10-29-2018, 12:38 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-29-2018, 12:51 AM by Hydrangea.)
What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
I've moved states, and my new state's DMEs want me to have a CPAP Rx from this state. So I'm seeing a new GP, and will ask him to write an Rx. (I'll bring him my Rx from the other state, so he can feel more comfortable about it.)
What should I ask him to write? I've tried searching, and I'm not finding it here (even though I know I've read it here so many times).
My current Rx is for CPAP, fixed 5cm, mask patient's choice. I would like it to be APAP, 9.5-12.5cm, mask patient's choice, heated hose, and *permanent* (so I don't have to get updated Rxes if places want a "current" one). How would all of that be written?
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
Okay... apparently we have a Wiki on this subject, with exactly the info I was looking for.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...AP_-_BIPAP
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
Bring a copy of your sleep study if you have it. Also, print out a couple of SleepyHead summaries to show your new doctor you are doing well on your current settings.
The more documentation you can show him, the less likelihood he would want a new study.
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
Be specific on model because it forces suppliers to comply.
Demonstrate the success of your APAP and talk about how you are much more comfortable on your current settings. My Br. Didn't like me playing with my settings but she couldn't argue with my success.
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
None of them like to think you can do better then they can.
They think you think you know better! That is not the case, but you do see yourself every day and know yourself better than anyone.
That is what I told the last Sleep Nurse and she was fine with me playing with the settings, however, I now have a hard liner and I don't much like the way she talks down to me, so if she does that again there is going to be a battle of wills.
I hope it is another three years before I see her.
Do as above and take the settings you are on, ask for the machine you have already or better if you get away with it.
If you have old charts and new one if you have adjusted the machine, take both and show them you know what you are doing with a bit of advice and you are now doing better. In other words, what everyone above said.
I am NOT a doctor. I try to help, but do not take what I say as medical advice.
Every journey, however large or small starts with the first step.
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
(10-29-2018, 06:43 AM)OpalRose Wrote: Bring a copy of your sleep study if you have it. Also, print out a couple of SleepyHead summaries to show your new doctor you are doing well on your current settings.
The more documentation you can show him, the less likelihood he would want a new study.
I did exactly this! My GP didn't want to see most of it, BUT I showed the papers to him (telling him what they were) so he could be confident in what I was asking for.
On the printout of the main summary page on Sleepyhead, in front of him I circled (and read aloud) the dates I've been using my CPAP, I drew an arrow to my current pressure, and drew an arrow to my current AHI. As a CPAP user himself, that sufficed.
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
Thanks for your help, guys!
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
FYI - a prescription that is for a lifetime may no longer be recognized due to Medicare no longer recognizing them. Just wanted you to know that. Most DMEs will ask for an updated prescription annually because of this even if you are paying out of pocket!
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
Wow. That's frustrating. Who wants to see a dr just to renew an Rx every year?
RE: What should I ask my GP to write for my Rx?
(10-31-2018, 11:41 AM)Hydrangea Wrote: Wow. That's frustrating. Who wants to see a dr just to renew an Rx every year?
The doctor isn't going to complain too much about this. He or she gets to bill you and/or the insurance for the visit. It helps with the boat and Porsche payments.
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