Got S9 Today - Software & Medicare Questions

[Wonka]

Whoopee! (Although I don't know how I can be excited about joining the Hose Head brigade) My S9 AutoSet was delivered today. The rep just left. However, he noted that since I have a severe cold & congestion I should get rid of the cold before using it. I was surprised how quiet the machine is and the Easy Life Nasal Mask I picked out seems light and as comfortable as possible.

Now, the software issues. I've downloaded 3.12 from a post I found (I hope the download worked). I assume that's the latest software? I asked the rep about SW and heard the standard spiel. But...he also mentioned that Resmed will be issuing a new software soon that will be require a user ID and password. Has anyone heard about this?.

I anxious to start using the unit and tracking my progress with the software, and have the following question:

1. The rep indicated Medicare now rents the units for 12-months. At some point ( I think it was 90-days), I was told I will receive a reminder to mail the SD card to the DME and they will download the information and forward reports to my physician (I verified this with the Doc). I'm not sure how much data the SD card holds. Will I be able to extract information for the card I was provided without losing any data? Any precautions I need to take to ensure I don't lose any data?

Please fee free to PM me, if you wish.

THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

[lbw]

You will be able to download your info without erasing it.
Welcome to the land of hoseheads. Sorry to hear you have a cold.

[Janknitz]

Congrats on the S9!

The rep indicated Medicare now rents the units for 12-months. At some point ( I think it was 90-days), I was told I will receive a reminder to mail the SD card to the DME and they will download the information and forward reports to my physician (I verified this with the Doc). I'm not sure how much data the SD card holds. Will I be able to extract information for the card I was provided without losing any data? Any precautions I need to take to ensure I don't lose any data?

Medicare does something called a "capped rental" (it's not new, that's how they've done it for years). They pay 80% of the Medicare allowed amount on the machine for 13 months, and then it's yours forever more. The humidifier, hose, filters,and mask are purchased by Medicare.

The data cards hold a LOT. I'm not sure the S9 works this way, but when I forgot to put my card back on my PR S1 after downloading data, the machine held the data (about a week's worth) in its memory and wrote it to the card when I finally realized I'd forgotten to put it back (Luckily, I didn't lose the card out of my flimsy, lap top card reader).

You should be sure and download your data BEFORE you mail the card to the DME in case they give you a different card or something.

[Uncle_Bob]

Wonka, the software just reads the data from the card it does not delete it so please do not worry about sending it to the DME. Your SD card should have a write protect tab that you can flick over with your finger nail if you want to be 100% sure.

Please relax and take your time in getting up to speed with using the software. There should be no reason to be anxious about becoming your own best therapist

PM me if you need the clinicians manual for the S9 if you don't already have it.

Best of luck
UB

[GumbyCT]

You should be sure and download your data BEFORE you mail the card to the DME in case they give you a different card or something.

I think the DME's routinely (by default) erase data from any cards they read, so they can provide clean cards to the next patient in need. So never count on having "your card" returned to you with "your data" and you won't be disappointed

[Uncle_Bob]

I think the DME's routinely (by default) erase data from any cards they read, so they can provide clean cards to the next patient in need. So never count on having "your card" returned to you with "your data" and you won't be disappointed

Wow so they steal your money and your data too