Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
Had sleep test 3 nites ago & tech said would prob need CPAP of some kind. Wink, wink, nod, nod --- as they cannot give diagnosis.
Trying to get ahead of curve; don't want some machine & mask just "presented" to me. I have good insurance who I guess will pay most of it. My question is: How does all this happen? Does my doc just assign me equipment, do I get to pick, how is insurance company involved, etc. I'm not looking for cheap equipment as this is a major event for me (can barely sleep at all, up to urinate 5 - 6 times, etc). I want good stuff. Hope you understand; how do I get involved, how does the insurance company get involved, the doctor? Thanks.
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
Hi Snorzz,
Welcome to Apnea Board!
Here is some information to help get you started.
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...re-success
You should only accept a fully data capable Auto Cpap. Be sure your doctor writes the prescription stating that, or the DME may give you what we call a “brick.” That is a machine that can give you no useful data.
Call your insurance to be sure what if any your share of the cost is. Don’t take a DME’s word for it.
Your DME should allow you to try a couple different masks. Ask them what their policy is. And it’s always a good idea to get a copy of your prescription and sleep study for your records.
I’m sure others will come along with helpful tips. Ask questions anytime.
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
What's a DME?
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
DME actually stands for durable medical equipment but the term is also commonly used to refer to a supplier of durable medical equipment. That is who you will get your equipment from.
Stan
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
A DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider is a supplier that your insurance contracts with.
They are the ones that usually issue your machine and supplies after they receive a script from your doctor.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...efinitions
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
Hi Snorzz,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck as you start CPAP therapy.
Hang in there for more answers to your question.
trish6hundred
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
No forget it, Durable Medical Equipment supplier. Just read it in another post. Sounds like I have to go to a certain supplier, can't just shop around on my on, like Amazon or something?
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
(12-25-2017, 07:51 PM)Snorzz Wrote: No forget it, Durable Medical Equipment supplier. Just read it in another post. Sounds like I have to go to a certain supplier, can't just shop around on my on, like Amazon or something?
You could shop anywhere, but your insurance may not cover it, or if they do, it will be at a much lower percentage. You can also check out the online suppliers (see top of page.)
If you are self paying, you can shop anywhere.
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
Amazon or other online provider is a possibility and many on the forum have used them. See the supplier list in the forum headers. It depends on your deductible and costs with your insurance.
Step 1 is to get a full copy of your sleep study and Rx and post here. We ca see what was found and let you know if you need a deeper discussion with your Dr.
in the success link I take you thru the typical steps you go thru in getting your machine and Rx.
Fred
RE: Doc/Machine/Mask --- Newly Diagnosed
Do your research, and tell your sleep doc what you want. They can write up the order in such a way that your request will be met.
Go to the Wiki to find out which machines not to accept and which this board recommends. Write down EXACTLY the wording of the model. IMO get the most sophisticated machine within the parameters the doc sets, since you will have it for 5 years. Stick around here and you’ll make use of every setting, even if just to experiment to get optimal treatment. Your insurance will pay the same price for CPAP/APAP and will try to stick you with the cheapest.
Get familiar with your face so you can come up with a short list of masks to try on. Go to
Supplier #1 to get comparative visuals.
Start looking up DME’s near you. You could Google “medical equipment suppliers”.
Update here when it becomes clear whether you’ll be doing CPAP/APAP, BPAP or ASV, so you can get follow up equipment advice.
Look at newbies’ posts with SleepyHead charts; that way, you can get a jumpstart on some of the data categories that reflect sleep disordered breathing events.
