RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
(08-03-2021, 03:34 PM)Caniss Wrote: I sure hope not... Just transferred to this one after my original one moved out of the area. She is my primary though. Guessing I might be able to get my pulmonologist involved if this drags on. Thank you so much for your input! Sure helps to know I'm not just being whiny and unreasonable.
Just FYI, it is my pulmonologist who wrote my original machine and mask prescriptions and later at my request, prescriptions for different masks. Not sure of the protocol with doctor switching, but sure seems like your pulmonologist would have a pretty strong opinion after hearing your story.
I too have struggled with my DME. The only solution is to stand up for yourself as you have done.
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
Not trying to beat the dead horse, but when the doc sends you to their choice of DME supplier when it's supposed to be YOUR choice, you know something stinks. You're the one going to be using this, so you very much have something to say about what machine you get and who gives it. I liken this to the car salesman that chooses what car I'm buying. Not happening.
Not saying it's factual but something to think on, public reviews can be faked. Yeah it's a pretty low person that would do that, but not much lower than the Dr. Duck that takes your machine choice from you by shady tactics.
Not your fault, but now you know. Any other funny business, or if you suspect something being off, ask us about it. We've seen it all.
A good little thing to consider, if the doc quacks too much, roast him or her. Roast duck is supposed to be good I hear.
Mask Primer
Positional Apnea
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
I had an APAP 6 Years ago for a year and this year got another. Both Doctors (NOT my primary, one sleep center, other sleep specialist but a pulmonologist). They both offered DMEs they sent people too but really didn't care who I chose. A doctor should say so and so gets good reviews from their patients but it's YOUR choice.
Like others wonder if a $$$ interest with your primary. On a different side a pulmonologist is a better CPAP person I'd think. How about keep your Primary as your "Primary" and have your pulmonologist handle the sleep stuff??
08-04-2021, 08:34 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-04-2021, 08:38 AM by Caniss.)
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
(08-03-2021, 11:35 PM)plakky Wrote: Just FYI, it is my pulmonologist who wrote my original machine and mask prescriptions and later at my request, prescriptions for different masks. Not sure of the protocol with doctor switching, but sure seems like your pulmonologist would have a pretty strong opinion after hearing your story.
I too have struggled with my DME. The only solution is to stand up for yourself as you have done.
Yes, I had originally planned on letting the pulmonologist handle all of this. He dropped the ball however, and never did anything. I just got a phone call from the problem DME supplier (back in April) telling me that they received the order from PCP and it would now be at least four weeks for me to get the unit. When I told them the pulmonologist was the one who was supposed to place the order (that seems to be how it's done here) they just said it would take even longer if I wanted to wait for that... So, not knowing any better I just said ok. The only thing I knew to ask for was an auto machine, and I had to bug the doctor again to change the prescription to reflect that. Never got this Rx however. It just went straight to the supplier.
The pulmonologist only occasionally does clinics in my area, so going with him will add some problems since I understand Medicare requires face-to-face appts with doctor to prove compliance. Or am I mistaken?
(08-04-2021, 01:47 AM)SarcasticDave94 Wrote: Not trying to beat the dead horse, but when the doc sends you to their choice of DME supplier when it's supposed to be YOUR choice, you know something stinks. You're the one going to be using this, so you very much have something to say about what machine you get and who gives it. I liken this to the car salesman that chooses what car I'm buying. Not happening.
Not saying it's factual but something to think on, public reviews can be faked. Yeah it's a pretty low person that would do that, but not much lower than the Dr. Duck that takes your machine choice from you by shady tactics.
Not your fault, but now you know. Any other funny business, or if you suspect something being off, ask us about it. We've seen it all.
A good little thing to consider, if the doc quacks too much, roast him or her. Roast duck is supposed to be good I hear.
What an excellent analogy! That makes perfect sense.  You made my morning.
So glad I happened to find this group. Can't thank you enough for bringing me back some sanity.
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
(08-04-2021, 02:38 AM)newguy99 Wrote: I had an APAP 6 Years ago for a year and this year got another. Both Doctors (NOT my primary, one sleep center, other sleep specialist but a pulmonologist). They both offered DMEs they sent people too but really didn't care who I chose. A doctor should say so and so gets good reviews from their patients but it's YOUR choice.
Like others wonder if a $$$ interest with your primary. On a different side a pulmonologist is a better CPAP person I'd think. How about keep your Primary as your "Primary" and have your pulmonologist handle the sleep stuff??
It sure is starting to seem more and more like there are some "incentives" at work here, yes.
If the pulmonologist was actually in the area and not requiring a day trip I wouldn't hesitate for a second to just insist that he take over. As it stands now though, I think I may just have to at least contact his office and fill him in on these shenanigans. He might not be thrilled to hear that his ordered pulmonary tests were rescheduled yet again because the whole machine debacle caused covid-like symptoms and they wouldn't let me in...
 
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
Glad it helps. One final bit. All doctors work for and with you, so you manage them. They work for you. If the doctor/patient relation goes bad, fire the doc and replace with one that works better.
Mask Primer
Positional Apnea
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
(08-04-2021, 08:54 AM)SarcasticDave94 Wrote: Glad it helps. One final bit. All doctors work for and with you, so you manage them. They work for you. If the doctor/patient relation goes bad, fire the doc and replace with one that works better.
Thanks for the reminder. I surely needed to hear that. HATE confrontations of any kind. 
08-04-2021, 01:31 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-04-2021, 01:36 PM by plakky.)
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
(08-04-2021, 08:34 AM)Caniss Wrote: The pulmonologist only occasionally does clinics in my area, so going with him will add some problems since I understand Medicare requires face-to-face appts with doctor to prove compliance. Or am I mistaken?
I don't know if this is an option for you, but I've never met my pulmonologist in person since I started seeing him in January. All my appointments have been on Zoom, which Medicare considers a "face-to-face" appointment. (My PCP hasn't been involved at all; I was referred to the pulmonologist by my cardiologist after an afib episode.)
And I too hate confrontations of any kind, but have found I need to be my own advocate regarding sleep apnea/CPAP. If I am persistent and stay polite but firm, ask to speak to a supervisor if I'm getting the runaround, it feels less like "confrontation" and more like I'm the adult in the situation just trying to get the job done. I have to remind myself I'm not asking any of these people (especially DME) for a personal favor; I'm just expecting them to provide the service they're being paid for.
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
You dont have to have a confrontation at all. It goes like this.
Find a new doctor (ask friends, family, yelp, insurance). Call the ones you want try ask if they take new patients and medicare.
Make appointment and zoom or whatever you feel like in person.
If you like them and want to switch.
Call the old Doctors office ask for the Records department. Tell them to fax (have the number) all of your records to the new doctor OR have them print them and pick them up.
Give records to new doctor.
Done...
Again you are hiring them..
RE: Puzzled - new machine exchanged for used one
Quote:Indeed! This really worried me. Yesterday I had to reschedule my pulmonary function test etc because of covid-like symptoms. They wouldn't let me in after I honestly told them I was having some issues. Can't help but wonder if that machine had anything to do with it. Incubation period fits.
Ah damn.. I hope you are vaccinated. I hope you are well.
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