Costs for new machine

[mikethechap]

I need a new machine. My old one has an alert that the motor is no longer working properly. I've had it for at least 8 years.

My doctor sent a presscription into the DME. Its a new company that has a terrible track record for timeliness.

My doctor, bless her soul, said she would send the prescription wherever I wanted. She specified the Resmed device recommended here.

My question: I'm sure the equipment will be covered under insurance. Given the way insurance and DME companies play with coverage, fees, and payments, I was wondering if there's any benefit to having my doctor send it to XYZ.com and buying it out of hand. I remember years ago that my DME company had some kind of percentage coverage + service fee. I felt like I would have been better off buying it rather than going through insurance.

Thanks for any wisdom you can provide.

[Nightynite]

I would get a prescription from your doctor and buy one on line at one of the cpap equipment sellers. They’re easy to search and compare prices, you just need a script to buy one. I have even seen a new Resmed 10 for under $500. I haven’t looked in a while. Also Supplier #28 is a repair vendor and can replace your blower motor , reset hrs. For under $300. That would give you a good back up machine if you so desire.

[mikethechap]

Thanks so much, nightynite! I'll check out those resources. I'll probably either get it refurbished or through one of the online stores.

I just made a donation in gratitude for your help.

Mike

[Nightynite]

[SkySleep]

I just bought a refurbished AirSense 11 from #10 that seems to be excellent. The hose and water tank are new. This is my backup machine, identical to my main machine.

[Sleeprider]

The motor life exceed error comes on at 21-22K hours on the Resmed machine. It will continue to operate normally for a long time. I actually sent my last motor life exceeded machine to Supplier #28 and had it refurbished with a new motor and reset to zero run hours for $220. Anyway, good deals are out there if you need them.

[ahuman]

The answer depends on your patience for dealing with a DME and your insurance situation (dedcutibles, co-insurance, approved rate for the machine, etc). Each machine has no single price, but better and worse pricing for cash, out-of-network, and in-network.