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ZQuest wrote:Congrats Joe

A word of Caution make sure that you read any documentation that they (DME) might want you to sign

you dont want no HIDDEN fees, remember they are there to make money ...


Phil

You will be better served IF you get the paperwork BEFORE the equipment arrives to read and read thoroughly - write down any questions you have and get them answered BEFORE you sign. This will be a legally binding contract - they do this for a reason.

NOTE: The DME's main purpose in life is to separate you from your money using HCPCS billing codes. (Gumby)

Wulfman wrote:So far, so good. I don't think I'd be popping the corks on the champagne bottles just yet, but you're getting closer.

Make sure it's either the Elite or the Autoset before making a switch. Both are data-capable. It's just that you CAN get by without the Auto, but not without data. I can't find an S9 "Escape" on ResMed's website, so it may not exist.


Den

Wait until the first time you have seen your data on the screen

1 small step for Joe the sleeper
1 Giant leap towards restful sleep

over and out

Haha, thanks Gumby! I have my appointment to get the new machine next Wednesday - they're giving me an S9 AutoSet!
What sorts of things should I be looking out for in the contract? Are there any specific nefarious things I should be watchful for?

Hi Joe!
an s9auto set, yahoo for you buddy! You are part of the first wave of data newbies, who will take over the planet!

okay, I found some dme forms just to give you an idea of what information you might see on yours..

*******************************************************************************************************************

COMPANY NAME

PURCHASE/RENTAL CONTRACT AGREEMENT

Patient hereby agrees to the terms below regarding the purchase or rental of equipment from COMPANY NAME.
Rental period runs month to month from the date the equipment is DELIVERED and payable on the same date each month thereafter. I authorize any holder of medical information about me to be released to the health care financing administration, its agents, and COMPANY NAME to determine these benefits payable to related services. I understand that I am financially responsible to COMPANY NAME for all charges incurred through the term of this
agreement.

PATIENT SIGNATURE_______________________________________________DATE_________________________________________________

I. PRIVATE INSURANCE- AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BENEFITS_________________________________________________________________________________

I herby authorize YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY NAME to make insurance payments direclty to COMPANY NAME for medical expense benefits otherwise payable to me for this period of treatment. I understand that I am financially responsible to COMPANY NAME for all charges not covered by insurance benefits.

PATIENT SIGNATURE______________________________________________DATE________________________________________________________________

II____________________________________________________ MEDICARE ASSIGNEMENT________________________________________________________

I request that payments of Medicare Benefits be made to COMPANY NAME for any services or equipment furnished to me by that company. If health
care financing adminisration determines that these benefits are not medically necessary, I will be solely responsible for these charges..

PATIENT SIGNATURE___________________________________________________DATE__________________________________________________________

MEDICARE NUMBER_________________________________________________NAME OF PATIENT___________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF CLINICIAN____________________________________________

NAME OF PATIENT____________________________________________________

here is an example of what you might see on an orientation check list.
I checked off my list in a state of shock. I had been diagnosed a few minutes before being walked down the hall for a fitting.
Mind you I was expecting to be told to sew a tennis ball in the back of my shirt, and be sent on my way without a apnea diagnosis.
When I went into the little fitting room They told me to check the list and sign it, I did. I knew nothing. I understood nothing, but I checked and signed it as they told me.. I NEVER do that! What a weak and vulernarable state you are in when are faced with this stuff..
YOU wont be! You will be ready for anything! IF YOU HAVE TO SIGN SOMETHING LIKE THIS DONT LEAVE UNTIL THEY GO THRU EVERY DARNED
THING AND EXPLAIN PERFECTLY TO YOU! MAKE THEM EARN THAT MONEY!

COMPANY NAME

CPAP/BILEVEL ORIENTATION CHECK LIST

PATIENT/CAREGIVER RECEIVING ORIENTATION______________________________________

PRESCRIPTION ____________________________________

PHYSICIAN_______________________________________

SLEEP CENTER________________________________

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER____________________________________________

ACCESSORIES _______________________________________________________________________________

REVIEW THE FOLLOWING:

X The complete understanding on how positive airway pressure threrapy works and methods for its success.

