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DME recommendations in NYC/Westchester
Hello - I was recently diagnosed with mild OSA, and am awaiting my prescription for a CPAP (have done the second test for titration already).
I've read on the forums so many good and bad experiences of DME techs and companies, that I'd like to know if any NYC or Westchester members have experience with a DME that they highly recommend.
If there are ones to avoid as well, please share that, but mostly looking for DMEs that you have had good experiences with.
Thanks!
Karl
I've read on the forums so many good and bad experiences of DME techs and companies, that I'd like to know if any NYC or Westchester members have experience with a DME that they highly recommend.
If there are ones to avoid as well, please share that, but mostly looking for DMEs that you have had good experiences with.
Thanks!
Karl
Views: 47
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jan on
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Welcome Karl!
There are a number of people on the forum who are from your geographical area, so I am betting that you will get some good tips. I'm just a few weeks ahead of you on this journey and I would encourage you to step in, ask lots of questions-- and also use the search feature to read older posts where there you'll find lots of really good information.
I'm not from your area, so I can't help with specifics, but I am sure that others in the forum will step in.
Good luck,
Jan
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Permalink Reply by Renee on
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Hello Karl,
I am also recently diagnosed and due to a difficult ordeal with my 1st Sleep Study Center and DME, I am now starting over again. I will be having my Titration on 11-17 at, what I think from my consultation, is an exceptional Sleep Study Center - NYU Sleep Study Associates of NYC - http://www.sleepmedicinenyc.com/about_us.html. The day after my Titration, when the doctor at NYU calls me with the results of my Titration, she is also going to give me the name and contact info for a DME provider who will work cooperatively with me in providing the mask and other equipment that I will need and interchange out as necessary - particularly given as she is aware of the diffulty that I have recently experienced.
So, I don't have a DME provider to suggest at this time, but I strongly recommend that you avoid - Simonds ! When I was first in contact with them and my initial order was set up, I thought they were going to work out great. But after I researched equipment on ResMed's website in case I wanted to make any changes to my order (at Simond's suggestion) and called them back to request a change in CPAP equipment, they refused. I explained to the DME rep that I wanted the change because the C-Series Tango that the DME wanted to send me did not provide efficacy data (pressure, leak rate and apnea / hypopnea index) or EPR (exhalation pressure relief) and that Ramp was only optional with the C-Series. And, therefore, I wanted the S8 AutoSet II - especially in order to have the efficacy data. The rep finally agreed to change the order, but then hung up from me and called my doctor to have her refuse me the CPAP change. My doctor contacted me and she yelled something fierce even though I tried to calmly explain why I had asked for the CPAP I had.
After that phone call, I immediately determined to have no further association with that Sleep Study Center or DME. And I am very pleased to now be associated with NYU !
We are both very lucky to be in the NYC area because we have multiple resources here. Since I am new to all this, I haven't got advice to offer - except that I have learned sooooo very much from reading the discussions on this forum. It is incredibly invaluable ! And one thing that I have read several times is that one can get a listing of the DMEs in their area from their Sleep Study Center and / or insurance carrier and then call them up in order to determine who is cooperative, knowledgeable, convenient and who is going to be helpful and supportive on-going.
Wishing you the best in your nocturnal journal,
Renee
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Permalink Reply by Karl B. on
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Thanks - I suppose I'll figure out all of those acronyms at some point - perhaps we should have a glossary on this site? I hope your next experience goes well and thanks for the advice. My doctor also said that she would recommend a DME, but I would prefer to ask her for a few top recs and then filter those myself, rather than just taking the one she recommends. I also heard it is best to get a scrip with no manuf listed - I'll try that with my doc and make sure she's ok with that.
Karl
Renee said:Hello Karl,
I am also recently diagnosed and due to a difficult ordeal with my 1st Sleep Study Center and DME, I am now starting over again. I will be having my Titration on 11-17 at, what I think from my consultation, is an exceptional Sleep Study Center - NYU Sleep Study Associates of NYC - http://www.sleepmedicinenyc.com/about_us.html. The day after my Titration, when the doctor at NYU calls me with the results of my Titration, she is also going to give me the name and contact info for a DME provider who will work cooperatively with me in providing the mask and other equipment that I will need and interchange out as necessary - particularly given as she is aware of the diffulty that I have recently experienced.
So, I don't have a DME provider to suggest at this time, but I strongly recommend that you avoid - Simonds ! When I was first in contact with them and my initial order was set up, I thought they were going to work out great. But after I researched equipment on ResMed's website in case I wanted to make any changes to my order (at Simond's suggestion) and called them back to request a change in CPAP equipment, they refused. I explained to the DME rep that I wanted the change because the C-Series Tango that the DME wanted to send me did not provide efficacy data (pressure, leak rate and apnea / hypopnea index) or EPR (exhalation pressure relief) and that Ramp was only optional with the C-Series. And, therefore, I wanted the S8 AutoSet II - especially in order to have the efficacy data. The rep finally agreed to change the order, but then hung up from me and called my doctor to have her refuse me the CPAP change. My doctor contacted me and she yelled something fierce even though I tried to calmly explain why I had asked for the CPAP I had.
