newbie ? re brand names

[indybarb]

I have a million questions.. don't worry, hope to just ask one here.. had my sleep tests, scheduled to get equipment this week... never did see a doctor after the test.. the DME lady who called me (said pressure was 10... not sure where this puts me).. said they use Respironics M Series and Fisher-P the HC234. I read a lot here about Resmed, but don't think they have those... Are there DME's who have lots of brands? Should I just wait to see this lady on Tuesday and go from there? Won't even bother to ask about masks, hoses, humidifiers (except, do you really need one?) ... Oops, one more thing... if your prescription (I have not seen it) does not specify "auto" or "data capability" what do you do?/

Have enjoyed reading the comments here.. never dreamed there was so much to be aware of. Thanks for your help.

[SharkBait]

You probably can not get "auto" (nothing legal, cpap.com will sell you an auto with a "cpap" rx...), but you CAN insist on data. And be careful, because the industry loves to pass of "compliance" as "data". So make sure you get leak and AHI data. In the Respironics (decent enough machine) you would want the APAP (if you can), or the M-Series "Pro". DO NOT get "Plus". They will say data capable and it has a smart card, but only so you download how many hours per night you used the machine.

Resmed and Respironics seem to be the machines of choice from what I've see on this board, but I'm sure the F&P is a good machine as well although there might be less folks that can answer your questions with that brand...

[builta]

Hi,

Call your Sleep Doctor's office on Monday. Ask to speak to someone in the office that can discuss what was written on your prescription. Ask them to read it to you and fax or e-mail it to you also. You want to do this ASAP. You'll need some time to read and understand it before you meet with the DME lady.

Once you have the exact information them post it right away to this forum and you'll quickly get feedback. Also, I think that you can rather quickly educate yourself,right now. Click on the "Light Bulb" (aka "Our Wisdom" look at the top ot the page) (Look for information on prescriptions you can use it to translate what was written in you prescription, and what should be written on a prescription for particular type of equipment). This way you'll know what you should expect from the DME.

BTW: Good information about Prescriptions is at this cpap.com link https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Prescript ... l#FGID-130

If you don't think that you like/agree with what was written in your doctor's prescription for you, then you will need to discuss it with the doctor.

[snoregirl]

Do not call your Dr office to HEAR what is on your prescription. Go there and get the original. Never let the Doc fax to the DME. They lie occasionally, and you have a right to take that prescription (and the sleep study) and go to whatever DME you wish, brick and mortor or online.

[indybarb]

thank you all for the wonderful and helpful responses... i will read what i can tonite... will try my best to get the prescription... i cannot tell you how difficult it is to even get to speak to a nurse in this clinic... you can wait for days for a call back... in any event, i thank you again for responding.

[indybarb]

I called as suggested and this is what my prescription says: "heated humidity @ pressure of 10. RDI 19.3" This is all they told me. as mentioned, I see the DME lady tomorrow to get equipment. from reading my "scrip" should I know anything specific I will need to have???

[LinkC]

That's a very generic 'script...but not necessarily a bad thing. They will likely try to give you the most basic of machines. If Respironics, that's the "Plus". What you need, minimum, is the "Pro" (the next step up). You likely will not talk them into the "Auto" unless your 'script specifies it.

Know this: If they give you any crapola about "your insurance won't approve the Pro", it's pure bullfunky. They get the same amount for a Plus, Pro, or Auto. They PAY differntly for the different models, and that's why they try to lowball you. Be firm about what you need. (Don't say "want", always "need". It's psychological, yes, but you really DO "NEED" to monitor your progress and cannot do that with a Plus.)

I guess you could ask for the Auto and then "compromise" with the Pro. Might be a valuable tactic...but could also backfire when they say your prescription doesn't specify Auto.

Good luck! Carpe PM!

[cflame1]

And the F&P machines... aren't fully data capable at all.