So I had a visit with my DME yesterday

[Marillion]

I agree Hydrangea. It is super important to find a DME you are comfortable with. If one ends up dealing with a DME. I am likely going to let my physician know my opinions on this DME Supplier.

Thanks for the good wishes Mike. I too have seen quite a revolving door of RTs at this DME.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Marillion,
Good job on holding your own with the DME, I sure don’t blame you for trying to find another way to get your supplies.
Keep up the good work.

[robertbuckley]

You know, the stories here never cease to amaze me concerning what a DME will say or do - but then after delivery of my equipment I have had zero interaction with RT personnel at either one of the companies that I have used - other than sending them the initial compliance data, and that was a preemptive strike before they even asked. The one time I did have a hardware question - nobody could give me an answer. Otherwise, I just order supplies from their 1-800 numbers on a schedule that I keep in my calendar that is within insurance and now Medicare guidelines.

On the mask tryouts - I believe that ResMed has a policy of allowing returns for a period of up to 30 days - so you might mention that to your DME.

[Homerec130]

I find this interesting. I have only met with my DME folks once in the 5 years I have had my machine. I advise them once a quarter on what replacements parts I need. They send me them and then I get a bill for what isn't covered by insurance. Fine by me. I look at them as a hardware supplier and my sleep doc as the one who teach me how to use it and supervises my treatment.

I see my sleep doctor every 6 months. He is also my ENT. I bring him my SH summary and we talk about the numbers and I how I feel. To date we haven't made any changes in settings and my AHIs are in the low 2s. I could get them lower if I stop sleeping on my back when I first go to bed. 

We have also talked about this board and he has recommended it to his folks who are on CPAP therapy. 

Homer

[SarcasticDave94]

Marillion, kudos on taking your stand, doing your own adjustments, etc. As others suggested, canning this DME could be a blessing. I've been fortunate enough so far with my DME. I saw a back-up doctor at my pulmonary doctors office this past week for some big central apnea issues. The doc wanted the BiPAP settings changed, which I told her I'll get to it ASAP upon returning home. She's like "You know how to change settings?" Yep done it before. She's OK with it but again she's not normal doc on my case. I called the DME with the script info. This girl is like "OK I will change your settings later today". Me "that's OK I already did it." Her "You did? Guess I don't need to then." 2 days later, I took the script in for the file and asked for a copy, which I've got.

It is your legal right to seek your best medical treatment, including changing your settings. Act like it's your right as well, there will be less questions that way.

Fight to win. It's worth fighting AND winning. Best wishes you WIN. 

BTW I've heard that running with scissors


makes you tired! 

And my lungs inflate a lot then deflate a lot...every time I breathe in then out.

[Sleeprider]

OMG! CPAP Warrior

[SarcasticDave94]

OMG!  CPAP Warrior

 

have a GREAT weekend everyone
Signed
Rambo

[Marillion]

Awesome stuff everyone. Thanks for all the encouragement. I'm so glad I found this board!!