Question about purchasing a machine from Second Wind...

[domedog316]

It finally happened! My PR System One Bipap Auto with Cflex bit the dust...it's going to need some TLC, but it's out of warranty! Here's my issue. I am going to send my Cpap for service with Accurate Biomed...so I'm good there. I want to buy a back up machine so that I'm not in this position again, I went to second wind and they require a prescription which is fine except my Neurologist says that I need another Titration study. It's been over two years but I monitor my own therapy with software and I'm doing great. My life has been vastly improved by the machine and if it weren't for my machine finally going belly up I wouldn't even deal with him any more. I am not going to incur unnecessary medical expenses that I really cannot afford in the first place. It's the beginning of the year so we have met none of our deductible. He gave me the same run around when I wanted to purchase a replacement mask...I thought I needed my script for that too but I ended up finding a company that didn't require it. I lost 50 bucks on that one because that's what I had to pay to be seen.

Second Wind has a form that a doc can fill out but can anyone tell me if I can fax my 2 1/2 year old script to them will they require my doc to still fill out the form? I have requested a copy of all medical records from my neurologist and I am picking them up Tuesday. I guess what I'm asking is have any of you guys who've used second wind and will my prescription from 2010 still allow me to purchase from SecondWind.com? I just don't think I should be forced to do another sleep study when I obviously don't need it.

[Pugsy]

Call them and ask them. Most of the time RX for cpap/bipap doesn't have expiration date. I know that at cpap.com my nearly 4 year old RX would still allow me to buy RX items.
I think that an old script for bilevel pressures will work just fine at secondwind.

[chunkyfrog]

I imagine the old Rx should work, otherwise, why not ask your regular doctor, dentist or nurse practitioner?

[hyperlexis]

Prescriptions are valid for one year unless a controlled substance.

[domedog316]

Call them and ask them. Most of the time RX for cpap/bipap doesn't have expiration date. I know that cpap.com my nearly 4 year old RX would still allow me to buy RX items.

Thanks Pugsy, I called them today but their storefront is closed! I'll check though...I was of the opinion that my script wouldn't "expire" as well but honestly dealing with my Dr, who is Ironically named Dr. Maroun Dick....not making it up I swear....I'm just frustrated because I feel like he should make it easier to get the help I need, not require me to undergo unnecessary medical procedures. I know a titration study can be important when someone has difficulty or isn't helped by the current pressure but other than the first few weeks I've embraced what my therapy has done for me and look forward to going to sleep at night. Not now, of course. The fog is back after only 3 days with no therapy...next phase will be falling asleep at the wheel...does my Dr. care? nope...he'll only act if I do another sleep study...I got the feeling he was upset that I requested a copy of my medical records before leaving his office. I think he has a deal with the hospital where I did my study...maybe the more people he refers he gets a kickback or something.

Again, thanks!

edit: just saw your question chunkyfrog...the answer is above!

[chunkyfrog]

Our RX's on file at cpap.com are good for 99 months.
Apnea doesn't go away, certainly not in a year's time.
Sometimes we are told we need a PSG because there is a lot of money in it.
Automatic machines can reduce the need for unnecessary testing.
Gee, kickbacks, imagine that. Maybe just buddies doing each other a favor--not illegal, but certainly unethical.
You need to shop for a different doc. Once you find one, don't be ashamed to tell the old one why he's out.

[hyperlexis]

Call them and ask them. Most of the time RX for cpap/bipap doesn't have expiration date. I know that cpap.com my nearly 4 year old RX would still allow me to buy RX items.

Thanks Pugsy, I called them today but their storefront is closed! I'll check though...I was of the opinion that my script wouldn't "expire" as well but honestly dealing with my Dr, who is Ironically named Dr. Maroun Dick....not making it up I swear....I'm just frustrated because I feel like he should make it easier to get the help I need, not require me to undergo unnecessary medical procedures. I know a titration study can be important when someone has difficulty or isn't helped by the current pressure but other than the first few weeks I've embraced what my therapy has done for me and look forward to going to sleep at night. Not now, of course. The fog is back after only 3 days with no therapy...next phase will be falling asleep at the wheel...does my Dr. care? nope...he'll only act if I do another sleep study...I got the feeling he was upset that I requested a copy of my medical records before leaving his office. I think he has a deal with the hospital where I did my study...maybe the more people he refers he gets a kickback or something.

Again, thanks!

edit: just saw your question chunkyfrog...the answer is above!

Before someone calls a physician a fraud and a liar, which, perhaps the person may be, one should remember what a prescription actually is.

These machines are classified as medical devices and that's why one has the privilege of loading them onto an airplane for free. For a multitude of reasons these are medical devices that require a prescription and their use should be monitored. They aren't televison sets or toasters. And problems with therapy or machine settings can cause central apneas and even death. That's why you can't buy them without a prescription, and, ideally, sleep testing (at least for insured patients).

I would be far more concerned about an MD that hands someone an Rx sight unseen over the telephone.

[Pugsy]

Length of time for valid RX can depend on how it was written. Now some insurance companies may require RX that is within a year old for them to pay for it but online retailers don't have to mess with insurance requirements so they can just simply follow the RX as originally written.

