Paying for mask fittings

I would be curious how much (or even IF) people are paying for their mask fittings.

I just got my insurance statement about a mask fitting I had at the sleep center where I had my study done and it was for $275! Soon after, I went for a second fitting (before I knew what they charged) when the mask they recommended did not work out. (I bought the mask somewhere else, because the Sleep Center cannot bill through insurance.) Now I have a second statement for another $275!

Gadzooks - I could bought the masks I was trying out!

The Sleep Center does sell masks (usually at a significantly higher than our hosts) and I have been talking about buying one from them if I can find one that really works (they loaned me one for 2 weeks), so it doesn't seem like this charge has anything to do with whether or not you purchase a mask.

I will say that the person who worked with me trying to get something to fit, was the first person I have found that knew what he was doing and I got to try them out lying on a bed and with my pressure. When my DME was helping me, I was sitting in a chair and the second time, I had pressure only because I took in my machine with me. But they were free.

What are other people's experience?

I was in twice to my sleep lab for a fitting. But then they knew the DME and I were NOT seeing eye to eye and also that the DME RT wasn't good at and didn't have the proper facilities/equipment to properly fit a mask. I was NOT charged a penny either time! Nor was my insurance.

My Dr. ordered a new mask, I went into Lincare gave them the script. They made me have a fitting and charged the INS when no fitting was needed. (I have always known which way was UP.) The hard part is getting the package open, not a problem with Lincare, because everything has already been opened. (and tried on someone else)

They do Milk everything for all they can get, a year before it wasn't done like that, they have got smarter at overcharging now, they even call me, to pump me into getting supplies. (Which are never the same as I have ordered.) Jim

Gee-I never even had an actual fitting, The doctor wrote the script for the mask that I used at my study-was lucky enough that it comes with small;medium and large cushion packaged.

Betty,

You (or your insurance) received TWO bills for $275?
Have you called them to get an explanation?
Maybe they "accidentally" double billed.
Do I understand correctly that you didn't even get a mask for either of the $275 charges?

Den

Den

Yes there were two charges for two different dates (I had two sessions) and on the second one, I took one mask home for a week trial - F&P 431.

I kept working with the Hybrid for that week, so emailed them to see if I could keep it one extra week - no problem. I sent in several reports of my progress (and lack of progress) and finally after the third week, they said to just keep it - no charge. I was pleased until I realized that this mask was actually a $550!!

The guy who heads up the sleep study center is the one who does the fittings, and he is great to work with, is helpful and informative. I definitely WILL call him, but I wanted to see what others had experienced to see what ground I could stand on when I talk with him.

There was never any mention of a charge and the whole process was quite casual, so the billing took me by surprise.

It is helpful to know other people's experience about their fittings.

Not as expensive but when I got my first mask I was also surprised by a charge. The RT asked me if I was a mouth breather. I said I really don't know but since I snore my guess would be yes. He gave me a ultra mirage FF mask. First he measured me for a medium and then brought a small out. When I questioned him he just said. This one fits you. In the fitting which was only done in a chair and I am a side sleeper he put it on and just kept tightening the straps until the leak stopped. Did give me a couple of hints on cleaning the mask but that was all. They charged me (my insurance)$50 which I did not realize until I got home. The first night was fair. Then I had problems. I watched the DVD that came with the mask and realized the RT had no idea what he was doing. I did like the mask but I kept having leaks and my Right eye would be swollen every morning. I happened to see the RT two weeks later and told him about it. His response was. Just keep using it for a few more weeks and if it doesn't get better come in. Now I realize that I missed my 30 day window to exchange the mask. So sure enough my insurance was charged for a second mask. I am lucky that my deductable is paid for the year because otherwise I would have paid $350 out for something that didn't fit me right in the first place.

Sorry this is long but it does feel good to vent!

Sam