Yet another DME Question

[SnoozeButton]

I'm a newbie here, but have been lurking for a short time. I am newly diagnosed and just received my machine yesterday.

Here's the situation. I was told I would be receiving a Respironic M Series Plus and that it would have a Smart Card and I did receive that machine. The problem lies in the fact that the RT told me over the phone and in the office that I could mail the card in and they could gather all my information (she specifically stated my AHI information would be on the card) and that way they could communicate with my doctor and with his approval change the settings if needed. I am losing weight and suspect that over time my settings might change. After some research today I have discovered that the Smart Card on that machine will only give compliance information. Please correct me if I misunderstood that, but I've read a couple of posts that stated that. I intend to call the DME tomorrow and tell them that I was given the wrong machine that I should have been given a Pro rather than a Plus and further tell them I was misinformed regarding the information that machine would provide.

Anyone have any suggestions of what I might add to my argument or should I approach it differently? What common arguments might I expect and what is a good response?

I thought I was dealing with a better DME than the one I started to use. They wanted to give me a used machine - A Respironics DS100 so I am getting a bit better machine through this DME, but still it is not the one I want.

[bdp522]

Welcome to the forum!

Tell the DME that you will not accept any machine that is not fully data capable. If they refuse, find another DME to deal with. You can also try talking to the doctor and see if he will write a script for a data capable machine. The fact that you are losing weight should be enough to make them see it your way.

Brenda

[jules]

The plus has meaningless data as you said.

Get the model numbers for the Pro and the APAPs at cpap.com and demand one of those (starting at the APAP of course in your argument so that the Pro is your fall back position).

This has been fought before by many. If your doc supports it get the script to specify which capabilities are needed - AHI data enabled - if you get a machine specific script ask for the APAP with aflex of course if the doc will write it (but then again settle for the Pro on the script).

[SnoozeButton]

Thanks for the welcome and your replies. I will start out with my doctor rather than the DME. I think that will make it more difficult for them to deny my request and I feel sure that my doctor will agree with me on this once I state my case.

It is just unreal that the DME's do these things and a patient has to jump through these hoops to get decent equipment.

Another issue I want to resolve with my DME is my request for a chin strap. I requested the Activa nasal mask because that is what was used during my titration study and because I liked it and the tech also put a chin strap on me - no problems with mouth breathing. So when I got my machine yesterday I ask about a chin strap and was told that a chin strap wouldn't work and that if I thought mouth breathing would be a problem then I would need a face mask, so last night I used only the nasal mask and did indeed have problems with some mouth breathing (dry throat, waking up with air blowing out of my mouth, etc). I had none of these problems during my sleep study wearing a chin strap, so I guess I'll ask my doctor to write that on my script, as well.

[bdp522]

I tend to agree that chin straps don't work for many of us. I know it doesn't work for me. I tape my mouth shut every night. The chin strap stopped the jaw from dropping open but still allowed a constant stream of air to escape. I DO think anyone who wants to try a chinstrap should be allowed to. If the DME wasn't even willing to let you try one you really should start looking for a DME that will work FOR you instead of AGAINST you.

Brenda

[GumbyCT]

If you can get the doc to script the exact model # and chin strap you are heading in the right direction. Get it in your hand and only give the DME a copy. Believe me they will say the fax never came thru. If you hand it to them, you will save your self soo much aggravation. Also contact your Insurance to find out if you can choose another DME. That will give you more leverage should this DME refuse to honor your request. Don't be afraid to contact another DME before you fire this one so you know what you will be walking into.

Just remember, they ALL lie. Sad I know but it seems to be way in OSA.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT who finds it easier to deal with the truth.

[rested gal]

After some research today I have discovered that the Smart Card on that machine will only give compliance information. Please correct me if I misunderstood that, but I've read a couple of posts that stated that. I intend to call the DME tomorrow and tell them that I was given the wrong machine that I should have been given a Pro rather than a Plus

You're absolutely right. The Plus records only hours of use onto the Smart Card. There's no AHI data at all from the Plus. The Pro records "full data" including AHI info.

October 2008 - my list of machines that record "full data" and those that don't.
viewtopic/t35685/viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

[SnoozeButton]

I just returned from my doctor's office where I spoke to one of his nurses. I printed out a page with the description of the machine I wanted (M Series Auto CPAP) and also wrote on the bottom of the page the reasons I felt this machine would be more beneficial in my therapy than the machine I was issued. She is going to discuss it with my doctor and then call me. I feel certain that my doctor will agree with my reasons for needing this particular machine.

[AuntieNae]

Best Wishes!

I started with the Plus machine and immediately started asking for an upgrade to the Pro. I explained the benefits of the Pro and the Auto to my Doctor .. pretty much how the data would be helpful to me to help with my therapy. I printed out the information on the 2 models from here on cpap.com. A week later, they called saying I could pick up my prescription!! Low and behold, my Doc approved the Auto. I faxed my prescription to cpap.com before I took it to my DME .. so I now have an option besides the DME.

Auntienae

[sacnvr2l8]

My second post take advice with grain of salt HEHEH. I had same problem wiht the plus and I contacted my insurance company who only pays 50% of the cost. They explained that the machine offered by the DME is their standard offering. I explained nicely that If I was paying 50% I expected to be able to purchase ANY machine I wanted and if they took issue with that I woudl be happy to contact the insurance commisioner and attorney general. Because of the crash of the economy many insuance companies including health are under close scrutny. The mention of the attorney general and insurance commisioner prompted a call no longer the 15 minutes from hanging up from the DME's General manager agreeing to provide any machine I wanted this may work for you...