Dummy Doc—ST versus ASV

[rmclendon]

We live in a cookie cutter world. My doc recently "upgraded" me from S to ST. Replaced a one year old Aircurve 10S to an Aircurve 10ST. Now it seems that I need ASV.

I am wondering why Resmed does not make these machines adaptable? I guess they sell more machines this way.

Any ideas on how to find a sleep doc who would be interested in the patient?

RGM

[TASmart]

You need to provide details on why the change was made, and why you believe the doc lacks interest in you as a patient.

[Phill]

Any ideas on how to find a sleep doc who would be interested in the patient?

RGM

From my experience I would suggest you keep clear of the UK and their socialised healthcare system, which in fact is a state run monopoly, where the victim has little or no choice of where to go for an independent opinion.

Then again it is "free" or so some mindless morons persist in telling us.

[Sleeprider]

Resmed makes machines for specific purposes. The fact your doctor mis-prescribed ST when ASV is called for is not Resmed's fault. You need to find a doctor that is skilled and knowledgeable about complex and central apnea and the use of ASV in treating it. Check the american academy of sleep medicine for a list of AASM certified doctors in your area.

[rmclendon]

Care ends when the office door closes behind me until I enter the office for my next appointment. No follow-up. No explanation of Sleep Study results, just an Rx for new machine.

[TASmart]

It seems that sleep Docs generally leave any explanations to the referring physicians and user training to the DME. AT least that is the way it is done where I live. I'd bet that you could schedule an appointment with the sleep doc, but don't be surprised if your insurance will not cover that. The other thing that seems to be the case is that the sleep docs are leaving all follow-up to assistants, once again you would have to request a specific appointment with the Doc with a specific request to discuss any issues.

This seems to be more and more the way US medicine is being practiced, with specialist sending report to a PCP - and all discussions to be between the PCP and the patient. I don't think it is about not caring, but about the economics of insurance and keeping the costs as low as possible while the profits are kept large enough for all.

[Crimson Nape]

rmclendon,
What is your sleep doctor's field of specialty?  The first thing that comes to mind is to call pulmonologists in your area, asking them for recommendations.  My second thought is to contact the chief Respiratory Therapist at your local hospital and see if they have any insights.

-Red

[Phill]

Care ends when the office door closes behind me until I enter the office for my next appointment. No follow-up. No explanation of Sleep Study results, just an Rx for new machine.

My one told me to falsify my data so that I could reach the four hour sleep requirement for compliance!

And we are suppose to place our lives into the hands of these people.

[rmclendon]

Not sure how you would falsify records with machines that automatically report to the cloud.

[chill]

Just wear it at night while you are watching TV.  The machine does not know if you are sleeping, just that you have it on your face.