RE: Is the DME lying?
Just in regard to DME's in general, I did feel like they helped me when I first got started. The RT who set me up let me know that there were software options for people who are interested in tracking their own therapy. When I needed a pressure change as I was started at an uncomfortable range of 5-20, another RT connected to the DME talked to me about my settings and helped get the doctor to change my range to 8-20 (although he pushed for a fixed setting before we arrived at that range).
In regards to equipment -- the DME pretty much made the initial decisions for me. I'm just fortunate they were good ones, as I did get a fully data capable APAP, and even after trying a few others, I'm most comfortable with the Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow mask (although I still play with a P10 at times—wish I could combine my favorite features of the two).
My biggest complaint is how they have handled supplies. No offers to update supplies at all during the first 90 days. I ended up going to online sources for what I needed during that time—knowing with my deductible, the payment would come out of my pocket anyway. When the DME did call about supplies (and when they started, the calls/messages were relentlessly frequent), they wanted to "send me everything I would need" without options. Even the so called 'online ordering' options were by category rather than allowing me to make my own selections—which I guess would be great for someone who would be overwhelmed by all the choices, but I'm not that person. They also didn't give me a receipt or any cost information—as I guess that waits until after they send it through insurance. I'm very curious what I will end up paying for the few things I ordered as I want to do a comparison to my online sources.
Ultimately, I feel the whole process (in the US anyway) is WAY to directed by insurance company process and not patient focused processes. And considering in my opinion insurance companies are more financial companies than health care facilitators, I find the whole flawed system very disturbing.
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Lovin' my CPAP since day 1! (January 2015)
If we aren't cleanin' it we're breathin' it!
"Take it as it comes, specialize in having fun"
-- Jim Morrison