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+--- Thread: just need to vent (/Thread-just-need-to-vent)
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just need to vent - readyforsleep - 03-31-2014
My borrowed apap goes back to the dme friday the 4th.
My appointment with the dr. Is on the 11th. My plan was to purchase apap for delivery this week so I could continue to benefit from the variable pressure. But, my doctor won't approve the prescription for the apap until I have my appointment. All I want is a machine set the way the one I borrowed is set at. This is so much work...
Guess I could slowly increase my cpap pressure eac nite.(cpap set at 12 vs apap range 10 -20.
RE: just need to vent - robysue - 03-31-2014
Here's the thing: All you need to get an APAP is a script for a CPAP and a reasonable DME. APAPs and CPAPs are billed under the same insurance code, so if the DME is willing to sell an APAP to you they can. If the script says "CPAP at n cm", they'll insist on setting the APAP up in CPAP mode.
Most DMEs, however, will lie through their teeth about this though.
RE: just need to vent - JimZZZ - 03-31-2014
If I understand correctly, you will be forced to use a CPAP versus the APAP you're accustomed while you wait for an appointment with the sleep doctor. Maybe you could use your average pressure with the rental APAP, as shown in Sleepyhead, as a guide in setting your CPAP pressure.
Check back here often as I'm sure some of the more experienced users will have more exacting advice.
RE: just need to vent - readyforsleep - 03-31-2014
(03-31-2014, 02:31 PM)JimZZZ Wrote: If I understand correctly, you will be forced to use a CPAP versus the APAP you're accustomed while you wait for an appointment with the sleep doctor. Maybe you could use your average pressure with the rental APAP, as shown in Sleepyhead, as a guide in setting your CPAP pressure.
Check back here often as I'm sure some of the more experienced users will have more exacting advice.
I was just thinking that might be a viable option. I've been doing so well, I hate to back track.
RE: just need to vent - SuperSleeper - 03-31-2014
Did your doctor already write a script for the "borrowed APAP"? Legally, a prescription would be required before the DME could dispense one to you.... even for an initial trial period like you've just completed.
If you're not using insurance and you plan to purchase the machine outright, then ask the doctor to give you a copy of the prescription for your own records. You have a legal right to a copy of it - don't back down. If you sense the doc is opposed to APAP, don't bother telling him why you want it - if asked, just say "in case I need it for an emergency when you're office is closed" or some such thing.
Once you have the script in hand, go to any one of the online suppliers and either send them or upload a scan of your prescription. The vast majority of online suppliers don't care that you have a script for either standard CPAP or auto-CPAP. Any prescription for CPAP will suffice, and you can legally order any APAP or CPAP you like with that script.
RE: just need to vent - SuperSleeper - 03-31-2014
Even if you are using insurance, ask the doc for a copy of the prescription. Better yet, ask the doc to write it up for "APAP set to xx pressure". Remind the doc that APAP can be set up as a standard CPAP to deliver one pressure all night, while still giving you the option of using the auto mode should the need arise in the future. There are plenty of docs who are willing to do that, generally. Heck, you don't even need a sleep doc's prescription - you can go to your family doctor to get a script for CPAP/APAP.
If you're using insurance, make sure you don't get stuck with a non-data-capable CPAP, and preferably get an auto-CPAP (APAP) which will give you more options in the future. Generally insurance won't replace a CPAP until 5 years has passed. If you accept a lower-quality machine from the DME now and sign off on it, you probably won't get the insurance company to replace it with a better machine until the 5 years is up. Remember, DMEs have a vested financial interest in getting you to accept the lowest-cost machine available. They get reimbursed by insurance for a set amount to dispense CPAP or APAP - it's all the same reimbursement code as robysue explained. They get more net profit by giving you a cheaper machine. Don't get hoodwinked - DMEs lie all the time about the way this actually works.
Also, be sure to read Archangle's Wiki Article on Machine Choices, here:
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Archangle:Machine_Choices
Stand your ground.
RE: just need to vent - justMongo - 03-31-2014
You should have the Rx -- I keep a copy with me. If I end up in a hospital (which I did in 2010) that shows them I need xPAP; and what my pressure settings are. Get the best machine you can within the constraints of insurance and your own funds.
I recently got an S9 that I run at my Rx settings -- and I am really pleased with both the machine; and the data ability.
RE: just need to vent - GreyParrot - 04-02-2014
[quote='readyforsleep' pid='64166' dateline='1396292482']
My borrowed apap goes back to the dme friday the 4th.
My appointment with the dr. Is on the 11th. My plan was to purchase apap for delivery this week so I could continue to benefit from the variable pressure. But, my doctor won't approve the prescription for the apap until I have my appointment. All I want is a machine set the way the one I borrowed is set at. This is so much work...
So much work? Try starting entirely on your own from scratch.
RE: just need to vent - readyforsleep - 04-02-2014
(04-02-2014, 08:40 AM)GreyParrot Wrote: [quote='readyforsleep' pid='64166' dateline='1396292482']
My borrowed apap goes back to the dme friday the 4th.
My appointment with the dr. Is on the 11th. My plan was to purchase apap for delivery this week so I could continue to benefit from the variable pressure. But, my doctor won't approve the prescription for the apap until I have my appointment. All I want is a machine set the way the one I borrowed is set at. This is so much work...
So much work? Try starting entirely on your own from scratch.
YOU ARE RIGHT. IT IS WHAT IT IS. AT LEAST I HAVE YOU GUYS
RE: just need to vent - GreyParrot - 04-02-2014
(04-02-2014, 08:52 AM)readyforsleep Wrote:(04-02-2014, 08:40 AM)GreyParrot Wrote: [quote='readyforsleep' pid='64166' dateline='1396292482']
My borrowed apap goes back to the dme friday the 4th.
My appointment with the dr. Is on the 11th. My plan was to purchase apap for delivery this week so I could continue to benefit from the variable pressure. But, my doctor won't approve the prescription for the apap until I have my appointment. All I want is a machine set the way the one I borrowed is set at. This is so much work...
So much work? Try starting entirely on your own from scratch.
YOU ARE RIGHT. IT IS WHAT IT IS. AT LEAST I HAVE YOU GUYS
Sorry to be rude, but I often wish I had insurance so I could be "legit"
although my treatment is a total success and I'm proud of it.
One good thing about self treating though, it compels you to read
here almost daily. If you do that it will help you learn perhaps more
than your doctor knows. We all "see" many patients a day :>) so learn the pitfalls quickly and get support to continue. Yes it's hard,
but worth it in the end, no matter what you have to put up with.