What to watch for at DME appointment

[ncgncg]

I got a CPAP prescription in April that couldn't be filled until my oroantral fistula had healed (thanks everyone for your wonderful advice on what do in the meantime!). Now I'm finally setting up an appointment to get it filled at SleepQuest in San Carlos, CA. I'd like to know if there's anything in particular I need to watch for or ask about when I go in for the appointment. It seems to me that the prescription has a lot of details in it and that largely those details correspond to things I should want, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask. I had AHI 18.5 at my sleep study, but no titration was done; the doctor said that rather than doing a second study for titration I'd be better off just getting an automatically titrating machine, which I believe is what the prescription calls for.

The prescription reads as follows:

DME PRESCRIPTION FOR POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (PAP) DEVICE AND MASK

Type of device: Auto CPAP range at 7-12 cm of water pressure

In all models include heated hose, humidifier, filters, and all other necessary equipment that is needed.

Mask Prescription
Model/Make/Size: Swift FX nasal pillows or patient's preference (fit for correct size)

Comfort feature option on model: on
Data card/memory feature with AHI and leak values: Yes
RAMP enabled: Yes
Ramp time (MInutes): 30 minutes or other
Heated Humidification: Yes
Chin strap: Yes
Length of use: 99 months
Hours of use: 8 hours
With sleep: Yes
Duration 12/4/2013 to one year from 12/4/2013
Diagnoses:OSA 327.23

[Pugsy]

Find out what brand of equipment the DME typically dispenses. Most DMEs will stock the brand that they get the best wholesale deal on.

In terms of acceptable brands I prefer the ResMed and the Phillips Respironics.
The doctor specifically states APAP so that would be the ResMed S9 Autoset or the Respironics PR System One 60 series (is the latest model) Auto CPAP model 560...
ResMed model names are clearly stated on the top of the blower unit.
Respironics aren't so clearly stated on top of the machine but there is a 3 digit number on the bottom of the blower unit.

You can't go wrong with either of these 2 brands.

Some DMEs might try to sneak in the S9 Escape Auto..it gives AHI but that's all...doesn't give leak data so if they try to supply that machine ...it isn't what the doctor ordered..don't accept it.

[ncgncg]

Thanks, Pugsy! I get the impression from the interwebs that SleepQuest regularly, if maybe not exclusively, sells Resmed, so I suppose that's good. I'll make sure to get the S9 Autoset and not the S9 Escape Auto, then.

[hobbs]

Your wallet to start with.

[Jeannh]

If you care about a new vs used (even gently, which is how they describe it) machine, have them show you the "run" hours on the machine, which they cannot reset.

If you will be using insurance, you can generally get 3 months of supplies at once. Ask for the supply replacement schedule, and the reorder process.

Ask them to fit the mask inflated with you lying down.

Find out how long you have to try out a new mask. They are very personal (I tried 5) and you really have to spend a few nights with one. Many places give you 30 days to return it and pick another. I could always tell in a week.

Congrats on starting down the path to better health!

[StuUnderPressure]

And if you decide on the ResMed S9 AutoSet, don't forget to insist on the latest internal software version (at least SX474-0907) (or even later).

I would learn how to check the "Run Hours" and the internal software version myself. You would be amazed how many DMEs do NOT know how to do it themselves.

Do NOT leave the DME with any machine until you are satisfied they have met all of your desires. Once you leave with a machine, it is at the least very difficult & sometimes impossible to get the DME to change out anything.

[Jeannh]

Do NOT leave the DME with any machine until you are satisfied they have met all of your desires.

I so agree! To get my initial setup, I had to get up to leave 3 times! Be sure they actually fit the mask!

[bwexler]

Your wallet to start with.

Check your shoes and your shirt before you leave.

And if you don't believe you owe anything do not leave your credit card on file.
Apria kept on insisting on getting my credit card and I kept declining. I asked what was the maximum they might want or need to charge and for what. They could not or would not answer.
I simply said I don't sign blank checks, ever.