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Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
#21
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
(09-10-2016, 04:05 PM)pupcamper Wrote: My sleep doctor handles all compliance visits. He has several techs who are all on cpap and are very knowledgeable that I use for everything else. They seem to know more than the doctor on the day to day cpap experience.

That's almost the ideal experience - having techs who are also on cpap.
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#22
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
YES! My Sleep Specialist saw me initially on a three-monthly basis, at which time I presented him with SleepyHead and EncoreBasic reports.
These visits then progressed to one after 6 months, and now the next visit will be on a yearly basis. After each visit, the specialist sends a written report to my Cardiologist, Diabetes Specialist and my General Practice.
Initially my Health Fund made a modest contribution for the machine and Mask, Supplies etc all are paid by me. These specialists also quiz me about my progress in Sleep Therapy and in my Diabetes journey.
In addition to these scheduled visits, I have a standing invitation to contact these specialists at any time if I have any concerns. As a result, I have complete confidence in these specialist!Sleep-well
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#23
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
(09-10-2016, 10:18 AM)old82 Wrote: Paula
From reading yours and other's remarks about not having to see a sleep doctor I have my question answered regarding that.

But what can you share about this "annual compliance report" that SOMEONE has to write if a sleep doctor is not on your appointment schedule. Does Medicare request this report from your GP doctor? Is it requested from the DME? Do GP's who are treating you know they are required to write this annual report? If I stop seeing my "sleep doctor" do I have to alert my GP that it's now his responsibility to write a annual report? How does it all work and what is my responsibility to see that the requirement is met for continued Medicare coverage?
Thanks
old82

I have never had anyone look at my machine nor my data card to inquire about compliance. Both of my machines have been under Medicare/Medicaid. In the past five, almost 6 years since my GP has written the script, she has not been required to file any kind of report.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#24
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
(09-11-2016, 09:34 PM)PaulaO2 Wrote:
(09-10-2016, 10:18 AM)old82 Wrote: Paula
From reading yours and other's remarks about not having to see a sleep doctor I have my question answered regarding that.

But what can you share about this "annual compliance report" that SOMEONE has to write if a sleep doctor is not on your appointment schedule. Does Medicare request this report from your GP doctor? Is it requested from the DME? Do GP's who are treating you know they are required to write this annual report? If I stop seeing my "sleep doctor" do I have to alert my GP that it's now his responsibility to write a annual report? How does it all work and what is my responsibility to see that the requirement is met for continued Medicare coverage?
Thanks
old82

I have never had anyone look at my machine nor my data card to inquire about compliance. Both of my machines have been under Medicare/Medicaid. In the past five, almost 6 years since my GP has written the script, she has not been required to file any kind of report.

I had to do a 30 day and 90 day face to face for Medicare.

The annual recert is fairly new.
If you stay with the same doc and DME the DME will usually just get it from the doc yhemselves. Its just a letter saying you use the machine and benefit from.it.

I moved to my GP and changed DMEs
I just told my GP what I needed on the recert, took it too the new DME. Simple.

I just go have the DME order what I need when I its due. They take my plan as full payment with no copay which is why I switched.

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#25
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
I am with Kaiser, and there is a annual meeting scheduled with a Respiratory Therapist- and I can send a message via Kaiser website whenever i have a concern or question, and then can go in for an additional appointment as necessary.

My RT retired, so right now I am between RT's, so if I have a question I have to either send a message to my sleep doctor (a pulmonologist) or call and leave a message and wait for someone to return my call.

Kaiser also has a drop in clinic once per week, where you can go in and a sleep doc and or technician will help you in order of when you arrived at the Drop in Clinic.

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#26
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
Bill, I'm also on Medicare and have used a hospital-based sleep center for the two sleep studies I've had since starting out. This sleep center is staffed by a local practice group of pulmonologists, some of whom also have the sleep medicine sub-specialty (sleep docs). Apparently, Medicare made some rule changes a few years ago now requiring pts. to see a doc once per year for the DME to sell supplies including masks, etc. to pts.
I found out when I tried unsuccessfully to get a new mask from my DME after not having seen a sleep doc for several years. So, that brought me back to seeing the sleep doc once per year. The last time I saw him, he suggested that there really wasn't a need to see him for 18 months and still remain on the DME's "active" list. My understanding is that this is all governed by Medicare, not the docs or DMEs.

David
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#27
RE: Are You Monitored By A Sleep Dr?
I've seen three sleep doctors. One of them never returned my calls. The next told me that if I had problems after using the machine it was probably in my head. And it was only the third one that actually told me what was going on with me, gave me helpful information, and did another sleep test to make sure all the bases were covered.

I live in a major metropolitan area and these are large hospitals. One of the hospitals I like for almost everything EXCEPT their sleep department.

All this is to say, if you don't like a doctor, just keep looking. A lot of doctors are fantastic and some are just whackos, just like any other field. Smart whacks to get thru medical school, but still whackos all the same.

Doctors didn't catch I had sleep apnea my ENTIRE life. Now, if I don't like a doctor, for anything, they breathe wrong, look at me funny, I just have a bad feeling, they're gone. There are thousands and thousands of doctors where I live. If you live in an area that has a large supply of doctors and your doctor is providing anything short of perfect care for you, I say, drop them and see someone else who will.
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