It's useless, isn't it? :(

So, if I get the machine from the 1st place, I can't just swing by the 2nd DME (I think it's closer to me and might be able to be reached if I need to) to get replacement parts?

Dotty, I wouldn't think twice about going back with that first DME, from what you said they didn't even know what a data capable machine was or the difference between machines for that matter. If that's the kind of service you're going to get, you could be set up with any ole machine that probably wouldn't suite your needs. As others have said, i'd be sure to get a fully data capbable machine--it's important in knowing how your treatment is working for you. Hang in there--you'll make it. It's no fun getting the run-around but it sounds like this 2nd DME is going to be better for you--not only closer but sounds like they'll have lots better customer service.

Go with the second DME. Based on what you have said here, I doubt that the first DME can tell a CPAP machine from a rectal thermometer. They DESERVE to lose your business. This is what capitalism is all about. The first DME can either learn from losing a customer what is really important, or else go out of business.

DottyG wrote:ARRRGGGGHHHHH....Now she's REALLY angry at me.

She just called and told me that she faxed the prescription to the new DME.

So, while I had her on the phone, I asked her to fax me a copy of it as well - with anything else related to the process. I said I wanted a copy of whatever she has in my file that's related.

She sounded VERY put out by this request.

I told her that it doesn't have to be right this second. That she could just fax it whenever she has a moment - even next week, if things are busy.

I was informed, "Well, I'm not HERE next week."

Is that, somehow, MY fault?!

This (nurse) Admin Specialist sounds like she is sleep deprived - lack of sleep will affect mood swings as well as the memory.

DottyG wrote:I swear this never ends!

This is your baptism into the sleep world
Hang in there - you need your machine.

ps. If you even think about going back to that 1st DME don't even bother posting anymore.
What the hey is wrong with you?

come on guys -

what machine are they giving you?

and what about the O2 testing - you going to get that delivered or have to pick it up?

if it ain't what you want find a 3rd DME

also give the person at the doc's office a break - we don't know what is happening in her life and how many "fires" she is trying to put out right now -- yes she probably isn't doing a good job but we don't know how big her pile of work is ------

seriously, you need to think about a new doc ------ weigh all of this when you mind is clearer

This is also a tactic used to keep you from going to another DME that is not be 'owned' by the referring party too.

GumbyCT wrote:

DottyG wrote:ARRRGGGGHHHHH....Now she's REALLY angry at me.
ps. If you even think about going back to that 1st DME don't even bother posting anymore.
What the hey is wrong with you?

Ok, I guess (technically) we're really talking about DME #2. I'd forgotten that there was one mentioned before this one.

The guy I spoke to is going to have their Resp Therapist call me on Monday (she was out of the office today) and give me exact model #s of the machines they have. I told him that I was running it by some people that I know that know these machines ( ) and that I'd be getting back to them on whether I use them or not.

Basically, if they have the machine that I need, it's going to come down to whether I'm going to need to access them after that and whether I really need someone right around the corner from me.

At this point, I just want to sleep! I'm getting to the point that I don't care who can make that happen - just make it happen!

so another delay - dump these ppl and find someone who can respond and give you exactly what machine you will be getting once they see the Rx

a week ago I told you to find out what machine -

viewtopic.php?p=409825#p409825

and a week later you haven't gotten it -- yeah I know you switched DME's and all but it ain't just them stalling - you haven't been proactive as much as you SHOULD be

But, I AM asking what kinds of machines they provide. I've asked everyone I've talked to - all the DMEs that I've called (my insurance gave me a list of who they cover, so I've called all of them at this point. Three of them don't offer xPap at all, so I'm down to the 3 companies that do).

I've asked my insurance company what machines they will cover.

I've asked the nurse which ones they prescribe.

I'm not sure who else to ask. I'm asking until I'm blue in the face here!

Like I said, the person I need to talk to at the DME that I talked to last isn't in the office. She's the one who can give me exact model numbers.

I'm trying. I promise! I've even gotten ugly with some people (which I hate to do ) to get to where I am now.

DottyG wrote:The guy I spoke to is going to have their Resp Therapist call me on Monday (she was out of the office today) and give me exact model #s of the machines they have. I told him that I was running it by some people that I know that know these machines ( ) and that I'd be getting back to them on whether I use them or not.

Basically, if they have the machine that I need, it's going to come down to whether I'm going to need to access them after that and whether I really need someone right around the corner from me.

Keep in mind that 'any DME' can 'order any machine' they choose too. Some will only order from certain manufacturers because it IS more profitable when they get a deal. But it does sound like a stall.

DottyG wrote: Ok, I guess (technically) we're really talking about DME #2. I'd forgotten that there was one mentioned before this one.

I won't even try to follow this.

DottyG wrote: I'm trying. I promise! I've even gotten ugly with some people (which I hate to do ) to get to where I am now.

The way I see it, sometimes ugly and successful is better than beautiful and powerless. And of course you know about the "squeaky wheel...."?

