Newbie needs guidance...

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:13 pm

Okay - well here is how it went down:

They showed up toting this S8 compact -- I asked them about the S8 -- made a big stink about how I thought it was a sub-par machine. So they trundled back out to the van and brought in a REMstarPlus M series machine with smart card. Didn't really have a chance to check it out online -- since it was on the spot. Seemed to me to be a better machine - but the again -- this is my first time through.

Guess I'll see how it all works out....

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:33 pm

No,No. No, the Plus is in the same level as the compact. In Respronics you need at least the "M" Pro model. I don't really understand why the even put the card in a plus. It won't read anything but hours eather. Take it back, you dont want it.

Jerry

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:16 pm

I wonder if I can even take it back now that I have accepted it. My insurance company purchased it rather than renting. Who do I take this up with?

The DME doesn't seem flexible...

The person sent from the medical supplier said the order from my doctor was for a specific model.....I assume that is a lie?

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:27 pm

That's easy enough. Take it back. Inform your insurance company that the device is inadequate and not acceptable and ask what other local DME suppliers they are contracted with. Also ask YOUR ORDERING DOCTOR for a copy of the script/order for your equipment. It is part of your medical records and you have a legal right to a copy under HIPAA. If the doctor refuses to give you a copy dump him and get a decent doctor.

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:40 pm

Should I not use it until I get this straightened out?

I'm thinking I probably shouldn't...

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:52 pm

I've decided to tackle my DME on Monday and try to insist that they give me a better machine. Can anyone explain to me exactly the functionality I'm demanding (so I can demand it)? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and I let them snowball me on Friday...

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:49 am

Anybody?

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 4:09 pm

What you're looking for is the capability of determining if there is a problem with your treatment, and for providing some definate numbers to a doctor (when needed).

The Pro will give you more than compliance info... it'll give you AHI numbers, which will allow you to determine if your treatment is working or not.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 4:22 pm

Favabean wrote:The person sent from the medical supplier said the order from my doctor was for a specific model.....I assume that is a lie?

That is either a lie, or they did not follow the doctor's order. If the doctor had ordered a specific model, they would not have gone back out to the van to switch the resmed Compact for a Respironics Plus.

This is the machine I'd hold out for, at the very least:

Respironics REMstar Pro M series with Smart Card. That is a straight cpap machine just like the other two they tried to foist off on you, so that will match the doctor's order (which was almost certainly for "CPAP.") The only difference between the M series Plus they gave you and the M series Pro you want is that the Plus records only hours of use ("compliance") onto the Smart Card. The Pro records much more info -- AHI and leak data.

If they gave you an integrated heated humidifier with the Plus, they can let you keep the humidifier. It will work with the Pro too.

Favabean · Post by **Favabean** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 5:11 pm

Thank you all so much -- round one with DME starts tomorrow.

My tact is going to be this. I asked for a model capable of data collection, specifically leak data. They gave me this model, it doesn't have leak detection functionality and I want to return it.