It's useless, isn't it? :(

DottyG · Post by **DottyG** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:49 pm

I'm never going to get help for the sleep issue.

The place with the machine was supposed to call me last week. They didn't. So, I gave them an extra week, just in case.

I called, and they have no record in the system of my prescription. Not only that, but they don't even take my insurance (despite my doctor's nurse assuring me that she checked this out with them first).

The DME gave me the number for another place that she thinks takes the insurance. So, I called them. They said to have my doctor's office fax them the prescription.

So, I called the nurse and left a message (there's not a way to actually talk to a nurse - you have to keep leaving messages and play phone tag). Some other nurse (not the one I've been working with) called me back. She said that she can't find a record of my needing this machine in her computer. (Yet, the prescription was there this morning when I talked to whomever I talked to, so I don't know what happened to it between then and now.)

She's going to try to find the script and fax it over to the DME.

But, I'm tired of dealing with this, y'all. They're making the person who's EXHAUSTED from lack of sleep run around in circles here. And, frankly, I don't have the energy to do this. THAT'S why I'm trying to get help. Can't some of these people help me? Isn't anyone going to listen to me and hear me tell them that I DON'T SLEEP? I'm teary all the time now. And, I think a lot of it is that my body is just so tired that it can't cope with any more stress. It's at its breaking point.

If I do get this script faxed over, I'm going to have to actually go to the place to get the machine. They don't work on weekends, so I'll have to go during the day. And, it's up north.

I'm just so tired, y'all. And, now I'm starting to cry again. No one's hearing me say that I need help.

DottyG · Post by **DottyG** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:54 pm

Oh, I mentioned needing a "fully data compatible machine" to both the DME and the nurse. Neither one knows what that is.

They're the ones who are supposed to know what it is. I don't know - I'm not in that business. My plan was to have the DME tell me what kinds they have and then post them here for y'all to help me. But, that didn't work. All she said is that "your doctor needs to write that on the prescription." Ok. But, can't you tell me what kinds you have?

Exactly what data am I looking for? It sounds like I need to go in with a list of exactly what data I'm hoping to get.

I'm so tired. I can't be doing this.

weebl · Post by **weebl** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:55 pm

Don't give up. Sorry to hear you've been given the run around. Keep pestering whoever you need to until things happen. I know it's exhausting to do that, but it's definitely worth it in the end.

As for the fully data capable machine, insist on it. If they can't help you, I'm sure a lot of us here can point you to some specific models that are, and you can insist on one of those.

DottyG · Post by **DottyG** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:00 pm

They don't understand "fully data capable machine". I'm going to have to do it a different way. WHAT "data" do I want? I need a list of exactly what this means, so I can define it for them.

jules · Post by **jules** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:03 pm

okay - get the name of the machine they want to give you - model and brand - even the number of the model if it is a m series

come back and post it - we will advise you then if that is acceptable or not and if not then what machine in that brand is -

Muse-Inc · Post by **Muse-Inc** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:06 pm

OK, several things occur to me besides the unprofessional, uneducated staff at these DMEs -- I'd report them to the my insurance company so one one else has to endure their outrageous behavior. What are your changes of getting your insurance company to re-imburse you for purchasing from our host https://www.cpap.com who care about their customers. I went ballistic on the phone with my insurance co talking first to a rep when I was exhausted and sleep-deprived, I apologized & explained my state and still went ballistic demanding to talk to a supervisor, to whom I immediately explained that I had apnea, was sleep-deprived, & in a bad state of mind from exhaustion -- still went ballistic and apologized yet again for my emotional outburst...lucky I didn't burst into tears at the same time! I'm so sorry you're having these troubles...it should NOT be so hard to get equipment to start CPAP therapy. Of course, buying from our host might be cheaper than your co-pay when buying from a DME...might be worth it even without reimbursement from your insurance co.

Fully data capable in the ResMed line is the S8 Elite Series II (straight CPAP) or the S8 AutoSet Series II (APAP, auto-titrating CPAP). Can't comment on other brands.