X How to adjust, fit, size the accessorries mask and headgear. Tips and tricks for each accessory. Where to place the machine in the bedroom, how
often to turn it off and on and activate the ramp feature.

X How to check for leaks throughout entire system and why leaks can be detrimental to therapy. Feel around for mask leaks. The importance of using
a chinstrap to prevent mouth leaks. The Exhalation valve is a normal leak.

X How to clean and disinfect all accessories Review filter maineance, how and when to change them.

X Explain what its time to replace accessories. How to reorder them.

X Explain was to do if patient develops skin rashes, pressure sores, dry or runny nose, dry mouth, sore throat, or eye irrations.. Discuss the need
for humidification and how to use it. Discuss saline nasal sprays.

X DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE PRESSURE! If pressure feels to low or high call COMPANY NAME..

X Give patient telephone number to call for assistance

X Explain how to obtain or help if medical emergency arises CALL 911

X traveling procedures and outlet information. Dont check our machine thru baggage claim. Give DC/ac information

X Give patient or caregiver the cpap/bilevel patient packet.

X give patient all the paperwork and manual

______________________________________________________________

Use of this equipment during is sleep is ordered by your doctor. This equipment is not a life sustaining device. In a life threatenting situation
call 911.

I have been instructed and understand the use and maintenance of the equipment I received..

PATIENT SIGNATURE____________________________________________________DATE__________________________________________


Geez, when I reread this and typed it out, I realized when I left with my machine, they had gone over NONE, NONE of this with me!
They just slapped a mask on my face, and gave me a machine, some papers, and off I went.. NO wonder so many people fail!
HAD I read this paper, and demanded they teach me everything I signed off on, I would been there at least an HOUR or more, instead of ten minutes..
Heres your mask, heres your machine, good luck!

is there a growling icon????

Would it be different than the contract I signed when I got my S8?

Given that checklist, my DME was pretty thorough. I was there for a good hour or so when I picked up my S8. Showed me how it works, explained about humidification, care and maintenance, had me try on the mask, etc etc. I had a good starting knowledge. So hopefully they'll do the same thing with the S9.

I doubt it would be different, even though its an autoset, unless they retype their forms more frequently or make a distinction, mine
didnt..

I was given three autosets, one for titration, one to keep, one I traded in for that.

Im glad they took the time with you! THAT is good news!

joeattardi wrote:Would it be different than the contract I signed when I got my S8?

Have you read it yet?

GumbyCT wrote:Have you read it yet?

LOL - I'm embarrassed to say that no, I haven't. The guy told me "This just says <blah blah> and <blah blah>" and I took his word for it. Very stupid of me, I know. I won't make the same mistake this time!

joeattardi wrote:

GumbyCT wrote:Have you read it yet?

LOL - I'm embarrassed to say that no, I haven't. The guy told me "This just says <blah blah> and <blah blah>" and I took his word for it. Very stupid of me, I know. I won't make the same mistake this time!

Yeah, you and me both! They just said SIGN HERE.. OH, now I remember they checked off the x's! I just signed it, like some twit!
Oh, I could just kick myself..

I bet you are going to show up with a sherlock holmes hat and a magnifying glass this time!

joeattardi wrote:Haha, thanks Gumby! I have my appointment to get the new machine next Wednesday - they're giving me an S9 AutoSet!
What sorts of things should I be looking out for in the contract? Are there any specific nefarious things I should be watchful for?

One of the main things to review on the contract is how much you'll be charged per month, and for how long. Is this a rent-to-own agreement? I suggest that you take a calculator, so you can do the math right there before signing and determine how much the machine is going to cost you total. Go in knowing how much they cost online for comparison.

I don't recall the exact date that you received the Escape machine, but if it was over one month ago on your upcoming appointment day next Wednesday, they may bill you for both the Escape and the S9 Autoset for August. I hope they will just do a straight swap, and not charge you extra for the S9 Autoset. Watch for that.

Congrats on being persistent, and insisting on a data-capable machine. I think you'll find that all the effort was worth it. I'm glad they agreed to give you the S9 Autoset. Do double-check the model name on the machine before you sign anything -- it should say "AutoSet" in the upper left corner.

So Joe, did you get your S9 autoset????