I am SO ticked off

Ok - so I THOUGHT I had a Resmed S9 Elite. But when I finally figured out the reason I couldn't download complete data (only get summary data) is that they gave me an S9 AutoEscape I called the DME.

Well - they argued with me that the machines are the same - were suprised that I was downloading my own data. I told them they were NOT the same that one only gave summary data and the other gave a lot more data. They said that they would have to check to see if they had an S9 Elite that they could give me.

They called back and told me that they were going to check with my doctor (since I went to him for a follow-up and he had no problems with the summary data) before they give me a new machine. Even though they gave me something that was NOT prescribed.

So, I am going to write a very nice letter to my doctor letting him know that I WANT what he prescribed and I WANT to be able to download more than just summary data.

I am also going to find out what they sent to my insurance company for payment - since I believe the S9 Elite is more expensive than the machine they gave me.

I was hoping that I would not have to find out first hand that DME's are evil - but guess I am now a member of the My DME Sucks club.

Merryj wrote: I am now a member of the My DME Sucks club.

This is a Rite of Passage to the world of cpap.

Welcome!

Do not settle until you get exactly what you want.

It's YOUR therapy.

Curious, did your Dr prescribe the exact model S9 Elite or did he just write for a cpap or auto? Did he prescribe one pressure or a range? I'm asking because if you're going to put up a fight it might as well be for the S9 Autoset.

Merryj wrote: They called back and told me that they were going to check with my doctor (since I went to him for a follow-up and he had no problems with the summary data) before they give me a new machine. Even though they gave me something that was NOT prescribed.

The DME has to fill the prescription as written. Did it specify "Elite"?

Most DMEs are slimeballs as you are learning firsthand.

You are right to get your doctor on your side. Fax him that letter tomorrow ASAP. Ask him to write the machine you want and "No substitutions" on the script.

Hi,

The script is for

CPAP Mask (with headgear) : Fisher Paykel Zest nasaL Mask
Humidity - Resmed S9 Climate Line
CPAP 9 cm H20; Device: Resmed S9 Elite w/ Climate Control
And associated supplies for 13 months

Pressure Relief: Non Ramp Time 15 minutes

Dispense as written please (in bold letters at the bottom)

Slimeballs!

Slimeballs indeed!!! Geez.... I still can't believe this DME behaviour is just the norm, not the exception.

My neuro was furious with my original DME supplier and asked me if I'd be happy to change over to the clinic's new contractor (I was the last patient to just squeak into the then current contract - unfortunately). My new DME supplier deals ONLY with XPAP equipment and they're awesome!

Don't let yours get away with this!

Cheers,
xena

Merryj wrote:Hi,

The script is for

CPAP Mask (with headgear) : Fisher Paykel Zest nasaL Mask
Humidity - Resmed S9 Climate Line
CPAP 9 cm H20; Device: Resmed S9 Elite w/ Climate Control
And associated supplies for 13 months

Pressure Relief: Non Ramp Time 15 minutes

Dispense as written please (in bold letters at the bottom)

Slimeballs!

Not to excuse the DME for giving you the wrong machine, but in most cases of DME doing that, I think it's mostly ignorance on their part about the differences in "xpap" machines, rather than deliberately trying to rip anyone off. Ignorance, plus being used to giving out the same "name" of machine (like the ones with "Escape" in the name) -- because the boss has told them which "cpap" machine to stock and dispense. Of course, that's usually the most basic model. Like an "Escape."

However that does NOT in any way excuse the DME for not paying close attention to EVERYTHING about the machine model name as written on an Rx that says "Dispense as written." The manufacturers using so many similar names for their own different models doesn't help either, if the person filling the Rx doesn't carefully READ what it says. Nonetheless, the DME should have taken a second and third look at the Rx, to be sure... and picked up on the word "Elite."

Be careful how you fuss at them about "summary" vs "full" data capability. The ResMed S9 Escape Auto they gave you does, in fact, provide more than just summary data. The Escape Auto provides AHI and pressure data. The Escape Auto just doesn't give the full, complete data that the ResMed S9 Elite CPAP gives (breakdown of AI in addition to the overall AHI, and very important LEAK data) so you're right to take the Escape Auto back and insist on the Elite you were prescribed.

Woo Hoo

I called the DME again this morning and the woman was a total snot so I asked for her regional manager. She gave me her name and number and said that SHE would call the regional manager and tell her all about me. So, I waited for a couple of hours and nothing. I called the regional manager and we had a very pleasant chat. Bottom line - she was upset at the treatment I received from her folks at the DME and said that I would be getting a new CPAP machine just like the doctor ordered! Now, I will wait to see if this REALLY happens or not!

[/quote]Be careful how you fuss at them about "summary" vs "full" data capability. The ResMed S9 Escape Auto they gave you does, in fact, provide more than just summary data. The Escape Auto provides AHI and pressure data. The Escape Auto just doesn't give the full, complete data that the ResMed S9 Elite CPAP gives (breakdown of AI in addition to the overall AHI, and very important LEAK data) so you're right to take the Escape Auto back and insist on the Elite you were prescribed.[quote]\


I read the above and am now confused. Not sure how to add something from another post so copied and pasted. I have the Escape, and am working to change this if possible, but I really thought, after researching and reading the manual, that the only thing it shows is whether or not I am compliant. How od I find the AHI and pressure data then?

minniesc wrote:I read the above and am now confused. Not sure how to add something from another post so copied and pasted. I have the Escape, and am working to change this if possible, but I really thought, after researching and reading the manual, that the only thing it shows is whether or not I am compliant. How od I find the AHI and pressure data then?

There are 2 models of the S9 with "Escape" in their name.
Plain ResMed S9 Escape...offers only hours of use data.
There is a ResMed S9 Escape Auto which offers hours of use plus the AHI and pressure.

If your machine doesn't have Auto up by the Escape name....you don't have it and thus no data other than hours of use.