Got my prescription today by being assertive!

Thanks to what I learned on this board (THANK YOU ALL!) , I got my prescription today for an Auto BiPap! I had been waiting and waiting and waiting for the docs to do things in their own time... the sleep lab I used took 10 days or so with the results of the first night, then a few days before scheduling the 2nd test, etc., so I was looking at next week before they would get the results to my primary doc (family practice doc) about the 2nd night study on a CPAP.

Last weekend, I read here that some people get a Rx for an autoCPAP after only the first sleep study. WOW. What a great idea!

So I called around to find a medical equipment provider, and I got lucky to find a very nice therapist who says (1) they ALWAYS provide a heated humidifier, even if someone's insurance won't pay for it, because they think it is so important. (2) I probably need a BiPAP based on my description over the phone of my difficulties exhaling during the titration study. (3) They have autobipaps in stock (Respironics) and they can get me one tomorrow if only the doc says ok.

I was already prepared for the possibility of needing one of the more expensive machines, based on my AHI of 102.5, my extreme difficulty exhaling at the pressure used during my titration study. I knew I would prefer one of the models with a SmartCard so that I can track my treatment results with the optional software....

SO, I next called my doctor's office, but couldn't get in to see my doc, so I made an appt with his physicians asst. She and the nurse were a bit confused, because they had never given an Rx until the second study results were in, but once I explained a couple of times they were nice and willing to try it. They didn't even charge me for an office visit, since they said I could have requested this Rx over the phone.

I am anxious to get going with this therapy! This machine SHOULD be ok, whatever my final needs, since it can work as BiPAP, CPAP, with or without auto. It **IS** expensive, but my insurance is pretty reasonable and my sleep studies finished off most of my deductible.

Besides, it is MUCH cheaper and healthier than having a car accident, which would have been inevitable given my EXTREME daytime sleepiness recently.

I hope this little story helps someone else get their treatment a bit faster, too. I am sure I will be back soon for help with mask issues, how to read the software, etc, etc.

Thanks for being there,
Moogy

I am so happy for you, and that this forum could help. We love it when that happens.

Now, you're ready to do the "battle of the masks" (trust me, we've all been there and done that).

Good Luck and keep us informed.