ScrappinMom · Post by **ScrappinMom** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:06 pm

(((HUGS))) I know it seems useless...but you'll make it! I promise!
You want a machine that will give you leak info, AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) AI (Apnea Index) HI (Hypopnea Index).
For Resmed, that would be an Elite II or AutoSet II (NO Stinkin' Escapes!)
I'm not familiar enough with other brands to give you specifics, but someone surely will jump in here with some soon.

Do not be surprised if they do not have any data capables in stock. They really want to sell the cheapest thing there is.
Also, don't be surprised if they argue with you about the differences between machines. They really don't have a clue.

You're doing great! Educating yourself and asking for help. That's what everyone is here for.

SleepyT · Post by **SleepyT** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:08 pm

Dotty...I suggest the machine I use..the ResMed Elite II...it's a straight CPAP...but ResMed does have an auto version if that is what you need....S8 Elite Auto...anyway! Both are data capable.

You must be a fighter if you're writing to us. Come on, Texas! Fight for it! Your life is at stake! I know you're tired...everyone here on the forum understands the kind of tired you are....but fighting for yourself, is the ONLY way. Keep us posted!

DottyG · Post by **DottyG** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:11 pm

The therapist keep telling me that they "have several different brands" - including ResMed and Restoranics (I know that's spelled wrong. I'm too tired to look it up) and types.

I do know that I'm supposed to have a BiPAP, if that helps.

They've got to move more quickly on this. I was told that insurance companies make you rent the machine for 3 months before they will buy it. We're into October. This means that I'll be paying my full deductible now and then have to repay it at the beginning of the year. If they move quickly (and we can fudge on the 3 month thing), we can buy it within this calendar year, and I only pay one deductible.

DottyG · Post by **DottyG** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:18 pm

I'm on the phone with the nurse right this second.

I told her that I'm so tired. That I just can't do this anymore. Her response was "Well, you've been like this for a while now." I said (in between tears), "Yes, but it's getting worse."

She asked me what a BiPAP is. She doesn't even know what I'm trying to get. Heck if I know what this magical machine I'm trying to get is. All I know is that it's going to help me feel better. Just get me whatever this thing is, so I can get well.

She couldn't even find my sleep study and wanted to know if it'd been sent to them. Yes. A week ago. And, the doctor reviewed it, so I know you have it.

I think she's now located it.

Not only am I trying to fight with these people to get help, but I'm doing so at work. I would imagine everyone around me has now heard me on the phone with these people. And, at times (most of the time), not at my best.

jules · Post by **jules** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:19 pm

for a bilevel machine you want the bipap auto not the bipap plus for respironics

for resmed you want any of the ResMed S8 VPAP and VPAP Auto according to RG's old post

Cygnusia · Post by **Cygnusia** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:21 pm

Respironics? Then that would be the M Series... you'll want at the very least a Pro, or an Auto if you can get one. The Plus is compliance only, so you don't want that one! Since they seem completely ignorant, I doubt they'd even have the new PR System One's (or even know what it IS for that matter...)

ScrappinMom · Post by **ScrappinMom** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:23 pm

DottyG wrote:She asked me what a BiPAP is.

Almost unbelieveable.

Since you need a BiPap, please disregard the (Elite and Autoset) models mentioned above. Looks like jules has jumped in with some suggestions.
You can jump over to cpap.com to see info on all machines.

DottyG · Post by **DottyG** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:29 pm

Nurse just called again. She can't find the titration part of my study. Nevermind that 1) I know the doctor reviewed that last week and 2) the sleep place sent me the same fax that the doctor's office got, and both parts of my test were in there.

I gave her the number of the sleep study place. I'm tired of being in the middle of this. They need to coordinate with each other, get the prescription faxed over to the DME and get me set up. But, stop making me do the work on this.

I have a temper. And, if I'm tired, that temper can really come out. "Mr. McGee, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

jules · Post by **jules** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:33 pm

if they faxed the Rx before --- they can find that original in their files

a nurse at a PCP office might not know much - might not even be a nurse but a lowly CMA you are dealing with --

at this time you are the most educated of the lot - the ppl at the PCP office - even the PCP probably -

the temper should go down with treatment

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Additional Comments: Pressure: 9cm H2O - C-Flex: 1