RE: Your Cpap Buying Experience?
(03-21-2018, 06:11 PM)astraith Wrote: So then it cane very from DME to DME? Are you able to choose your DME? Because both times a DME was chosen for me.
You need to contact your insurance and request a list of in-network DME providers in your area. You can choose any of them. You need to make some calls and look at reviews to make an intelligent choice. Going to the one you are referred to is kind of like using the bank or title company your realtor refers you to. There may be a kick-back involved, and it may not be in your best interest. You have a choice, you just need to know how to get the list.
RE: Your Cpap Buying Experience?
(03-21-2018, 07:55 PM)Sleeprider Wrote: (03-21-2018, 06:11 PM)astraith Wrote: So then it cane very from DME to DME? Are you able to choose your DME? Because both times a DME was chosen for me.
You need to contact your insurance and request a list of in-network DME providers in your area. You can choose any of them. You need to make some calls and look at reviews to make an intelligent choice. Going to the one you are referred to is kind of like using the bank or title company your realtor refers you to. There may be a kick-back involved, and it may not be in your best interest. You have a choice, you just need to know how to get the list.
And adhering to
Sleeprider's direction without losing sight of the fact that
you are the
boss (within insurance constraints), next step is to inform your doctor: a) of your dissatisfaction with 1st DME b) that you need
Rx sent to another DME ("let's talk about which ones might better serve, doctor") -- or the
Rx handed to you.
Of course, with Rx in hand, you are still limited to "in-network" providers.
RE: Your Cpap Buying Experience?
(03-21-2018, 06:11 PM)astraith Wrote: So then it cane very from DME to DME? Are you able to choose your DME? Because both times a DME was chosen for me.
My own experience is this on choosing a DME in the US: call your insurance customer service and ask for a list of at least 3 DMEs for CPAP machines that are near your home area. Use that list to call the DME offices and find out their info and what products they offer. After you note that info down, decide which you want to work with and begin the process to list that chosen DME with your doc's office. Find out the required process from the doc and DME offices to make the decision official, then do what was required.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
03-22-2018, 12:11 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-22-2018, 12:13 AM by Spy Car.)
RE: Your Cpap Buying Experience?
After a home sleep study that diagnosed me with sleep apnea, I was sent to a "class" with about a dozen others from my health group at a DME office, where a DME tech went through the basics. We were all given the same machines and the same masks (except for one or two mouth breathers who got FFMs.
I feel I completely lucked out, as the APAP machine I got was the same one I'd have wanted if I'd had foreknowledge, a ResMed AutoSet 10. I did not like the mask, so I did a lot of swapping.
Fortunately, I found this forum early on. By monitoring Sleepyhead (and with good counsel here) I was aware when my Centrals started rising (and more critically I realized I was feeling poorly). So--while being a borderline case--I pushed for ASV, did a lab test that showed efficacy, and got a ResMed AirCurve ASV that helped turn my life around.
Dealings with my DME have been mostly easy. Grubby offices. A curt receptionist. No direct line. But I got the goods.
Bill
ETA: Patients in my group get no indication that they might use a DME other than the one assigned, even if legally we might.
