Local DME?

[HalfAsleep]

It is autocorrecting to cpvc pipe. Try spelling out word or sleep apnea supplies.

Well, that explains it! Sort of....

[HalfAsleep]

Thanks to the person who recommended I interview prospective DME's. Great idea. There seems to be only one in this area—a regional company—but I'm satisfied with the point person.

One factoid bothers me, however. If a mask doesn't work out, I can only get replacement (plus a small fee) of the same type of mask. That means, if I choose a nasal pillow, I can only swap out for another nasal pillow, except to buy a whole new one. Is this typical?

To find out if the DME bills Medicare, I simply asked them. As far as I can tell, Medicare's list of contract DME's is useless, at least in this area.

I'm not doing a titration sleep study, by the way; just an auto PAP. So, I won't have mask testing via a sleep study.

[Sleep Viking]

For local CPAP providers, Google refers me to the following suppliers: [...] welding stuff...

LMAO.

  I wanna meet the DME that offers welding gear - "Here's your new Miller Dynasty TIG, all covered by your insurance."

[SarcasticDave94]

Auto darkening CPAP mask? I'm in.

[stanleydean]

HalfAsleep wrote: "One factoid bothers me, however. If a mask doesn't work out, I can only get replacement (plus a small fee) of the same type of mask. That means, if I choose a nasal pillow, I can only swap out for another nasal pillow, except to buy a whole new one. Is this typical?"

Hi HalfAsleep,

Different DMEs approach this differently. If you know or have reason to think you are a mouth breather you could well end up with a full face mask. Otherwise, the nasal pillow is what you should try first. After three months you will be covered for a new mask and could switch at that time. In a crunch you could purchase a mask from one of the suppliers without spending a terrible amount of money. If you can use nasal pillows that will be more comfortable.

You need to have a copy of the complete results from your sleep study for your records. If you did an in clinic study that should have given an indication of the type mask needed. You are entitled to the sleep study report and also a copy of the Rx for CPAP and should keep them in your files. In any case you are far far ahead of where many of us were this early in our treatment when it comes to dealing with DMEs. You should read up on the forum about choice of machines before you get locked in with a less than desirable machine.

Here is a quote from a recent post by SuperSleeper: "I know it's been mentioned several times in other threads, but I think the Wiki article written by one of our Advisory Members (Archangle) on Machine Choices should be read by everyone here. Don't let a Durable Medical Equipment $upplier (DME) bamboozle you. Never accept or settle for what we nickname a dumb "brick" CPAP machine (one that is not fully data-capable).



Be an informed patient and read this excellent article, here:


http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

If you haven't read this it's a good place to start. You should be getting along well with your treatment in no time.

Regards, Stan

[HalfAsleep]

Hi HalfAsleep,

Different DMEs approach this differently. If you know or have reason to think you are a mouth breather you could well end up with a full face mask. Otherwise, the nasal pillow is what you should try first. After three months you will be covered for a new mask and could switch at that time. In a crunch you could purchase a mask from one of the suppliers without spending a terrible amount of money. If you can use nasal pillows that will be more comfortable.

You need to have a copy of the complete results from your sleep study for your records. If you did an in clinic study that should have given an indication of the type mask needed. You are entitled to the sleep study report and also a copy of the Rx for CPAP and should keep them in your files. In any case you are far far ahead of where many of us were this early in our treatment when it comes to dealing with DMEs. You should read up on the forum about choice of machines before you get locked in with a less than desirable machine.

Regards, Stan

BBM (bolded by me). 

That's a great idea about just waiting out 3 months for a new mask. It's possible I can just start with a FFM and then go with that until I get the whole CPAP thing figured out. Then it'll be easier to make choices. My mouth and nose might also behave a little differently once I get good sleep, so this can be factored in at the 3 month mark.

The only reason I know anything about DME's is from reading this forum. I had never heard of them before. I consult regularly with the newbie articles, too. You guys are PROs!

[stanleydean]

And you will be one before you know it, hope you stay with us and become a contributor, that's what keeps the forum going.

[HalfAsleep]

And you will be one before you know it, hope you stay with us and become a contributor, that's what keeps the forum going.

I wish this board had a thank you button....

[Crimson Nape]

I wish this board had a thank you button....

It does!  It's labeled as "Donate"    

[robertbuckley]

Are you on Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C)? If original Medicare you need to determine if you are in a mandatory bidding area, in which case you can only use DMEs that qualified. If Advantage, then you have to go through whomever the plan you are on uses.