CPAPtalk.com

Jeeper wrote:Quote from ww's post:
"Unfortunately unless the prescriptions says auto cpap, cpap.com won't sell the auto model. I simply asked my regular doc to write a change to allow the auto cpap to be dispensed and they took that just fine. It is a racket and the law is supposed to be changed to not allow machines that are not data capable to be dispensed since there is absolutely NO WAY anyone can tell how effective the therapy is being dispensed."

The following was copied from the cpap.com website a few minutes ago:

"CPAP prescriptions are accepted for Auto Adjusting (APAP) Machines."
Here is the link: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Prescriptions.html#221

I have recently bought two apaps from cpap.com using a cpap prescription.

Jeeper

Thanks for the clarification. That is good news for all concerned!!!!

My advise? Quit fooling around with the idiot doctor and buy a data capable machine online. I am glad my PCP was happy to write a prescription for exactly what I told her. I have had an APAP from day one. An APAP can be set as a CPAP and if the doctor doesn't know that, they aren't much of a sleep doctor. If you want to keep the doctor, do, but tell her later that you bought an APAP.

Personally, Link, I think yours is a great plan, including what you're planning to say, as long as that would take the least amount of $$ from your pocket. If it were me, I'd keep BeanMeScot's suggestion as a backup plan to be used only if Plan A doesn't work OR if, after doing the math, you discovered that getting it online would actually save $$. Do whatever will get you the machine you want/need for the least amount of money.

Marsha

UPDATE: The DME (I'm pronouncing that "dummy" these days...) returned my call this AM and said she didn't understand my message because the "Plus" they got me IS fully data-capable. I told her both my experience and Respironics datasheets say otherwise. So, I'm taking my smartcard to their office after work today where she will "print out all the data to show me". I can hardly wait...

I have also printed the spec sheets for the "Plus" and the "Auto" to show her the difference. (Yes, I know the "Pro" lies in between, but I'm "goin' for the gold" and don't want to bring up the fact there's a compromise available.) Heck, as ignorant as they seem about the capabilities of the different models, it wouldn't suprise me to find out they don't even KNOW about the "Pro"!

And, of course, I still have the "take my business down the street" ace-in-the-hole, if all else fails.

BTW, I'm printing out cpap.com's policy cited earlier in this thread; in case they try to tell me I can't get an "Auto" with a "CPAP" 'script!

LinkC wrote: (Yes, I know the "Pro" lies in between, but I'm "goin' for the gold" and don't want to bring up the fact there's a compromise available.) Heck, as ignorant as they seem about the capabilities of the different models, it wouldn't suprise me to find out they don't even KNOW about the "Pro"!

LOL! Good plan!

You might want print out the PDF linked below, to show her the difference in "hours of use" data from the Plus's Smart Card after she downloads it, and a "full details" Smart Card download from an Auto with A-flex:

http://www.tnlc.com/Lara/laura/osa/Enco ... 1-2008.pdf

Just don't tell her that leak rate was produced by someone with tape over her mouth.

Thanks! Wish I'd have seen this in time.

BUT...by the time I got there, she had changed her story to "your prescription wasn't specific enough. If you doctor wanted AHI and HHI, she should have said that. 'Data capable with Smartcard' to me means any level of data."

God, I'm glad that woman is too ugly to breed! We'd be up to our butts in bozo's!!!

So... Did you get the machine that you wanted ????

Round Three:

Called the doc for new prescription (the one she wrote was not specific enough for my DME!). She is out of the office for a few days, but her PA (Physician's Assistant) was happy to help me. I actually dictated my own prescription over the phone which she will fax to the DME.

I even upgraded myself to Auto-CPAP w/ A-flex. lol

I hope that's OK with the doc when she gets back! (Actually, with the hassle this has been, I really don't care whether it's ok...)

I'm going to wait an hour and call the DME to see if they got the fax.

Can I be prosecuted for writing my own 'script?

YOU didn't write it. You weren't at the end of the FAX machine that sent it. Dictating isn't the same as writing - or FAXing. And by the way, you really oughtta stop off at the doc's office w/a "treatie" of some kind for that PA!!!

And DO IT while the doc's still outta the office!!! Hurry, hurry now.

Call....hey I'd be standing by the machine with the DME. They so often claim they didn't get the fax. Another stall tactic.

Be certain you ask that DME (or doc) for a copy of that prescription. Get it "IN your hand". Deja vu all over again.

GumbyCT wrote:Be certain you ask that DME (or doc) for a copy of that prescription. Get it "IN your hand".

I'm with Gumby, take that "treatie" that slinky suggested and get a copy of the prescription from the PA while you can.

LinkC wrote:God, I'm glad that woman is too ugly to breed!

Hey, LinkC - Have you looked in the mirror lately 'ol bud?

Seriously, I would be very interested in hearing the "good reasons" your doc mentioned as to not wanting to go the APAP route. I've got a appt next Weds where my doc wants to discuss my request for an APAP. I've started a thread on that, but feel free to post here or in the thread I started.

Signed, the best lookin' guy on CPAPtalk.com.

LinkC - I explained the different models to my Dr .. and asked for the one I really wanted. He replied "are you going to use it" and when I said yes, the script was written exactly how I wanted it and I picked it up 30 minutes later. I have no regrets and am so happy I spoke up and switched from that dang Plus model.

LinkC wrote:I actually dictated my own prescription over the phone which she will fax to the DME. I even upgraded myself to Auto-CPAP w/ A-flex. lol

Link, I love your style!!!
Please be sure to let us hear the final chapter of this fascinating tale.

Marsha

LinkC wrote:Round Three:

Called the doc for new prescription (the one she wrote was not specific enough for my DME!). She is out of the office for a few days, but her PA (Physician's Assistant) was happy to help me. I actually dictated my own prescription over the phone which she will fax to the DME.

I even upgraded myself to Auto-CPAP w/ A-flex. lol

I hope that's OK with the doc when she gets back! (Actually, with the hassle this has been, I really don't care whether it's ok...)

I'm going to wait an hour and call the DME to see if they got the fax.

Can I be prosecuted for writing my own 'script?

Good for you. I wrote my own prescription, too but my PCP had no idea about any of the CPAP machines. She trusted I had done my research and hopefully realized if I had a stake in it, I was more likely to use it.