Do I really need a local DME?

As bad as DMEs are, a lot of people are sufficiently non-geek to need help with their machines. CPAP is not necessarily a Joe Sixpack type of thing.

Lots of people never managed to get their VCR to stop blinking 12:00.

the geekiness aspect with the software and such is what will probably help me to comply. I think the science aspect of it all is fascinating! I will continue my quest tomorrow. (and BTW, I always kept my VCR with the correct time )

Well, I guess it really boils down to the same as doctors, parents, car mechanics, spouses: I you get a good one you're in! If not, you're SOL.

Mine really sucked. DME, that is.

Jim

The definitive answer is maybe.

Do you already know what mask works for you? Are you reasonably sure that you won't need to switch to BiPap or ASV (most people don't) ? Are you willing to handle going without a machine (or paying for a backup) if you have to send your machine in for warranty repairs? Are you willing to be the one to file insurance claims and potentially deal with appealing if necessary? If yes, then online is fine.

In retrospect online would have worked for me. The brief mask adjusting session was nice but not essential since I already knew what mask I needed. I have plain vanilla apnea so I didn't need to swap my CPAP for a fancier machine while it was still on rental, and when it did need to go back for repair my brick and mortar DME didn't provide a replacement anyway. I never had any adjustment problems or questions that I needed to consult them on.

Still, I think a regular DME can be a good idea when you're starting out. Two questions I would make sure i asked would be their policy on exchanging masks that don't work (if you don't know what mask you'll be using) and their policy on providing a loaner machine if you need warranty service.

YogaKitty wrote:I have my prescription from my doc and a list of in network DMEs. I know I need to start calling them but I dread it. I dislike salesmen and playing games. If my insurance will pay could I get by just ordering from cpap.com? I know there are fit issues and such, but I sure would like to avoid all the hassle! I am a newbie and have never used cpap except at my titration study.

my insurance company is incredibly resistant to paying for anything not electronically filed by some sort of provider. other than that, i think DMEs are useless and just add to the high cost of medical care.

I must be a luck one, my DME has been more help than my DR. They helped with mask fit, and allowed at least one exchange at no cost. They understood the insurance system, and helped me switch to a full face mask, because it was a different code than the nasal one that was not working very well.

Not all DMEs are bad, I an lucky to have a good one.

At the same time they will not set me up to automatically supply me with replaceable items..... I ended up missing out on a mask liner when it was due, and had to order extra filters. Not sure why they do not set up the automatic supply, but this one does not do it.


Give them a try, and if you do not like them, try some one else.

I talked to an RT at the local Lincare this afternoon. She was helpful and informative. I'm a little nervous about it being LIncare, but she is the nicest person I have talked to to far. She said she would order Respironics or Resmed, whichever I want with full efficacy data. Although, she said she preferred Respironics. I definitely want the Resmed S9 autoset or Elite. My script isn't really written for the autoset, though. I think I will talk to them some more tomorrow.

MidnightOwl wrote: Two questions I would make sure i asked would be their policy on exchanging masks that don't work (if you don't know what mask you'll be using) and their policy on providing a loaner machine if you need warranty service.

Ditto on asking about the mask exchange policy.

Here's a thread on that:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81005&p=737234#p737234