New to ApneaBoard—Question about processes

[Geoffrey]

I have been reading old postings and trying to get a sense of how you do things around here. I am analytical by nature and like to be active in my healthcare, especially with a disorder so serious as sleep apnea. 

My understanding is that you use Oscar, sleep studies, and titrations to help improve sleep outcomes. If you adjust pressure settings without a prescription, do you get permission from your doctor to do so? Or, how does that work?

[Sleeprider]

A really good way to get acquainted with how we feel about issues like changing pressure is to read our wikis, and one you should start with the CPAP setup manuals at the top of this page https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p...tup-manual I'm certain you will find your answer there. We have covered many topics in our Wiki and you can find the links I think are most helpful to new members in a list of links in my signature.

[DeepBreathing]

G'day Geoffrey.

If you adjust pressure settings without a prescription, do you get permission from your doctor to do so? Or, how does that work?

In my part of the world (and I believe in most parts of the world) you don't need a prescription for CPAP treatment, pressures or whatever. You might need a letter of "medical necessity" for insurance purposes.

In my part of the world we don't need permission from doctors to do anything. We are responsible for our own health - we turn to the doctor for diagnosis and advice, but whether or not we take that advice is our own call, and our own responsibility. The doc might scowl and get exasperated if we don't follow "doctor's orders" but there is nothing they can do about it. Of course, having paid for the advice you'd need a strong self-justification to ignore it.

Personally I haven't seen a sleep doc or RT in over six years - Doctor Apnea Board provides the knowledge and guidance I need.

[Geoffrey]

Thank you Sleeprider.

[Geoffrey]

Thank you for your input.

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You Thank you for your input.

[70sSanO]

Here are a couple things...

Read the sticky of what to do before getting a machine. If you are going to use CPAP, get an APAP (Auto) if you can. It runs as a CPAP too, and it is easier to figure out adjustments to your therapy. I have been using Resmed machines since 2001. And make sure you get a machine that gives data.

IMO, get a hard copy of your prescription if you can and just don’t have your doctor send to some DME. You may not have an option, but I wanted to pick my own DME, looked up reviews, called them, etc. You have more leverage with a prescription in hand. Also be aware that DMEs are notorious to want to downgrade, so get the model number of what you want. If they won’t give you the right machine, walk.

John

[Geoffrey]

Thank you John. Either fortunately or unfortunately, I am on a Medicare Advantage Plan, and as a result, I am stuck with a DME supplier. I am hoping for a ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet as per the suggestions on this site. I want to get a heated hose as well. Hopefully, that will work out.

[Gideon]

Thank you John. Either fortunately or unfortunately, I am on a Medicare Advantage Plan, and as a result, I am stuck with a DME supplier. I am hoping for a ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet as per the suggestions on this site. I want to get a heated hose as well. Hopefully, that will work out.

Insist on it.  There is more than 1 DME that you can use.

[70sSanO]

Thank you John. Either fortunately or unfortunately, I am on a Medicare Advantage Plan, and as a result, I am stuck with a DME supplier. I am hoping for a ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet as per the suggestions on this site. I want to get a heated hose as well. Hopefully, that will work out.

I don’t know your situation, but I understand you have limitations.  Your plan may show multiple locations for the same DME supplier, (ex. Apria), if that is the case, try to find out which location has the best reviews, which might be moot.  I don’t think a 20 mile drive is very far, which I did because the DME got reviews that were off the charts.  My prior DME was 35 miles away.   I would drive 50 or more miles for a good DME.

With a prescription in hand you probably have more leverage, and if you can, get it in writing before you hand them the prescription.

John

[Geoffrey]

The pulmonologist sends a prescription to the DME and then they send out a respiratory therapist.