DME Games

It is pretty clear that my first CPAP machine and the humidifier unit are rented, not purchased. I told my initial DME that I am returning the CPAP machine to obtain a better one, but they are trying to tell me that I cannot return the integrated humidifier. That does not make sense. I am going to take both back and agree at most to let them charge me for the disposable humidifier chamber, which is described as supplies, but not for the humidifier unit itself. Don't these people realize that these kinds of games cause them to lose more business in the long term than they gain in the short? If I were still working, I could handle the expense and just move on, but I am between jobs, so this is very annoying.

They are sooo stupid. The trick is complain loudly in front of new customers about planned obsolescence and crappy design and construction for something that is very high priced. Most of them have just barely enough sense to realize that might affect their bottom line. Don't let them hustle you into a private office until they agree to your demands.

I bet your insurance carrier has already paid them in full for the humidifier. My carrier will pay for the CPAP on a 10-month rent-to-own scheme. However the humidifier was paid for in full along with my other supplies (mask, headgear, hose).

JMCD is correct, most insurances purchase the CPAP itself on some form of capped rental - BUT - the integrated humidifier and all other accessories are paid for in full at time of delivery.

You can use that H4i humidifier w/any other Resmed S8 II device and the S8s and S8 IIs were great devices so why not just "upgrade" to a Resmed S8 Elite II or Resmed S8 AutoSet II???? Both are fully data capable and the S8s and S8 IIs excel in ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen than any other manufacturer.

Slinky, I have the ResMed S8 Elite II and don't know how to view my data.
Can you tell me how? My LCD screen will not display it.

Most insurers follow Medicare Guidelines, and the humidifier is a purchased item, not a rental item. So it's not stupid DME games, it's stupid insurer games.

CindySue in Indiana wrote:Slinky, I have the ResMed S8 Elite II and don't know how to view my data.
Can you tell me how? My LCD screen will not display it.

I saw this post last month about S8 card readers, maybe it's still available:
viewtopic/t54760/Resmed-S8-Card-Readers.html

I'll send you a PM with the link to download the ResScan software. I finally found it!

CindySue in Indiana wrote:I have the ResMed S8 Elite II and don't know how to view my data.
Can you tell me how? My LCD screen will not display it.

You have to look for the data before noon. After 12 noon, the data gets reset automatically to "none" so the machine is ready to record new data for the next sleep session.







Check your private messages, Cindy. I've sent you one just now.

Breathe Jimbo wrote:this is very annoying.

Like you, I returned my first machine for a better one. I usually try to educate myself about anything medical, but I just assumed I would be given the best machine for my needs. The machine I was given was only capable of recording Compliance Data. When I questioned their choice I was told it was the specific one the doctor had ordered and I had no choice. I was told this by two different people. After educating myself here and getting some good advice, two weeks later I called the DME and told them I was bringing back my machine and I wanted a copy of my Rx and sleep study. I kept the masks and the humidifier as they are "purchased items" and can't be returned. (Don't just give it to them unless they agree in writing not to charge you.) When I signed the return form I added the statement, "Returned equipment. No further liability". When I signed the AMA (Against Medical Advice) I added "Xxxx company was not able to provide me with a suitable machine". I called my insurance company and they had not heard from this company - not even to pre-qualify me for a machine. I called the DME and told them I had been given false information and wanted to know if I would be recieving any bills. I couldn't get a straight answer so I asked to speak to the manager. She agreed not to bill me or my insurance company for the machine. The next DME I went to confirmed with them that I would not be charged for anything. I was extremely lucky. I'm not usually good with confrontations. In the meantime, I ordered and paid out-of-pocket for an IntelliPAP Auto so now I only need masks and supplies. I told the second DME that I would like a Quattro FF Mask. They said my insurance would only pay for two specific masks and the quattro was not one of them. Being a little wiser now, I called my insurance company and was told that they did not require a specific mask - only that it be medically necessary. DME insisted again that they were told this by my insurance co. I told them that I have a printout of the company's policy. Then they told me that each DME has an agreement with insurance companys about which masks they will reimburse. This isn't making sense to me. So I called the largest local DME - one with a reputation to uphold - and they told me "No problem. Sure, we can fit you with a Quattro, and we'll replace it as often as you need until you find one that's right for you."
Soooo.. All DME's are not created equal. Get a copy of your Rx and complete sleep study. Interview several DMEs (if you have a choice). If you are charged for the first month's rental you will probably have to wait one month before you can get a machine from another DME. Find out for sure what you will be charged for. Don't give back the masks because you won't get credit for them and you probably won't be able to get another one covered for a while. I can only change masks every 6 mo. I'm hoping to get my new machine (from Second Wind- no Rx needed) tomorrow and I'll be going with the Big Box DME. Too bad. I like supporting small businesses. Good luck to you. This really shouldn't be so hard! I've been without a machine for two weeks and I'm really feeling it.

