DME Troubles

Well I just got a call from the DME to set up an appointment. I was told that my RemStar pro 2 machine was ready for me to pick up. As soon as i heard that i said thats not what i want. I told them i want a full data machine and was told that this is a data machine.

I said im looking to get a S8 Elite II or a M Series Pro. All they carry is the S8 Elite and that the S8 Elite II is about $1000 more and not even sure if she can get it for me. And that the Elite II you can not adjust the ramp function, you have to wait till the end of the time limit to get the full pressure and since im young i dont need a ramp Im sure, and please correct me if i am wrong, you can adjust the ramp or even turn it off?

I'm not sure if its possible, but can you start on one machine then switch to a different one? I called the insurance company and was told they didnt care what i got, be it a $200 machine or a $1500 machine. I pay 20% since ive meet my deductible. Wait till i ask for the external HC-150 humidifier

Well I just got a call from the DME, I got what i wanted, after much confusion. I kept asking for the S8 Elite TWO which she kept saying NO! Apparently its a new machine ready to come out and is super expensive. So they are going to order me the S8 Elite II and are going to charge me close to $3000 I think theres something fishey about this. Im told this includes the machine, the mask, hoses, filters and the integrated humidifier. They do not carry the HC-150 nor can they order it, since it will not work with the S8 elite II?? And i have to wait 2 weeks to get it as they have to order it and ResMed is so backed up it may be longer...

Are all DME's this expensive???

Remstar Pro 2 is data capable but it hasn't been made for a while. You have to use software to get the data but it is there.

Call and ask the DME for a model number, not a name and see what you get.

I ended up calling a different DME and i can get the Elite II, and everything i need for $1200. That includes the extended 5 year warranty. And i didnt have any problem what so ever when i said i wanted a Elite II.

deesnider wrote:I ended up calling a different DME and i can get the Elite II, and everything i need for $1200. That includes the extended 5 year warranty. And i didnt have any problem what so ever when i said i wanted a Elite II.

Be sure to read your contract VERY carefully before signing anything. Also, if your insurance is paying the bulk of this, find out the length of the contract and when this machine will become YOURS (be paid for). Specifically, look at the details on that extended warranty.

Den

Someone correct me if I am wrong -
The machine will be warranteed for 2yrs., if it fails after that the insurance (if you have medical Insurance) will cover the next machine should it fail before the 5yrs are up. I know they will if the prescription from the doc changes any.

The point I am trying to make - I don't think there is any need to purchase an extended warranty from the DME. You could prob spend that money to buy a used machine for a back-up anyway.

GumbyCT wrote:Someone correct me if I am wrong -
The machine will be warranteed for 2yrs., if it fails after that the insurance (if you have medical Insurance) will cover the next machine should it fail before the 5yrs are up. I know they will if the prescription from the doc changes any.

The point I am trying to make - I don't think there is any need to purchase an extended warranty from the DME. You could prob spend that money to buy a used machine for a back-up anyway.

Yeah. Something smells a little fishy with that extended warranty deal.

Caveat emptor.

Den

Wulfman wrote:Also, if your insurance is paying the bulk of this, find out the length of the contract and when this machine will become YOURS (be paid for). Specifically, look at the details on that extended warranty.

Actually, one other thing to think about is that I'm pretty sure most insurance companies won't pay for an extended warranty (like they won't pay for USB readers or other 'luxury' items) so it may be expensive as well as fishy.

2 weeks ago I picked up my Remstar Auto Series M with c-flex, with humidifier, and Mirage Quatro mask, all hoses, etc. and the cost from my dme was $1,740.00 total. I'd try somewhere else.

old64mb wrote:Actually, one other thing to think about is that I'm pretty sure most insurance companies won't pay for an extended warranty (like they won't pay for USB readers or other 'luxury' items) so it may be expensive as well as fishy.

NO, I am sure they won't, that is exactly the point. If you sign an extended warranty it will come out of YOUR pocket.

So do NOT do it.

I called A different DME thisafternoon. They also said that with no fight that i can get the Elite II nad all needed supplies for close to 1300 depending on the mask and susch. It comes with a no questions asked 2 year warranty, and after that i have to cover the repairs unless i get a new perscription, and the okay from the insurance company. I dont see any problems with it breaking down on me, unless i move it filled with water.

Also is it true that you can NOT use the HC-150 standalone humidifier with the Elite II?

deesnider wrote:Also is it true that you can NOT use the HC-150 standalone humidifier with the Elite II?

I would not think this is correct. It works with my AutoSet II.

Personally, there aren't the leak problems w/the Humidiaire 3i and 4i there have been w/another brand so I'd go w/one of them for the convenience of the integration w/the Elite II. If you then decided you still wanted the HC 150 you can buy them quite reasonably used online at e-Bay and probably even cpapauction.com (I haven't checked cpapauction). The integrated humidifiers are just so much more convenient, especially when traveling, and take up so much less room on your nightstand.

You're doing a great job shopping the local DME suppliers. Good on you! You are sure that they are "in network" and contracted w/your insurance company, right?

extended warranties on CPAP are not worth it. Most machines last 7-15 years. Most insurance companies will pickup a new one for you regardless after 5-7 years. Quite a few insurance companies will pay for repairs, or if it can't be repaired, or its close to buying a new one, they will get you a new one. This is the first I have heard of an extended warranty. This is complete garbage. The DME should be ashamed of themselves.

The S8 elite II with the integrated humidaire 3i or 4i is great. I just got this machine a couple of months ago after my machine took a crapper. The integrated humidifier is great - get the 4i if possible - it has a larger water capacity - which I love as I have my HH cranked all the way up each night. It is small and compact even with the HH.

Way to go - shopping around.

polysomno-man wrote:extended warranties on CPAP are not worth it. Most machines last 7-15 years. Most insurance companies will pickup a new one for you regardless after 5-7 years. Quite a few insurance companies will pay for repairs, or if it can't be repaired, or its close to buying a new one, they will get you a new one. This is the first I have heard of an extended warranty. This is complete garbage. The DME should be ashamed of themselves.

When considering a warranty for a CPAP or any piece of equipment/appliance, you gotta ask yourself, "if it wasn't a good/great deal for them would they be offering it?". I have never purchased an extended warranty for an appliance or piece of electronics and have never been sorry. I'm hundreds of dollars (actually even thousands) ahead of that game already...