Sleep test results - apparently negative

[Chasecaleb]

Well, this is absurd. While it sounds like my doctor will go for doing a full sleep study, my insurance, well... is awful. I've got a $2500 deductible and then have to pay 20% out of pocket up to $4500, and this test would cost around $8,000 here. Of course, if I switch insurance companies then there's the whole pre-existing condition problem. So it's looking like being able to afford a lab sleep study anytime even remotely soon would be impossible, as much as this frustrates me.

Since I can't see any way to afford a lab sleep study, is there any way I can get a doctor to give me a trial CPAP machine to see if it helps or something like that?

[jamiswolf]

Bummer...
Do you have the results of the home sleep study? It might be interesting to see what people on the Forum think about it.

I am a BiPap user who abandoned Medicare and my sleep Doc and have just been doing it by myself. Machines are readily available on the used market. Usually advertised through Craigslist. You could invest in a good used machine and could get advice and counseling through the forum and still, would be cheaper then your 20% of the outrageous PSG cost. Just a thought. There are always options.
Jamis

[Chasecaleb]

That's not a bad idea, I don't have the results, but the place is just down the road and (I think) will be readily willing to give them to me. What do I need to ask for?

Looking at other insurance plans around here in Washington state, there's really no point switching right at this moment, because they all have huge waiting periods for pre-existing health conditions (like 9 months for the one I would love to have), which this qualifies under their definition. Get this: the place I would do a sleep study at would charge about $8,000 if they billed my insurance, or $4-5,000 cash. With my deductible and stuff, that would end up being around $3,600 that insurance would charge me (deductible + 20% after it's met) and that's IF my doctor can convince my insurance that the MSLT part is even necessary, otherwise it just ends up being a PSG.

Anyways, rabbit trail/rant. I'll get my home sleep study results, see what you guys think. If I end up looking into a nice machine on Craigslist (my local one is Seattle, WA), any ideas what I would look at spending?

[Chasecaleb]

Another update, since I can't edit (I'll sign up if I end up staying around )- called trying to get the results, they closed a half hour ago. I'll get them tomorrow if it doesn't snow hard. In the meantime, can anyone shed any insight into what the costs of a machine may end up being used?

[jamiswolf]

Chasecaleb,
Just ask for the results of your home sleep study. That will be a summary with the important details.

Far as a machine: Assuming that you have mostly obstructive sleep apnea (the most common), it probably would be wise to get an apap machine since you haven't had a titration study. An apap is a machine that has the ability to adjust it's oressure according to the obstructive events that you have. You can find a new Philips Respironics apap pro machine for $800 on Craigslist. But a lightly used machine can be found for under $500. When you get ready to buy, send me a PM for some specific advice. Also Stl Mark is a member here who buys lightly used machines and resells them. You might PM him to see what he has available. His prices are good.
J

[archangle]

Another update, since I can't edit (I'll sign up if I end up staying around )- called trying to get the results, they closed a half hour ago. I'll get them tomorrow if it doesn't snow hard. In the meantime, can anyone shed any insight into what the costs of a machine may end up being used?

Look up the price new on CPAP.com. Don't pay more than half that for used.

If you look on craigslist, you'll find a lot of people who want a significant percent of the DME list price, not even their "real" insurance price. For example, $700 online, insurance pays $1500, DME list is $2500. CL seller wants $900.

You may find someone selling a good machine for a good price if you keep looking or haggle. Point out it's used medical equipment with no warranty, and you may not even be able to get it serviced if it breaks.

Do not accept the older models unless they're a LOT less expensive. Only the new ones give you good data collection.

[Pugsy]

If you end up purchasing a machine from Craigslist...send me a private message and I will tell you who to avoid. The one time I got burned buying from Craigslist was a cpap machine seller in Spokane/Tacoma area. Just in case he has moved and somewhere else in the state let me know if you opt for Craigslist.
He took my money and never mailed the machine. Too far for me to go break his legs and get my machine.

[archangle]

If you end up purchasing a machine from Craigslist...send me a private message and I will tell you who to avoid. The one time I got burned buying from Craigslist was a cpap machine seller in Spokane/Tacoma area. Just in case he has moved and somewhere else in the state let me know if you opt for Craigslist.
He took my money and never mailed the machine. Too far for me to go break his legs and get my machine.

I've only ever considered local sellers who I could meet face to face and power on the machine before buying.

[Pugsy]

One of our forum members has a good deal available. Not an APAP but a great machine and you can make it work for you. Just take a little more fine tuning than with and APAP.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=72894&view=unread#unread

[Pugsy]

I've only ever considered local sellers who I could meet face to face and power on the machine before buying.

Yes, yes. I know. I had already purchased a machine from the dude. No problems with first machine. Never crossed my mind that he would flake out on a second machine.

[archangle]

I've only ever considered local sellers who I could meet face to face and power on the machine before buying.

Yes, yes. I know. I had already purchased a machine from the dude. No problems with first machine. Never crossed my mind that he would flake out on a second machine.

Sorry, I wasn't razzing you. You balance risks and rewards. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Some people think Craigslist is always going to be terrible, and it can be. If you know the prices, what to avoid, what to check, deal with locals, and bring along AC power to test before buying, you can reduce the risk quite a bit.

I've won bigtime on 3 CPAP machines through CL for probably 1/3 total cost of what a doctor/DME would have cost me, even with insurance.

[Here to help]

To the original poster, what current medications do you take?

I'm a registered sleep technologist by the way.

[Chasecaleb]

To the original poster, what current medications do you take?

I'm a registered sleep technologist by the way.

I take 8 mg of Rozerem about an hour or hour and a half before bed so that I can fall asleep, for advanced sleep phase syndrome. Why?

[Chasecaleb]

I haven't got a copy of the study yet, we had record-breaking snow here around Seattle; pretty crazy stuff. I do remember it seems like I saw at least SOME hypopneas (not a clue about apneas) shown on the charts/graphs from the summary the doctor had. Can "normal" people have a low number of hypopneas or apneas?