Reordering Nasal pillows without doctor appointment

Hey guys,
I enjoy the Q&A from the forum and have learned a lot from you all. I have been doing well with my CPAP averaging at least 98% score on the ResMed app for a couple of years. I had been buying nasal pillows on websites but decided to take advantage of my insurance deductible and order nasal pillows replacements at the sleep center I originally went to for setting up my CPAP. I ordered some earlier in the year from the sleep center without no problem. I call today to order more nasal pillows and was told by the doctor I have to make an appointment first to see how I am doing. I told them about 98% the average score and feel great but nevertheless I wasn't allowed to re-order nasal pillows without an appointment. Is that ethical? Why pay $80 for an appointment when I only want to order nasal pillows ? Am I being unreasonable ? Thanks for your thoughts.

Why are you ordering your supplies from your doctor? Of course it's in his best interest to charge you for an office visit and then make a profit on the pillows. If you have a prescription, go to an independent DME for your supplies or continue to purchase on the internet.

A prescription is not needed to buy many cpap supplies,
including pillows or cushions, unless insurance is paying.
If you are able to find out what your costs are in network,
you can compare prices to those paid online.
If insurance does not pay for the doctor appointment,
going is your choice--and your expense.

I have to go in and be seen once a year in order for my insurance to pay for supplies. It's the same with other non-cpap related medical supplies.

The only time my DME has asked for a prescription is when I want/need a new machine...then for 5 years they have never asked for a prescription or proof that I have seen a doctor about CPAP. I have a Medicare Complete plan.

I haven't seen my doctor in a few years but have no problem ordering supplies. I think it depends on what insurance you have. I have Medicare with a UHC supplement. I usually order on-line from Versus Health Care.

Depends on the state you live in. In my state, a new prescription is required annually (they do not accept 'lifetime' prescriptions). My DME gets my prescription from my primary. Call up your primary and ask if they are willing to do a prescription for you and fax it to the DME. The DME does NOT need a prescription from the sleep doctor you originally saw. Without my supplemental, it would cost me $100 to see the doc and I wouldn't bother doing that just for a pillows prescription.

Nasal pillows do not require a prescription in any state unless you want insurance to pay for it. Your DME should know that but the person on the floor may not know. Ask them if they will match (or closely match) online supplier. If not, take your order there. The online suppliers only need a COPY of your prescription. Go to the office to get it.