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DME Changing CPAP Pressure
A week ago my doctor wrote a Rx to have the DME change my pressure from 6 to 8.
A rep from the DME arrived on Friday and I gave him my RESMED Series 8 Elite machine. He then called the company and asked them how to set the pressure. I thought it very strange....why have a rep who is unfamiliar with the equipment working for the company. Then he told me, "You cannot watch me, against company policy"
I laughed because I already knew how to set the pressure on the machine due to these great sleep apnea forums. I wanted to tell him, but I let him spend 15 minutes trying to adjust it while on the phone. This incident gave me insight into the workings of the DME. I have been to their office 3 times. Only 1 person (I was told) could download my data to give to the doctor. She was 1 hour late...Where is the cross training?
I am tempted to find another DME. But then again, how is one to realize that the next DME is any better. I guess I need to ask around.
A rep from the DME arrived on Friday and I gave him my RESMED Series 8 Elite machine. He then called the company and asked them how to set the pressure. I thought it very strange....why have a rep who is unfamiliar with the equipment working for the company. Then he told me, "You cannot watch me, against company policy"
I laughed because I already knew how to set the pressure on the machine due to these great sleep apnea forums. I wanted to tell him, but I let him spend 15 minutes trying to adjust it while on the phone. This incident gave me insight into the workings of the DME. I have been to their office 3 times. Only 1 person (I was told) could download my data to give to the doctor. She was 1 hour late...Where is the cross training?
I am tempted to find another DME. But then again, how is one to realize that the next DME is any better. I guess I need to ask around.
Views: 29
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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Yup sounds familiar.
In my opinion the DMEs need to train their staff on the various machines, masks, etc. I know on any job I have been on you have to know that job before the company sets you loose. Yet it appears that many of the DME staff do not have a clue about machines, masks, etc. No wonder so many give up on treatment.
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Yep, unfortunately, this does seem to be a common occurence. Its beginning to appear that it is only required that the local DME supplier have an RT on staff, but not necessarily that the RT be the one to make or change the settings on our xPAPs.
Sleep medicine is in the throes of expansion and it a real "cash cow" to too many starting w/the the sleep doctors themselves. Too many are taking sleep on as a sub-specialty (which at this time that is all sleep medicine is is a sub-specialty). Many never see the patient, never consult w/the patient, refer their dictation back to the sleep lab to be sent to the referring physician or directly to the referring physician - who all too often knows diddley-squat about OSA or other sleep problems.
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Permalink Reply by Henning on
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Hi Richard,
It does not sound professional.
But I wonder why your doctor has changed your pressure settings. Have you had a prior titration?
You have an AUTO CPAP, so for me it would be natural to set it to the AUTO mode for a few days, to find the right pressure. Then you/they could set the machine back to straight adjusted pressure.
Henning
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth on
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OMG! That is horrendous. They need to make the buck. Need to keep that in mind for your own sanity.
I was set on 8 right off and when they checked my card and saw my sleep pattern and whatever they didn't change it. I was shown how to change it from the man that came to me to set me up. Also he set me up where it adjusts the air all by itself. Sometimes I think it shut off and it didn't. I put my hand on the vent to see if I can still feel the air. Apprantely this is working for me. So sorry you experienced that situation.
Isn't this site wonderful? I'm so glad I fell upon it. I was in my facebook when I saw the ad for it and I came to check it out and I love it.
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