how long did it take to get your machine from the medical supply company?

[SarcasticDave94]

I understand and agree fully. I try to be the same as you've stated. I operate on these calls with a bit more understanding because my last job was similar to the DME call job except as a credit card processor tech support. FWIW, I'm so glad we didn't have scripts; I had specific info/topics/direction for x vs y and the like. Otherwise I just winged it every call. And I think it helps me have an advantage as well because I jump in to "let's get me verified then we'll talk about my reason to call". It sets some off balance because their defenses are up as soon as the call starts it seems.

Dave

[SarcasticDave94]

OK, from submission of script to the DME to getting the ASV was total of 23 days. And FWIW there was 19 days from push PSG to script submission. On the real feel chart it felt like 2 years.

     but I did GET the blower....yahoo.

[CB91710]

Kaiser issues directly at the sleep clinic.
Consumables and replacement parts are contracted through Apria, I would assume Kaiser gets the machines from Apria as well and just maintains stock.

So my process was a 3-night home sleep study.
Normally it's a single night, but my first night the numbers were not bad enough to justify writing the 'scrip, on the followup 2-night study I kicked over 12ahi and SPO2 dropped to 88 so they set me up.

They gave me a loaner machine and mask to use for 2 weeks to evaluate my tolerance to the therapy, and at the end of the 2 weeks took an orientation class, returned the loaner, and walked out with a new machine.

[SarcasticDave94]

Not too bad in wait time there at 2 weeks. Some have circumstances where they get new blowers very quick. So be it. My opinion is that even 2 weeks is a rather long wait for a PAP machine. I would think within 1 week should be best timing.

[CB91710]

And it's not that I was without a machine for those 2 weeks. The longest wait was the initial schedule for the sleep study... I think it was 2 weeks for the appointment, then a week from the study to the evaluation appointment where I got the loaner.

My wife was able to get her sleep study appointment within a week.

[SarcasticDave94]

That's better than mine, but it's all good now that I've got it. Ironically, the most recent seemed to be the longest wait likely as now I see the real value in being on therapy. G'night apnea board.

Dave B.

[Macrons]

Took about a week to get the device

[Herb]

Dave,

How's it going with your new machine?

The suspense is killing me 

[SarcasticDave94]

Hi Herb,

Good to very good so far even though it's only 2 days. First night 1 hr and 3:45 second; AHI was 2.9. Working on mask leaks and it feels like starting over due to the month and a half it took to get the ASV after the sleep study. The great thing is I got everything I asked for including heated hose and the SD card. My whole process was far less wait on insurance than the doctor and the DME getting things in order. And seriously, it was mostly the doctor who I feel is overwhelmed and too stubborn to admit it.

Note it pays to be persistent. I called daily after the script was passed to the DME rep. I felt I had to so things kept moving. And a FWIW the RT at Apria, specifically for me on the LOCAL level, is very good.

 Dave B.

[Herb]

Hi Dave,

Good to hear you're making progress.

Just wondering why such a short time during the night.

What's bothering you that keeps you from sleeping all night with the machine?