Newest problem. I'm starting to feel paranoid. My sleep lab rep didn't send my Rx to the new DME yesterday so I called them this morning. They seemed irritated and wanted to talk to the new DME before they sent it. They asked me what specific mask I wanted. I told them I wanted the option of trying on several masks and choosing the most suitable one. I don't understand why the sleep lab wants to taylor the Rx to each DME. They seemed irritated that I didn't go with their own DME. I have a great GP who would probably cut through all the BS and give me a simple Rx that would let me choose, but I don't have another appt. 'till Dec. THIS SHOULDN'T BE SO BLOODY HARD!!!

Sillyme wrote:Newest problem. I'm starting to feel paranoid. My sleep lab rep didn't send my Rx to the new DME yesterday so I called them this morning. They seemed irritated and wanted to talk to the new DME before they sent it. They asked me what specific mask I wanted. I told them I wanted the option of trying on several masks and choosing the most suitable one. I don't understand why the sleep lab wants to taylor the Rx to each DME. They seemed irritated that I didn't go with their own DME. I have a great GP who would probably cut through all the BS and give me a simple Rx that would let me choose, but I don't have another appt. 'till Dec. THIS SHOULDN'T BE SO BLOODY HARD!!!

Do YOU have the Rx? It's always been recommended (on this forum) that the patient get the prescription (physical document).
If you allow the doctors to direct the document to places of THEIR choice, you may be opening yourself up to problems.


Den

Sillyme wrote:I have a great GP who would probably cut through all the BS and give me a simple Rx that would let me choose, but I don't have another appt. 'till Dec.

Sillyme, I say call 'em anyway. Your GP should have a copy of your sleep report, and if you can get what you need from him/her, go for it. Something sounds fishy with your sleep lab/DME.

L

Tired Linda wrote:

Sillyme wrote:I have a great GP who would probably cut through all the BS and give me a simple Rx that would let me choose, but I don't have another appt. 'till Dec.

Sillyme, I say call 'em anyway. Your GP should have a copy of your sleep report, and if you can get what you need from him/her, go for it. Something sounds fishy with your sleep lab/DME.

L

I just called our Dr's office, I was told to come in that day and have the RN write an RX for the auto machine I wanted, "mask of patient's choice" and he signed off on it while I waited.

Well, SillyMe, don't be bashful: call your GP and ask for an earlier appointment!

Or -

Start "THE PAPER TRAIL". Send a WRITTEN REQUEST to this reluctant sleep lab for 1] a copy of the doctor's dictated results from every sleep study you had done there, 2] a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs from every sleep study you had done there, 3] a copy of your equipment order (script).

Assuming you are in the USA you have a LEGAL RIGHT to copies of these medical records under HIPAA. This written request, your start of your "PAPER TRAIL", is a good start for a HIPAA complaint should one become necessary. And the medical profession is well aware of and has a healthy respect for "THE PAPER TRAIL".

Ahhh, SleepyMe, I see you did call your GP and he/she was most obliging. Congratulations. I'd still send the written request to the sleep lab for the dictated results and full scored data summary reports w/condensed graphs if you don't already have them - if for no other reason than to let them know you are aware of and insist on benefiting from your legal rights to copies of your medical records.