Sleep doctor appointment 2 days away!

[mzlaura1884]

I go in Aug 9th my 1st sleep study was July 24th and my second was July 31st! I am so sick of being exhausted. I told my pharmacist today of my diagnosis and she said no wonder you always come into work tired! I am trying to write out a list of things i want or should ask. I already know i want my graph and detailed results. Also i want the rx to say Resmed s9 autoset H5i "for her" if possible. And also the rx for Quattro FX for her or whatever i want. I don't know if there is anything else i am missing or any questions i should be asking him. Also should i get the rx from him just in case i change my mind about my DME? I think i am going through Apria but not positive. Also if i do go through Apria how long does it take from the time i give them my rx until i get my equipment? Feels like i have been waiting forever.. i feel tortured all of a sudden. It's like now i know what's wrong let's get the ball rolling. I hope they have someone who can show me how to use my equipment too because i haven't got a clue.

[ozze_dollar]

Lets see the results of the sleep test first. That will indicate what type of equipment you may need.

[Paulrp]

Apria supplied my first equipment, My Doctors office fasxed them the orders on a tuesday, Wed afternoon I had my machine. I have had much better luck with smaller locally owned DME's, my current dme hires cpap users, they are motivated to help, and are much more friendly. Apria was not user friendly and only wanted to supply the high markup low cost items. The smaller local dme has provided respironics performance tubing - apria would only provide cheaper third party items. Apria did provide an apap with full data capability though.

By all means, get a copy of your sleep study and the doctors order for equipment, And rather than prescribe a specific mask, the term "Patient Choice" is good. Also ensure Heated Humidifier is listed.

[mzlaura1884]

Well there is a DME in my doctors building i could get my equipment the same day as my appointment the problem is though they are not under contract with my insurance company. My insurance would cover 60% out of network and 80% if i went through my network.

[Paulrp]

Will your insurance reimburse you if you just go buy the equipment?

[stage0]

you should ask about whether you can have a humidifier as an addon. this will help any dry throat and mouth.
at my facility, i use a nice filter made for getting out airborne germs and viruses. it fits on the hose between the machine and your mask.
jcpenneys has a nice pillow fitted for cpap mask usage. if you dont like it, the item can be returned.

[archangle]

Well there is a DME in my doctors building i could get my equipment the same day as my appointment the problem is though they are not under contract with my insurance company. My insurance would cover 60% out of network and 80% if i went through my network.

The DME will rip you off on the price if they're not in-network. The usual scam is they try to bill you at $3000 for the machine, and the insurance says they'll only pay $1000 if they're in-network.

[Tino2You]

Hi MzLaura,

I've been exactly where you are now and can only say "patience". You will prevail.

As for equipment, the S9 AutoSet (or Elite) is what you should ask your doctor to write on the script. Additionally it should say "with heated humidification and heated hose". "Mask of patients preference" would be a good way to allow you to try on some at the DME and then exchange it (within 30 days usually) if it hurts or does not work for you. Finally, have the Dr. say "no substitutions" or "fill as prescribed" or whatever terminology the doctor uses.

It will be up to you and your doctor whether you are prescribed the auto or constant pressure machine. If he prescribes an Auto he will need to supply a lower and upper pressure.

The last piece of advice is to request a copy of your prescription. Keep it and your sleep study results. in case

Good luck
-tino