PRS1 Data Storage Behavior

[forthguy]

I'm trying to nail down the data storage behavior of the PRS1, and I guess specifically the Series 60 machines.

I've been using my machine for almost 2 months, and based on the data, I believe I'm about ready to try to minor tweaks to the settings. However, the SD card has the prescription on it, and based on the behavior and what I understand, the prescription must not have been marked to delete on load when it was created. As a result, to change settings I believe I need to switch to a new, clean SD card.

In another month, my provider's going to ask for me to send in the SD card so they can review it. (So far as I know, this is not a compliance check, but an efficacy check.) Therefore, I'd like to ensure efficacy data gets written to their SD card. But I'd also like to be able to change settings.

So... From what I've read, my understanding is that the machine will write out efficacy data (but not flow graphs) to any SD card inserted into the machine. Is it then correct that if I start using my own card and occasionally swap their card back in, that their card will get new efficacy data written to it, minus the flow graphs? (And, of course, reloading the prescription, forcing me to redo the settings adjustments again.)

[john5757]

In my machine which is the series 50 the flow charts will be written to any good SD card. Without the card and adding the card later just the basic efficacy data information is written. When you switch back to the doctor SD card which can have your name written to it the efficacy data will be written to it, minus the flow graphs. Your doctor might wonder why he can not see the flow graphs.

[Pugsy]

So... From what I've read, my understanding is that the machine will write out efficacy data (but not flow graphs) to any SD card inserted into the machine. Is it then correct that if I start using my own card and occasionally swap their card back in, that their card will get new efficacy data written to it, minus the flow graphs? (And, of course, reloading the prescription, forcing me to redo the settings adjustments again.)

You are correct.
I wouldn't worry about the flow graphs being absent...most likely the doctor won't even notice it because mostly they look at hours used each night and maybe overall AHI.....if he/she looks at anything.

But I can tell you how to the flow graphs back on that SD card..it's easy.
Just copy the xxx.005 files (that's the wave form graphs) and put them on the SD card (they go in the P0 folder) that has them missing...or you can just copy the entire P0 folder from the SD card you want to use for your experiments and replace the other P0 folder with it.

[RandyJ]

The only reason a DME ever asks you to send in the card is to look at compliance data so that they can get paid. This usually happens at the 3 and 6 month marks. If you're 100% compliant, they might not ask for it again.

Rarely, I have heard of a doctor wanting to download the card to check efficacy data, but reports of this on this forum are quite rare. Like black diamond rare.

Your machine will write all of your compliance (usage) and summary data (up to 365 days) to any blank card you put into it, so it's my understanding that you could switch out cards as you please, and the machine will always write your summary data to whatever card you put in. (This is the only data the DME cares about.)

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong about this...

[forthguy]

But I can tell you how to the flow graphs back on that SD card..it's easy.
Just copy the xxx.005 files (that's the wave form graphs) and put them on the SD card (they go in the P0 folder) that has them missing...or you can just copy the entire P0 folder from the SD card you want to use for your experiments and replace the other P0 folder with it.

Ah, that's excellent information. Thanks!

The only reason a DME ever asks you to send in the card is to look at compliance data so that they can get paid. This usually happens at the 3 and 6 month marks. If you're 100% compliant, they might not ask for it again.

In my case, it's my local Kaiser Permanente (HMO) sleep clinic, who also happens to be my DME. As far as I know, they don't care much about compliance, as they've already given me the machine under my insurance plan. I've read over my agreement from when I received the machine, and there are no conditions on compliance. (And I'm fortunate in that my insurance plan fully covers DME.)

That said, I do suspect they're not going to do much more than look to see that my AHI is <5, and while I'm not in front of Sleepyhead right now, I believe my average is still just below 5. I suspect they'll declare success. I don't have any real knowledge about what they'll do; I just know that the RT at the clinic told me that she'd be requesting it to check how things are working and make any adjustments, if necessary. Could be BS. I think, at the very least, Kaiser likes to collect lots of data.

[john5757]

That would be the first that Kaiser likes to collect lots of data mine does not.