CPAP modems and remote changes to your settings without your knowledge

[SuperSleeper]

Okay, so far, according to posts here, here's the updated tally on which DreamStation firmware versions we think have the ability to set a PIN for provider-mode lockout:


Firmware 1.0.4 - PIN option: NO  (according to this post)
Firmware 1.1.1 - PIN option: NO (according to this post)
Firmware 1.1.2 - PIN option: YES  (according to this post)
Firmware 1.1.3 - PIN option: ?
Firmware 1.1.4 - PIN option: YES (according to this post)
Firmware 1.1.5 - PIN option: YES  (according to this post)

I wasn't even aware that a firmware version 1.1.5 was out yet.  The latest one we have (here) is 1.1.4.

Can anyone else fill in the blanks on DreamStation firmware versions 1.1.1 and 1.1.3 or earlier versions?

[dmeRT]

V1.1.1 -- no PIN

[JesseLee]

V1.1.1  --  no PIN

Ditto

[Homerec130]

Here is something else to think of when you set a PIN - use something totally off the wall. In other words, don't the common birthdate info month, day, or year combination or anything that may be in your medical records. Heck, use the date you proposed to your significant other or if you go the other way, the day you said see ya!. Make it harder for them to come up with your PIN. 

But then on the other hand, they probably have a utility to over write any PIN. 

Homer

[Walla Walla]

The thing I find so weird about the control over CPAP is that Oxygen has no oversight. Of the two I would think Oxygen would be monitored more closely than CPAP. But once you get your script and Oxygen no one checks if your using it or abusing it. They just deliver it.

[SuperSleeper]

V1.1.1  --  no PIN

Ditto

Thanks JesseLee & dmeRT.  I updated my post above (HERE) to reflect this.

Here is something else to think of when you set a PIN - use something totally off the wall.

Yep, definitely not 4 digits from your Soc. Security number, home address, or anything else that can uniquely identify you or be easily figured out.

I'm still trying to figure out whether or not they can remotely change or over-ride the PIN via the modem.  Of course, maybe I'm giving too much credit to the DMEs, RTs or doctors.  My DME's RT was dumb as a box of rocks and misinformed on a plethora of things CPAP-related, so I doubt she could even figure out how to over-ride a PIN remotely, or even do so if she had the machine right in front of her and were handed printed directions.  


Here's a short list of baloney and/or outright lies that she (the RT at the DME) told me while handing over the machine:

1.  "The modem that sends your data back to us doesn't work with the cellular system at all" she said, "It operates on Philips-Respironic's own private Bluetooth network".  When I commented "Wow that must be an expensive network to be able to be active in every town & city nationwide!  Especially since Bluetooth is very limited as far as transmitting distance!"... she replied "Yes, and that's why these machines cost thousands of dollars each- you should treat this thing like a brick of gold".

2.  "Never remove the modem;  if you do it will permanently damage the machine".

3.  I told her I probably won't use the humidifier, as I haven't needed one for several years now.  She said "Then, you're lucky we're giving you a DreamStation" (she said) because "ResMed machines have built-in humidifiers that must be on at all times".  I asked "What? You can't use ResMed machines without the humidifier on all the time?"  "Yes", she replied, "ResMed makes all their patients use the humidifier whether they want to or not.  They believe CPAP should not be used without humidification.  That's why we dispense Philips machines".

4.  "The warranty covers your machine for 90 days, just like other major appliance warranties.  If something goes wrong with your machine after 90 days, you'll have to return it to us and we must charge you for repairs or a replacement machine".

5.  "You don't get a new mask today, since you received one at your sleep study" (this one I challenged and went to the office manager, who decided to "make an exception" for me and "give me a new mask" since "he liked me".

6.  I told her that the CPAP was setup in auto mode wide open (4-20).  "I can change that with no problem, right?  I mean, you only care about compliance as far as the hours of use, correct?"  She said, "No, changing your own settings is illegal.  We are the only ones who can do that and we must have your sleep doctor give you a new sleep study in order to change those prescribed pressures.  Your insurance only pays for a sleep study once every 5 years".  "So" (I replied) "I'm stuck with this thing being set at 4-20 on the pressures for 5 years?"  "Correct", she said, "unless you want to pay for your own sleep study.  We need a new sleep study on file before we can change any pressure settings".

7.  I asked about replacement masks, filters, hoses, etc.  She told me that "Those would have to be paid out-of-pocket since the insurance company doesn't cover those".  This, I challenged and afterwards spoke with the office manager, who said "Well, we'll have to check with your insurance to be sure".  I asked "Is that common that they don't pay for replacement supplies?"  "Yes, quite common, since those masks are anywhere between $200 and $300 each.  We can sell you replacement masks here at the office, and since you got your CPAP here, I can authorize a returning customer discount of 10% on those supplies".

Needless to say, I was biting my tongue numerous times during that visit.  

Kept telling myself "Just get the machine and walk out.. get the machine and walk out... get the machine and walk out..."

[sonicboom]

Think of all of the patients not as knowledgeable as you that are getting duped by this DME. You might think about reporting them to the AGs office in your state. At least the local BBB.

[Sleeprider]

Gosh SS, I think you should take that list of misinformation and write a wiki with the correct answers. You can then refer your DME to the page to do some proper research.

[Gideon]

"Just get the machine and walk out.. get the machine and walk out... get the machine and walk out..."

[Gideon]

Is the PR Dreamstation Auto (DSX500) the only machine that has this "feature"?   Or are there currently others?

Fred