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→User DME interactions
Masks are extremely important. So much so that they are at times called “Interfaces” because they interface between the machine and your face. Masks are typically the hardest to get right. That is because your face is unique. Visits to the DME are opportunities to try masks. Take advantage of these visits. Oh and read the [[Mask_Primer|Mask Primer]].
== User DME interactions Interactions ==
'''One users Path to machine'''
For example, when I told my doctor that I needed my machine because a lack of sleep was having a serious effect on the quality of my life he had his nurse issue a "stat" order. The DME called me a couple hours later and delivered a machine to my home that afternoon.
'''User 3'''
You can do a couple things to make your experience better.
# Read the wiki on this site and know what you need to get (resmed airsense 10 auto, mask off choice, tubing, filters etc)
# Go ahead and call your insurance and get a Dme referal. They will give you a minimum of three as anything else would be kickback territory.
# Then call the doctor and ask his assistant who they deal with. They will also give you a couple choices.
# Then get the list and call them all. Ask about masks, exchanges, fittings, what machines they dispense, which doctors they work with everything you can think of.
# Go down the list... It won't take you long. If their customer service is crap on the phone you can rule out.
# One caveat is most of the equipment is usually dispensed by a respitory therapist and Dme sell a bunch of stuff usually.
# You'll be getting follow-ups with the doctor so getting your script is easy enough. I'm sure they can easily fax, email or send it you.
# It's best to have a Dme closer. You might go through 3-5 masks in the limited 30 day window they give you.
# Best not to do that online honestly unless your deductible is huge. Most online places are selling things for just a bit more than medicare reimbursement.
# The cpap machine is roughly $800 which is just a bit more than medicare pays them however your Dme will "bill" your insurance company 1200 or more so a 20% deductible "could" be more than the machine costs.
# An unscrupulous dme will often try to get you set up supplies which come out of pocket that are not needed etc. Special cpap wipes, etc.
# My Dme works directly with the doctor and was super easy to deal with. Gave me exactly what the doctor ordered. They didn't do much to help choose masks but they did show me how to use the machine and spent 20 minutes with me. They went over the manual on cleaning.
# It seems overwhelming but it's really going to go smoothly.
== Medicare and DME (for CPAP) ==
Donate to Apnea Board
