Whoppers I have been told from DME, techs, etc

[Pugsy]

I have been seeing some reports of some really big whoppers (lies) being told by various DME, sleep techs, etc.
Just thought I would give everyone the opportunity to share theirs.

My first big whopper was told by the sleep tech during my titration study during the preliminary wiring up and discussion about machines and software to monitor therapy.

"It's against the FEDERAL law for a patient to have the software and use it"

Yep, that is what I was told.
Never mind that at that time even ResMed allowed the sale of their software to patients.

Of course the first DME (that got fired) told me that the very basic F & P machine they were going to supply me with (ordered without my consent) was fully data capable and when I check models it was of course compliance usage only.
That is pretty much a standard lie......

Any other whoppers people want to share, vent, rant about?

[Hosehead4ever]

When told there was an SD card in the machine, I asked if I could access that data and was told that only they (Apria) could read it. He said I would have to give them the card if I wanted to get a report or if my doctor ordered a report. When asked if I would get the same card back with the data on it, he said that they wiped the card and put a new one in.

Actually, I'm curious about that. Once the compliance device comes off, but before the machine is paid off by Medicare, am I obligated to let them have access to my reports?

[Mary Z]

Do you have the Encore software? Read your card before you give it to them. I don't know my Respironics machines, is this one fully data capable? You can check you numbers yourself from the machine LCD screen.

[Pugsy]

Once the compliance device comes off, but before the machine is paid off by Medicare, am I obligated to let them have access to my reports?

I am not sure when that final compliance check is to satisfy Medicare's requirements.
Are they using a modem to check compliance? I would assume that when it is removed that Medicare requirements have been met and they no longer care. I would doubt the DME would even bother to ask for reports.

I am thinking just prior to the 90 day mark is required compliance to satisfy Medicare. Hours of use is all they want anyway. Medicare is always changing rules, I don't know if they require anything after that 90 day mark or not. They didn't used to.

[Hosehead4ever]

It has a wireless modem. So that info is getting to the DME already, I would think. Sorry for the threadjack. Carry on with the whoppers.

[SleepingUgly]

I need to bump up an old thread I started with ridiculous quotes by DMEs, and you can add the "federal law" one to that.

[Bandnuts]

I was told by the DME that ResMed doesn't allow a machine owner to adjust or set a machine. Nor were we allowed by ResMed to see clinical menus.

Another good one was that I was asked to bring in my memory card for review at my clinic (this was after we identified CSR in my breathing here just 2 days after I was provided a straight CPAP machine). I offered to upload the contents of the card or to send them my Patient Information Data from ResScan. They said that they didn't have anyone that knew how to unzip a compressed file or to download a file from my internet site... I would think that a clinic that requires a lot of computers and computer programs to function properly would have someone there that knew a little about computers....

[idamtnboy]

I would think that a clinic that requires a lot of computers and computer programs to function properly would have someone there that knew a little about computers....

Believe it or not, the technician who read my S9 card at the sleep doc's office did not know how to download the detailed data.

[Janknitz]

Believe it or not, the technician who read my S9 card at the sleep doc's office did not know how to download the detailed data.

Evidence that your SLEEP doctor could care less about how well the therapy is working--only cares about documenting compliance to get the DME off his/her back.

[Rattleman]

My DME told me that I'd be able to run the S8 CPAP/humidifier on the (expensive) ResMed 12V adapter. After I had it all winter (no camping) and couldn't return it, he didn't believe me; I had to show him by taking a new unit off the shelf and connecting it to my truck. He then told me that the battery on my truck must be bad.
Okay, I realize this isn't a whopper so much as dealing with a moron. Sorry for the hijack.

[Janknitz]

Come on people--where are all of you who were told that "your insurance doesn't cover a data capable machine" or that you needed a specific prescription to get a data capable machine, or that there was no such thing as a data capable machine????

[Slinky]

Let's see ......

Medicare wouldn't buy me a nebulizer despite I have COPD and a script.
Resmed PAPs don't have a patient menu w/data
Medicare doesn't pay for just parts for a mask that are broken
You can't buy just parts for masks like just a cushion you have to buy a whole new mask

Its been 5 years so I can't remember them all - needless to say that was my FIRST local DME provider - who was, of course, replaced in short order. I think about 6 months for replacement.

[BusyLyn]

Let's see...

1. BCBS only pays for a new mask once every 6 months. (wrong -it depends upon the specific BCBS contract, many are liberal with replacements)
2. The DME is unable to order parts for full face masks - the DME must supply me with a complete mask and headgear. (see item# 1 above)
3. No one else has problems with full face mask cushions, therefore my leakage problem with my full face mask after 2 months of use must be because I'm washing the parts with the wrong soap. I need to buy a new mask. (again, see item# 1 above) (Medicare guidelines allow FFM cushion replacement every 30 days)
4. During the early days, I can only swap my mask with another mask from the same company or I will have to pay for the second mask myself.

Lyn
(who is dropping in at her new DME tomorrow to pick up a new mask cushion and some white filters and to say hello.)

[Hosehead4ever]

I've posted this in another thread, but I was told by my DME that I couldn't use nasal pillows with my pressure "so high" of 14.

[rested gal]

I've posted this in another thread, but I was told by my DME that I couldn't use nasal pillows with my pressure "so high" of 14.

Yep, quite a few people on this forum have reported hearing that kind of thing from DMEs. Seems to be a very common misconception. Probably second only to "it's against the law for you to change your pressure."