Insurance changed my CPAP equipment (presumably without notifying my doctor)

LizardBBQ wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 20, 2023 1:46 am

I do have another question now. I don’t remember where I saw this, but someone advised that a certain number of hours logged into a brand new machine is acceptable because it could be the provider turning it on and testing its functionality. But I don’t remember the specifics.

So my question is, what are the “acceptable” number of hours in usage for a brand new machine from a DME?

LizardBBQ wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 20, 2023 1:46 am

I do have another question now. I don’t remember where I saw this, but someone advised that a certain number of hours logged into a brand new machine is acceptable because it could be the provider turning it on and testing its functionality. But I don’t remember the specifics.

So my question is, what are the “acceptable” number of hours in usage for a brand new machine from a DME?

LizardBBQ wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 20, 2023 1:46 am

So my question is, what are the “acceptable” number of hours in usage for a brand new machine from a DME?

I don’t trust the DME companies either. Sometimes when I find myself in the situation where the DME and insurance company tell me different stories (blame game), I say, well, let’s do a 3-way call to come to a correct understanding of the facts.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 20, 2023 6:42 am

My last two machines had ZERO hours; so ANY hours says "something".
Anything over a couple hours tells me it has been "somewhere."

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 20, 2023 7:56 am

If you are looking for a number of hours in a legal or consumer protection context, I don't think there is one. Though some might argue that a non-new item has to be identified as refurbished or something to indicate it isn't absolutely new. So in that context, the number or run-hours would be zero (maybe 1 or 2).

If you're asking what the run-hours should be in a general sense of acceptability, there is no consensus. Some expect and insist on 0 run-hours for a new device. Other's are OK with a very small number. CPAP devices are not like cars though. Cars will have a few clicks on the odometer for test-drives and movement from factory to dealer.

I can't think of any reason why a brand new, unused CPAP, would have a a value greater than 0. I have had two new AirSense 10s, both came completely wrapped, with no signs of opening and run-hours of 0. Some DME's will open them to for initial configuration, and casual working observation. But I can't see this being being an hour of blower use.

LizardBBQ wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:34 pm

When I went to the doctor, I specifically asked for a ResMed Airsense 10 because I got the impression the 11 wasn’t that big of an upgrade, and also I wanted the swivel on the back of the machine to make sleeping a bit more flexible.