Hello Guest, Welcome to Apnea Board !
As a guest, you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use.
To post a message, you must create a free account using a valid email address.

or Create an Account


New Posts   Today's Posts

[Equipment] Phillips DreamStation Replacement & Medicare
#1
Phillips DreamStation Replacement & Medicare
My understanding is Medicare covers CPAP equipment replacement every 5 years.  I'm curious if anyone knows how Medicare views this 5 year rule specific to the DreamStation recall?  I'm also wondering if the replacement unit I received is considered safe.  I've read various news articles but find the clarity of the situation lacking (at least my understanding of it).

Jan 2017 - Started with DreamStation
DSX500H11C

May 2023 - Received replacement DreamStation
DSX500S11F

Appreciate your insights.
Post Reply Post Reply
#2
RE: Phillips DreamStation Replacement & Medicare
I think the official record of your being dispensed a CPAP is based on the original machine. Any repair, replacement or purchase that did not go through Medicare is basically off-the-record, and you can have your doctor simply write the script for your new machine. If anyone asks, your machine is defective and was subject to recall. I got a new machine in June 2023, and my previous machine was April 2016. I could have probably qualified earlier. My 2016 device was still working but was displaying a "motor life exceeded" error. No one ever asked to look at the old machine to verify that, so it didn't matter. I sent the old machine to Advans CPAP Supplier #28 for refurbishment with new motor, seals and reset hours and calibration at my own expense. I have two good devices, and there is nothing illegal or unethical about doing that.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

____________________________________________
Download OSCAR Software
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing Therapy
Organize your OSCAR Charts
Attaching Files
Mask Primer
How To Deal With Equipment Supplier


INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
Post Reply Post Reply
#3
RE: Phillips DreamStation Replacement & Medicare
Thanks for this info!
Post Reply Post Reply
#4
RE: Phillips DreamStation Replacement & Medicare
None of the Dreamstations are safe.  They are so bad that Philips is not allowed to sell them in the US anymore.  Ask your regular doctor to specifically prescribe you a new ResMed machine.  If you need a regular cpap/apap then ask him to prescribe you a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset.  If you need a bilevel, ask him to prescribe you a ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto.  Ask him to put on the prescription that it should be filled exactly as written, no substitutions allowed.  Because of the recall, it doesn't matter if you have not used your machine for five years; you can still get a new one.  

If you don't have good insurance that covers all or most of what pap machines cost, you could consider buying out of pocket if it's cheaper for you.  Folks on this list will help you find the best price in that case.
Machine:  ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto
Mask:  Bleep DreamPort Sleep Solution
Post Reply Post Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  HDM Z1 Battery Replacement Ephraim 14 5,912 11-14-2024, 02:59 PM
Last Post: SteveB260
  DreamStation Go Recall [consolidated replacement & compensation info & questions] PHXSleeper 153 27,547 11-11-2024, 07:53 PM
Last Post: David Govan
  Oscar won't read replacement O2 Ring data Greg1582378 1 207 09-29-2024, 04:48 PM
Last Post: Crimson Nape
  Any idea why Medicare would reject a BiPap machine to address Hypoxia? elisio 4 311 09-29-2024, 09:55 AM
Last Post: staceyburke
Question Canadian Provider Who Will Send ResMed 10 for Blower Replacement Rickyricardo 4 324 09-19-2024, 06:45 PM
Last Post: Rickyricardo
  Airsense 10 replacement: suggestions? newmar 7 470 09-11-2024, 08:07 PM
Last Post: Big Guy
  Who tells Medicare I am using my new CPAP in first 90 days? silverchief2 3 370 08-17-2024, 10:49 AM
Last Post: cps22


New Posts   Today's Posts


About Apnea Board

Apnea Board is an educational web site designed to empower Sleep Apnea patients.