Ready to buy CPAP machine

[NewlyDiagnosed]

So when I go in for the mask testing, they should be using all new "demo" masks? Is there a difference between demos and actual masks? How will I know whether or not the mask has been used before?

I haven't asked yet exactly how the payments work. I take it the DME charges my insurance company and then bills me for my copay/deductible? Should I pay them by sending in a check?

[callamar75]

I recently got the Airsense 10 card-to-cloud out-of-pocket. I’m glad I did. It was hundreds less than going through insurance, and also the machine the DME offered had no OSCAR compatibility.

It feels like the insurance’s compliance requirement would have been very hard for me to meet. So far I’ve had a lot of trouble using the CPAP through the night and I’d be nowhere near the required usage level. And when I next go on vacation, maybe I’ll bring the CPAP, but I don’t want to HAVE TO bring it. I’m glad I don’t have that compliance stressor hanging over me. 

With insurance I would have gotten free mask exchanges within the first 30 days. That would have been very nice because finding the right mask has involved trial and error (and money). OTOH, dealing with the DME felt a little sleazy and I wouldn’t be surprised if people have gotten bills in the mail from them for their “free” exchanges. 

That said, if I was in your position, I think I’d go with insurance. Your compliance requirement is not very strict, you can choose the machine you want and only pay around $500, you should be able to get free mask exchanges for the first 30 days and potentially save a lot if the first mask doesn’t work out, and you found a DME that seems nice.

[SarcasticDave94]

Paying co-payment: depending on DME, checks may be accepted.

Whatever you do, make them bill you for your part. I wouldn't advise allowing them to have your credit card info on file. Billing errors happen, and DMEs can be real fun to deal with after they double charge.

[NewlyDiagnosed]

If I pay them by credit card online (I've seen this recommended here), can I prevent them from storing my credit card info? I wish that temporary numbers were still available.

[SarcasticDave94]

I'm not sure of all the CC process anymore since I left a processor in 2014, but online should be fairly ok versus being at the DME and giving the card info. Especially with their intent to charge monthly. Not that I've heard of it, but be wary of any auto pay too.

Skeptical Dave doesn't trust the DME much.

[srlevine1]

So when I go in for the mask testing, they should be using all new "demo" masks?  Is there a difference between demos and actual masks?  How will I know whether or not the mask has been used before?  

Masks are usually sealed in cellophane or plastic bags. The headgear may be marked "sample." Otherwise, there is no difference.

[NewlyDiagnosed]

Thank you for the information. I am suspicious of DMEs, as well. I saw some awful stories about billing online in the Apria reviews. The DME I am using sounds great now, but I'm reserving judgment.

I'm happy to hear that the test masks will be sealed. Since COVID I'm more or less a germaphobe.

[srlevine1]

DMEs, like ResMed and other equipment manufacturers, regard you as the end-user. They exist to fulfill equipment and service requests, get paid, and reduce any interaction with you to a minimal level. Being a corporation, they have no feelings and your representative is not your friend, but someone doing their job and getting through another day. 

Like any other consultant, including physicians, suppliers, and other vendors, DMEs must be managed. 

1. It's all about your needs and wants,  and managing your expectations.
   
2. Every interaction should be documented: date, time, individual's name, subject of conversation, promises, and follow-up action.
   
3. Even though they may not be paid directly by you, they are responsible to Medicare, Medicaid, insurance companies, prescribing physicians, the media—including social media like Yelp—and small claims court. They fear exposure and negative publicity.
   

I used Apria for years, since 2008, until they lost their Medicare provider contract in a regional competitive bidding war. I had the name, direct contact phone, and email of my assigned representative and respiratory technician. The only issues I experienced in all those years were a late delivery, a missing delivery, and the provision of a transfer of ownership document after the Medicare 13-month period. (It seems that they did not ordinarily do this automatically.)  

It has been my experience that if you look for problems and demand something outside the bounds of a reasonable request, your experience may be less than satisfactory. Be polite, professional, and prepared to follow though on any threats you may make.

Best of luck,

[TechieHippie]

I'm confused by what you will have to wait for December for. December seems way too late for mask testing. This group can have you up and running very quickly and many of the quality masks have different sizes included in a "fit pack." If you get a machine soon, you won't want to wait until December for those refinements.

However, if December is a better sleep test with titration, that could be an advantage to have on the books if you need it, especially in case you need to go up to a bi-level machine and have 8 months of CPAP data to support that.

[NewlyDiagnosed]

Everything I'm doing now is on the basis of a Lofta home sleep test and a prescription from a Lofta-associated doctor whom I've never met, and who is 3000 miles away. I have an appointment in December at the sleep clinic at the local academic medical center (that was the first appointment I could get). I'm not waiting for December for anything. At this point I'm waiting to hear from the DME supplier I chose. The referral has gone through. I'll make an appointment for fit testing with them. I'm keeping the December appointment because I'd like to have a sleep specialist and, as you point out, by that time I may need something different.

Thank you, everyone, for all the good advice!