Sleep Dr refuses to give me RX

Slinky wrote:Well, I am a crochety ole broad who detests these control freak doctors. So, for my health - and for spite - I would do TWO things.

1] For my health I would ask my family doctor to write the script for CPAP at xx pressure w/xx expiration pressure relief, heated humidifier and full face, nasal cushion or nasal pillows mask of patient's choice. Nice and generic and will allow for purchasing the Elite II (which is a great, fully data capable CPAP) or any brand and model CPAP or APAP you want when purchasing from an online CPAP supplier.

2] I would send a WRITTEN REQUEST for a copy of 1] the doctor's dictated results (1-2 pages each), 2] the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs (also sometimes called the full disclosure report) (5+ pages) each for BOTH my in-lab sleep evaluation AND my in-lab CPAP titration, plus 3] my equipment order (prescription) AND I would send that dated, WRITTEN request via CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. Keep a copy of the WRITTEN request and the proof of certification including the green return receipt when it arrives. To speed up the process I would cc to your state licensing board, to the accrediting agency if this sleep doctor and lab are accredited, and to HIPAA.

When the sheister sees those cc notations on your letter he/they get the drift you mean business and know your rights. Be sure to send those copies to the mentioned organizations as well. The sleep lab/doctor have 30 days to comply.

It won't take much online searching to find your state's licensing board, the accrediting organization and just where to send a HIPAA complaint. If they haven't complied w/in 30 days then be sure to follow thru and follow the rest of the formal complaint process. Don't let this sheister get away w/this!!!!

3] Have both your son and your father call or better yet write if there is sufficient time to cancel their appointments AND BE SURE THAT THEY SAY WHY THEY ARE CANCELLING!!!!

I LOVE the chance to deal them a DOUBLE WHAMMY - the loss of two sleep evaluations and possibly two titrations PLUS possible problems w/official organizations!!!! Don't get angry, GET EVEN!!!

Slinky wrote:What, CPAPScuba?? You don't like the Elite II? I sure did like my S8 Elite. Of course, I like my Resmed VPAP Auto even better since it turned out I NEED a bi-level due to COPD.

Frustrated in Knoxville TN wrote:Had sleep study 9 days ago, was sent home with a cpap machine (resmed elite ll with humidifier thing). When I learned that I would have to pay $140 per month for ten months for this machine, I called my sleep dr's office to get a copy of my rx so I could get my machine elsewhere. They told me that it is against their policy to give me a written rx and that they don't approve of buying the machine on the internet and will not provide me with a copy for that reason. Insurance isn't the issue, I have a high deductible so just want to buy the machine and go on and if my insurance co reimburses me at all great, if not-i dont care.
Ironically, I was so impressed with the sleep center that I referred my dad and my son...they have appts next week, will seek another place for them if this isnt' resolved promptly as both of them would want to just buy the machine outright as well.

mulehead wrote:The sleep doctor does not have to prescribe a machine. A GP can do it if he has your sleep study and can see that you need one.

mulehead The sleep doctor does not have to prescribe a machine. A GP can do it if he has your sleep study and can see that you need one.

rested gal wrote:

mulehead wrote:The sleep doctor does not have to prescribe a machine. A GP can do it if he has your sleep study and can see that you need one.

Right..any M.D. can prescribe it. He/she doesn't have to be a "sleep doctor." A general practitioner (GP) can give you a prescription for any kind of "cpap" (autopap, bipap, etc.) even if you've never had a sleep study.

* Primary Care Physician
* Internist
* Sleep Physician
* General Practice or Family Physician
* Nurse Practitioner
* Doctor of Osteopathy
* Physician's Assistant
* Dentist

elg5cats wrote:

* Primary Care Physician
* Internist
* Sleep Physician
* General Practice or Family Physician
* Nurse Practitioner
* Doctor of Osteopathy
* Physician's Assistant
* Dentist

..........rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, doctor, lawyer, or Indian chief.....................why not a chiropractor?

elg5cats

elg5cats wrote:

*...why not a chiropractor?

rested gal wrote:Years ago, I was going to get my vet to write an Rx if the good old family doc had not been willing. Vet would have done that for me. Seriously! Family doc happily wrote it the way I wanted it -- no problem.