[Pressure] Need immediate help. [adjusting to different machine]

[PaulaO2]

Not exactly sure what your question is.

But it could be the old machine isn't putting out the pressure it should and hasn't for a while. So you switch to a new-ish machine and the pressure is what it should be but you aren't used to it. Ear pressure is common but should go away. You can lower the pressure (if straight CPAP) until you readjust. If using APAP, lower the minimum and perhaps use the ramp feature until you adjust. You can also sit up and use the machine, like when at your computer, to help your body adjust.

I am assuming you need the 30day compliance before your insurance gets you a new machine. If so, you don't need to demonstrate a lower than 5 AHI. You just need to use it. The machine doesn't know if you are awake or asleep. The time you spend sitting up getting adjusted counts as being used.

The A10 is a fairly sturdy machine. As long as you carry it onboard the plane with you, or don't toss your suitcase into the trunk on top of it, it will be fine. It is best if you stick to the same machine.

As for making changes, make one and leave it. You can't make a change one night and then the next. Each night is different just as each day is different. You need to make a change and wait to see trends, not a single night's worth. It is best to wait 7-10 days at least between changes, ESPECIALLY if you cannot access the data to view it and can only go by what the screen says.

[Sleeprider]

I will also say the Airsense 10 is a durable and travel-worthy machine. The humidifier is integrated, but the machine is not large, and comes with an exceptional travel case. If you can just get the Autoset, I think you could quickly resolve all the issues of optimization and compliance.

[Hellodare]

Can a dme bill insurance seperatly  for the humidifier on an s10 autoset?

[Sleeprider]

When insurance is billed for a CPAP machine, it is typical for the invoice to be itemized for the machine, humidifier, filters, tubing, head gear, mask frame and mask cushion. Each is assigned a billing code. You should not expect to pay itemized costs when paying out of pocket.

The Airsense 10 is one of the first fully integrated machines, so some DMEs have had to explain this, and some simply carry only the Philips to avoid the problem. You can do a search for HCPCS insurance codes for CPAP to see the individual billing codes. Insurance companies agree in advance to the billing conditions and amounts that will be authorized. So insurance will normally bill for E0601 (CPAP machine) and E0562 (heated humidifier), and I have even see them bill for the humidifier chamber A7046. They will try not to tell you what they are invoicing, but you have a right to know in order to determine your copay and deductibles. The amount invoices may not be the amount they receive from insurance under their agreement.

[SarcasticDave94]

FWIW on my ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV, the DME counted it as a 1 piece unit, taking 3 lines of description for 1A) THE UNIT, then 1B) ASV machine, 1C) integrated humidifier as a single machine but 2 parts contained. They then billed on separate description items line 1B then line 1C (pricing for each) insurance as a combined unit, while the humidifier tub and etc. were separately charged as far as I can tell. My DME is Apria.

I had some initial concerns I would have to pay for the humidifier, but that did not happen. The reason for my concern was that I had just turned in a PR DreamStation BiPAP to another DME. The original DME stated I may have to pay for a humidifier as it is one per 5 years like the host PAP machine. When on the DreamStation BiPAP, I was diagnosed as the ASV was needed to treat Mixed Apnea. I changed the DME to force the ResMed dispensing. I was not charged for the humidifier as the insurance via DME description counted it as a unit.

[groggygirl]

If you have insurance through a major company, I recommend you ask the DME's insurance specialist how they will bill it and what will be covered. I used to do claims review for Blue Cross and the providers typically know exactly how to get the most payment out of each insurance company. If they don't have an insurance specialist, or if their specialist doesn't sound like he/she knows what she is doing, go to a different DME.

[Hellodare]

The more my insurance pays the more I pay. 10 months rental then pay off last 2 months.

---

They said Dream station. I said no.

[Gideon]

If you haven't already read the "Dealing with a DME" Wiki article in my signature.

Fred

[Hellodare]

Today's readout. 

Leak .96 l/s
Vt 440-900
Resp rate 12-29
Mv 7.1-14.3
PRESS 10.4
AHI 3.0
AI O.O
9:58 HRS
 HOW DOES THIS LOOK? DONT KNOW WHAT PRESS IS.
THANKS.

[Hellodare]

comments?