in the bag, under your arm --they will have you signing all sorts of pages of documents.

good luck!!
Carrie