My new machine, questions & THANK YOU JOHNNY!!

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:08 pm

I had a cpap that was rented when I was diagnosed in August. Had a auto loaned to me for titration, and really found it to be much better. After learning about different machines here (plus a whole lot more) I decided an auto was for me. I researched and found the REMStar Auto with C-flex was what I wanted. After my doc said I didn't need it and I was able to talk intelligently to him with what I learned, he agreed to fax the script to the DME. A call to them assured me they had it in stock. When I got there she gave me the basics on how to turn it on and off and how to turn on the heat. When I asked questions about monitoring my read out on my own, I was told there is a Smart Card and I would have to mail it to them and get results in a few weeks. Not acceptable I told her. When I said there was software I can buy to do this she laughed and said she never heard of such a thing. And if there was it would cost thousands of dollars. I said lets forget this I'll buy it on line through Cpap.com. Came home and called and spoke with Johnny who was so wonderful in answering all my questions and going one step further in helping me with things I didn't think about. (Thanks so much Johnny, you're the best!!) Bottom line I wasn't able to buy it here, my insurance wouldn't cover. So I ate crow and went back to the DME and said, I changed my mind I'll take the machine. Now I find out I need to go back to them for any changes I want to make, including changing the c-flex settings. I plan on buying the software in the next week or so and monitor my readings. My question is once I own this machine will I ever be allowed to do things on my own and get them out of my life totally? Will doing my own read outs and sharing this information with my doc be sufficient?
And as a foot note I really like this machine!!!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:19 pm

Bonnie,

Sounds like you are making your way just fine. Johnny and Co. are a great resource. I'm glad to here about another satisfied caller to cpap.com. When you get your machine, if they don't give you the clinicians manual, PM me and I'll make sure you get access to the "appropriate" information. With this, you will be able to adjust your machine all you care to. You will also be able to make adjustments thru the software... that's why is costs "thousands" of dollars LOL!

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:47 pm

Bonnie,
Wading said this, but I just wanted to reiterate -

The EncorePro software allows you to change your pressure, your CFlex setting, and which mode your auto operates in (auto or cpap, with or without cflex), and all of these changes are done through your smart card and the software. Start up the software, insert your card into the reader, click a few times, and you're done! You can change whatever you want to. You don't even need a clinician's manual.

johnnygoodman · Post by **johnnygoodman** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:54 pm

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:06 pm

All true Bonnie, rest easy and enjoy your auto machine!! Only your insurance could require you to continue with the DME, but you will have the same tools they do.

Colorado Jan · Post by **Colorado Jan** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:24 pm

That's what I was just thinking....it must be that the insurance companies require them to say these things, don't you think? well, I'm sure the insurance companies don't tell the DME's to act stupid (they do that on their own, lol) but they must be contracted to make the adjustments to the settings, etc., and possibly provide proof to the insurance companies that they do indeed provide that service? I wonder just how that works.....

Jan in colo.