I have chatted with secondwindcpap about RX requirement in the past. Old RX will work as long as it is for what you are wanting to buy. In other words I can't buy a ASV type of machine with a cpap/apap RX. I would need to buy the type of device that my RX points to. That's pretty well standard with any online retailer.
I am pretty sure that at secondwindcpap an old RX for bipap machine or bilevel pressure will let you get a bipap machine when shipped within the US. Outside of the US shipment has a more liberal policy on what can be bought.
I have bought from secondwind...very nice people and item was received promptly. It's a good source for gently used or new open box equipment at reasonable prices.

Regarding a doctor requiring a new sleep study before he will write a new RX...that is within his perogative. He is free to set whatever requirements he wants to set. That's just the way it goes.

For general information:
This is from cpap.com RX information section....
"Will an old prescription meet requirements or do I need a new one?

Some prescriptions are written for a "Lifetime Need" or "99 Months" and can be used to get the prescribed equipment as often as needed to continue therapy.

If a prescription notes a number of refills, it will be valid to dispense the listed equipment the referenced number of times.

If a prescription notes an expiration date, it is valid through the listed date.

We will gladly review a prescription for you to determine its condition. "

[cflame1]

If you have a regular GP, see if they'll write a script for you... explain the situation and they might help. I sent secondwind one that was old (same one that I use at cpap.com) and it worked for me.

[domedog316]

Call them and ask them. Most of the time RX for cpap/bipap doesn't have expiration date. I know that cpap.com my nearly 4 year old RX would still allow me to buy RX items.

Thanks Pugsy, I called them today but their storefront is closed! I'll check though...I was of the opinion that my script wouldn't "expire" as well but honestly dealing with my Dr, who is Ironically named Dr. Maroun Dick....not making it up I swear....I'm just frustrated because I feel like he should make it easier to get the help I need, not require me to undergo unnecessary medical procedures. I know a titration study can be important when someone has difficulty or isn't helped by the current pressure but other than the first few weeks I've embraced what my therapy has done for me and look forward to going to sleep at night. Not now, of course. The fog is back after only 3 days with no therapy...next phase will be falling asleep at the wheel...does my Dr. care? nope...he'll only act if I do another sleep study...I got the feeling he was upset that I requested a copy of my medical records before leaving his office. I think he has a deal with the hospital where I did my study...maybe the more people he refers he gets a kickback or something.

Again, thanks!

edit: just saw your question chunkyfrog...the answer is above!

Before someone calls a physician a fraud and a liar, which, perhaps the person may be, one should remember what a prescription actually is.

These machines are classified as medical devices and that's why one has the privilege of loading them onto an airplane for free. For a multitude of reasons these are medical devices that require a prescription and their use should be monitored. They aren't televison sets or toasters. And problems with therapy or machine settings can cause central apneas and even death. That's why you can't buy them without a prescription, and, ideally, sleep testing (at least for insured patients).

I would be far more concerned about an MD that hands someone an Rx sight unseen over the telephone.

I hear you on that. I never said he was a fraud but his attitude seems to be that he knows better than me what is best for me. This after 2 years of not even seeing me. Thing is, no one knows my body and sleep patterns like me. I have taken ownership of my condition and view my machine info daily. Why should I have to pay a 850.00 deductible for a titration study when all I need is a replacement machine? If it weren't out of warranty I'd simply call the DME, but Apria at this point isn't any help at all either. Heck, in my case I'm getting my original repaired out of pocket and simply want to buy a second machine to use as back up and travel. My prescription isn't changing. (should say doesn't need to change) I understand it's his prerogative but it could also be his prerogative to listen to the most important person in the room, that being me - the patient.

EDIT: Oh, and I did go see him and he said I had to have a titration study before I could do anything. This is why I requested my records, including my old script...worse case scenario I'm going to go to a new neurologist. Best case I can use my old script to buy another machine and be secure that I'll have a back up in the likely event that in the future one of the two will fail and I'll be able to continue my life saving therapy while the other is repaired.

[StuUnderPressure]

Prescriptions are valid for one year unless a controlled substance.

Until I got my S9 AutoSet in January 2012 with a new prescription, I used my previous Oct 1998 prescription for all of my supplies.

NEVER had any problem.

[gomer]

I am just 2 weeks into APAP and I got a copy of my RX recently.

It specifically states 99months/life right on the Rx.

[domedog316]

Yeah I never saw my original prescription because it was faxed directly to Apria but I'd be willing to bet that it was an open ended on or "99" month variety. I'll see it by Tuesday and then I'll give second wind a call and just buy my extra machine. Hopefully my regular machine will be repaired quickly as well! Thanks for all the good information!

[cosmo]

I had cpap.com contact my doctor. The signed prescription form then showed up on my account and it said 99 months.

[kaiasgram]

domedog, do give Mark Seager a call on Monday. He's the owner of secondwindcpap.com and a Respiratory Therapist. I spoke to him recently and he was very helpful about holding onto a BiPap unit for me until I know for sure if my doctor is going to prescribe it (currently doing a trial on a loaner bipap machine from the doc). He will tell you what he needs to see as far as your prescription goes and I'm sure he'll make it as easy as possible. Good luck.