"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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Bipap maintenance and sttings
I have had my Bipap for about 9 months now.
It seems odd to me that I have not heard a word from the sleep center that prescribed the machine or the company that provided it.
At the time is was delivered, I seem to remember that the tech told me I would be contacted periodically to arrange for replacement of some of the peripheral equipment as needed. (hoses, mask, etc.)
Am I mistaken?
Also, should I be retested from time to time to see if the settings are appropriate? It bothers me that I do not really know if this is working the way it is supposed to.
On the bright side, I seem to have had good success with the machine. It took very little time to get used to it and I am able to use it for 100% of my sleep time.
Views: 267
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Juan Beer on
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About nine months. I am no longer being treated by the doctor that first arranged for my study, and my current doctor has not been actively involved. She is aware that I am on the machine, but she may think another doctor is managing the condition for me.
Rock Hinkle said:How long has it been? Have you seen your physician?
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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I would let her know that you have been on your own. I would also contact your DME about parts.
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Juan, would you please clarify for me that you are on the Respironics M Series Bi-PAP Auto w/Bi-Flex: Or is it a different Respironics PAP device? Look at the cover of your User Manual or on the top of your PAP to be sure of which model it is.
Is your insurance paying for your PAP or did you pay out of pocket for it?
Most certainly your DME provider you got your PAP from is VERY remiss in not being in contact w/you at all over this past 9 months. It is surprising that your insurance would pay for your PAP w/o some proof during that time that you were compliant and using it.
On the other hand, that may well be a good thing that neither is that interested. Maybe you have your PAP for free!!! *wicked grin* (Yeah, sure, sooner or later ..... someone would catch THAT mistake!)
Most insurances have some form of accessory replacement schedule. From "as needed" to certain time frames for each accessory. For instance: new hose every 3 months (not really necessary), new filter(s) monthly to every 6 months), new mask every 3 months, new headgear every 6 months, new mask cushions every month ..... etc. It can vary from one insurance to another.
How you feel is the most important indicator of how effective your PAP therapy is. However, I believe all Respironics bi-levels are fully data capable (maybe not if it has Plus in the model name). If fully data capable the PAP is capable of providing Leak, AHI and AI data.
Given the "great" care, interest and support you are receiving from your DME provider, insurance, sleep doctor and sleep lab it would probably be more than worth your while to buy the EncoreViewer or EncorePro software and necessary cable reader out of pocket to monitor your own therapy.
You SHOULD be replacing the filter(s) on your PAP as recommended in your Users Manual. You can buy them cheapest out of pocket from a good online DME supplier.
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Hi Juan Beer, if the medical supply company has not been in contact with you then you need to contact them. Tell them your situation and that you would like to be placed on a mailing for supplies. Sometimes as the patient you need to take charge and be aggressive with the supply company and your doctor, if you feel that your new doctor is not involved enough or rather not well versed in sleep then maybe she should refer you to a sleep specialist. To know how effective the therapy is for you does not require being retested, the machine itself will record and store data, which can be downloaded on a computer software program and interpreted by a doctor. If you have any other questions please feel free to call our office at EZCPAP, we will be more than happy to help answer your questions, #1-877-392-7270. By the way nice name. Francisco
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I'd be darned if I would bother contacting this provider if they've "lost" me and had no interest in me and my therapy for 9 months! 4 more months and that PAP is paid off if it hasn't already been paid off in full. If you have a copy of your script you can buy your supplies from ANY local DME provider who takes your insurance or out of pocket online.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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I fell through the cracks on this one too, It took a call to the boss to get things rolling for me. They insisted they were calling every three months and it simply wasn't true. Yes, you should be contacted on a regular 3 or 6 month basis.
And it is certainly true, as someone mentioned that you can switch suppliers.
You probably do need a doc to check in with once in a while.
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Hmmm! Around here it is pretty typical that the calls never come. I don't know about the hospital ran DME but the other two (one is Lincare and the other is locally owned) never seem to call. I have been on my machine since August of 2007 and have had only one call from Lincare asking if I need supplies and that was probably around the one year mark. My son-in-law has not been contacted by Lincare as well since starting in Dec. 2008.
I know others that use the locally owned DME and they are not good about follow ups either.
So far it is worth, I choose to purchase supplies on-line and save the bucks in my own pocket. Typically you can purchase filters, hoses, etc. much cheaper (lower than your deductible and copay) on line.
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