Charge for Monitoring PAP machine

I've just realized I'm being billed for "PAP Monitoring Device" by my DME, that is not covered by Medicare. Is this common? It's only $10 per month, but I find it interesting that Medicare or my supplement doesn't pick up that charge! I know my electrophysiologist has accessed the machine data, but I don't know how often. I'm just trying to figure out if there's a billing coding error or what!! Thanks all!!

It is NOT a common charge and there is a reason that insurance/Medicare doesn't pay for it. They (insurance) doesn't think it is needed because it isn't.

Pugsy - Any clue about the mechanics of monitoring? If I say I want that charge removed, will that cut off access for any doctor that wants to access the machine data? I've asked the one doctor I know has accessed it, but they're not real good about returning phone calls like this!! In as much as it's a cell phone function, I can't see where it goes through the DME or ResMed either one.

kwikwater wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 21, 2025 1:29 pm

Pugsy - Any clue about the mechanics of monitoring?

Sorry, no clue as to how often things actually get monitored or what is getting monitored or who can access the monitoring platform whatever it is.

BTW if you have Medicare and no one told you via an ABN (advanced beneficiary notice) and so you didn't sign one....you can't be billed for anything Medicare doesn't cover.
By Law they are supposed to tell you ahead of time that the fee isn't a covered item and if you don't sign the ABN saying you understand and don't care.....you aren't responsible.

My personal opinion.....you are getting ripped off. It is very rare for someone to charge that sort of fee.

I think I got my answer. Both, the heart doc and my primary care I knew had asked for info. I find that my PCP just calls the DME and asks them to access my machine, that was mostly for first 90 day compliance requirements. At that point, the DME did provide a service, so I'm a bit better with it!! I'll be advising any doc''s in the future to ask me. I run my SD card and my oximetry ring every morning. OSCAR and the oximeter reports will tell them far more than they ask for anyway!!! Thanks for your input Pugsy!!!