[Admin Note] DreamStation owners - HEADS UP - They can now lock you OUT of Setup Mode

[SuperSleeper]

NOTE TO ALL DreamStation CPAP machine owners:

It appears that with recent CPAP firmware updates, Philips-Respironics has now made it possible to essentially "password-protect" the entire Clinician Mode (Provider or Setup mode) of your DreamStation machine.  It is this provider mode that allows you to adjust your own pressures and other settings (see here for instructions on how to enter the "provider mode" on your DreamStation machine).

This means that your DME (Durable Medical Equipment provider) or your health care provider can LOCK YOU OUT of the provider mode, unless you know the code they created (a 4-digit PIN) which gives you access to the provider mode.

It's not certain that all DreamStation machines have this new functionality, nor is it clear that your provider will choose to take advantage of this new feature.  Check the link below and following posts for instructions on how to take a look at this option on your machine.

If your machine has this functionality, you may wish to take proactive steps now and SET YOUR OWN "PIN", so that no one other than you can get into the provider mode and lock you out.

If your machine was provided via your insurance company or Medicare, etc., be careful that if you do change any PIN, that you still allow for "compliance checks" - via the SD card or via the modem.  Making changes like this could get you in trouble with your insurance company, DME or sleep doctor.  See the link below and posts following for more info.

I'm closing this thread - it's simply a HEADS-UP thread.

Please feel free to discuss this alarming development in the following thread (the link starts with a post I made), here:

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid252131