Yes, it's important you tell them what machine you want, and not let them just pawn off some old thing on you with nonsense excuses. I know it's really hard to be assertive when you're half dead, but at least try to keep the other half alive long enough to get there .

['m never going to get help for the sleep issue.

The place with the machine was supposed to call me last week. They didn't. So, I gave them an extra week, just in case.

I called, and they have no record in the system of my prescription. Not only that, but they don't even take my insurance (despite my doctor's nurse assuring me that she checked this out with them first).

The DME gave me the number for another place that she thinks takes the insurance. So, I called them. They said to have my doctor's office fax them the prescription.

So, I called the nurse and left a message (there's not a way to actually talk to a nurse - you have to keep leaving messages and play phone tag). Some other nurse (not the one I've been working with) called me back. She said that she can't find a record of my needing this machine in her computer. (Yet, the prescription was there this morning when I talked to whomever I talked to, so I don't know what happened to it between then and now.)

She's going to try to find the script and fax it over to the DME.

But, I'm tired of dealing with this, y'all. They're making the person who's EXHAUSTED from lack of sleep run around in circles here. And, frankly, I don't have the energy to do this. THAT'S why I'm trying to get help. Can't some of these people help me? Isn't anyone going to listen to me and hear me tell them that I DON'T SLEEP? I'm teary all the time now. And, I think a lot of it is that my body is just so tired that it can't cope with any more stress. It's at its breaking point.

If I do get this script faxed over, I'm going to have to actually go to the place to get the machine. They don't work on weekends, so I'll have to go during the day. And, it's up north.

I'm just so tired, y'all. And, now I'm starting to cry again. No one's hearing me say that I need help.
Top

I do hear you. It gets better, and the frustration does go away eventually. I've battled with stupid DMEs and doctors who don't know their head from an outhouse. Be patient, but be FIRM. Keep contacting them, and get your wishes made known. I think we have all been through things like this---remember, the only answer to OSA is compliance, and that is what you need to achieve to be healthy. Keep after the bureaucrats, and YES, it is worth it. I say that after 11 years experience with all of this, and look back with a sense of humor that time can give you.

Hang in there----David

DottyG wrote:Just now, I was sitting here playing on the computer. And, I dozed off in the middle of doing something.

Yet, these people can't understand that I have a medical problem.

I'm so scared it's going to happen on the road, y'all. It hasn't before, but this is just getting worse. It's just a matter of time before something really tragic happens. And, I'll be the one who's been warning everyone all along.

Hi Dotty

I am sad and angry for you all at the same time.

Use your anger to get what you need. It can give you strength and energy that you would not otherwise have. The 1st DME's phone policy is deplorable, just for that alone you need a more caring DME.

In the meantime, to stay alive whilst all this is being resolved (as it will be), you might want to look at the following link -

http://www.nonap.com.au/

There could be a supplier in the States that you could check out. Orders by me for goods from the States usually takes about a week by airmail. I have just ordered one from the above link, here in Australia. There is also a supplier in the UK.

There is a useful assertiveness technique that you can use when talking to idiots; it is called the broken record -whatever they say that you know is a put-off, you respond by saying such lines as -

Yes, I understand what you are saying, but what I want is.....................................
then they put you off again, and you respond the same way -
Yes, I understand what you are saying, nevertheless what you need to do...................
then they put you off again, and you respond in a similar way -
Yes, I know thats the way it seems to you, but nevertheless my condition requires.........
or
Yes, I understand , but regardless of that I still need you to ...................................

You get the idea

You can even have fun doing it. Not guaranteed to work, but it often does. Just use your own words when you get the hang of it. You do not have to suppress your anger, but you can use it in a controlled way.

Keep on sticking at it, Dotty, you are doing a great job of perseverance so far, and as you get what you need your world will start to get a lot brighter for you. As it has done for most of us who have got through the initial hurdles.

And don't forget - you deserve to get better!

cheers

Mars

2ndGenCPAPgal wrote:Personally, I would stick with the one that offered the better service from the get go. Being difficult regarding completely reasonable request at the start of a relationship does not bode well in my book.

Going forward, you'll need to have at least a minimal relationship with the DME...and the better the DME the more likely you will want to have more than just a minimal relationship. You may want to get replacement supplies (filters, tubing, masks, etc) from them (compare your payment after insurance with online prices before you decide) and you will need to rely on them if your machine ever needs service. Having one that is willing to help from the beginning rather than after being threatened with loss of business probably signals a better chance of getting better service when the profit isn't as great when you need something small.

This is my recommendation as well. I'm sorry to hear that you've had such a problem and it makes me appreciate even more how great my DME has been. From the very first, they've been very helpful and considerate...even to the point of GIVING me a free mask to see if it would be better for me than the ones I had been using.

Remember, Dotty, this is YOUR therapy, not theirs...and if an obviously uncaring and unprofessional "nurse" is upset with you...so be it. You really do need to speak with the Dr and let him know how this member of his staff has treated you. You and his other patients help pay their salary.

Be like an old rusty nail and HANG IN THERE until you get what YOU need!!