After that phone call, I immediately determined to have no further association with that Sleep Study Center or DME. And I am very pleased to now be associated with NYU !
We are both very lucky to be in the NYC area because we have multiple resources here. Since I am new to all this, I haven't got advice to offer - except that I have learned sooooo very much from reading the discussions on this forum. It is incredibly invaluable ! And one thing that I have read several times is that one can get a listing of the DMEs in their area from their Sleep Study Center and / or insurance carrier and then call them up in order to determine who is cooperative, knowledgeable, convenient and who is going to be helpful and supportive on-going.
Wishing you the best in your nocturnal journal,
Renee
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Hello Karl,
There is a terrific glossary on this site under FAQ ! And since you're willing to make inquiries, sure why not ask your doc for a couple of top recs? And I have seen it recommended on this site many times to get as open-ended RX for your PAP device and mask as possible from your doc - an example that was offered to me (I think by j.n.k.) was: doctors can write a script for, say, a "ResMed Mirage Micro Nasal Face Mask" (specific), or they can simply write a script for "a mask according to patient's comfort and choice" (open-ended). Make sure they write the latter.
Seems you have a pretty good understanding of how things work already. So, good luck getting going with CPAP !
Renee
Karl B. said:Thanks - I suppose I'll figure out all of those acronyms at some point - perhaps we should have a glossary on this site? I hope your next experience goes well and thanks for the advice. My doctor also said that she would recommend a DME, but I would prefer to ask her for a few top recs and then filter those myself, rather than just taking the one she recommends. I also heard it is best to get a scrip with no manuf listed - I'll try that with my doc and make sure she's ok with that.
Karl
Renee said:
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Permalink Reply by 99 on
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do not forget to look up the glossery as we are all interested in your progress and are keen to help espesially from the dodgy reception you initally received
may you take full advantage of this site and the expertise that is provided, we have doctors and theripist on this site as we are world gold bar standard
or so i like to think
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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on
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Hey Karl,
Welcome to the world of CPAP.
Finding a good to excellent DME is a crapshoot - period. They are a business and the first rule in business is to make money. You are their money source. Always remember that and you will be in a better position in the future.
The first thing you need to do is to get a full and complete copy of your sleep study and get a generic script from your physician. GET THEM! You will need them in the future and are the key to being able to shop the market place.
The generic script should read, in addition to the setting required, "the *PAP machine and mask of the patient's choice." Do not let yourself get cornered into devices you don't like.
When you go to the DME you choose on the dice roll, make sure that the machine you select is a fully data capable machine, not just a compliance device. Also make sure that if you have troubles with the mash, they will exchange it for another selection. The DME get paid the same for a compliance device or a full data machine. They make a lot more money on the compliance device though and you are the looser in so far as therapy tracking.
Always remember you are the patient not just the insurance card and/or wallet, which is what the DME sees you as.
Happy shopping.
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Hello Karl and Dan,
In an earlier posting, I wanted to give credit to the SG member who had given me specific advice in a discussion I had posted and I wasn't exactly sure whether it had been Dan or j.n.k who advised getting the doctor to write an open-ended script and I mentioned that I thought it was j.n.k. And, while I must say that j.n.k. has given me much extremely valuable advice and support on several occasions - I would like to credit Dan for advising me to: Get a copy of your full sleep study and titration reports. Then ask your doctor for, and obtain, as open-ended a prescription for a PAP device and mask as possible -- doctors can write a script for, say, a "ResMed Mirage Micro Nasal Face Mask" (specific), or they can simply write a script for "a mask according to patient's comfort and choice" (open-ended). Make sure they write the latter. Armed with your full sleep report and open-ended prescriptions (which you should keep in a safe place, by the way), you'll give yourself the ability to double check on things and get advice from everyone in the world you trust, including the people on this forum. In other words, you'll give yourself options and control.
So - thanks Dan for all your info and support. ~ And j.n.k. ~ And et al !
Renee
Dan Lyons said:Hey Karl,
Welcome to the world of CPAP.
Finding a good to excellent DME is a crapshoot - period. They are a business and the first rule in business is to make money. You are their money source. Always remember that and you will be in a better position in the future.
The first thing you need to do is to get a full and complete copy of your sleep study and get a generic script from your physician. GET THEM! You will need them in the future and are the key to being able to shop the market place.
The generic script should read, in addition to the setting required, "the *PAP machine and mask of the patient's choice." Do not let yourself get cornered into devices you don't like.
When you go to the DME you choose on the dice roll, make sure that the machine you select is a fully data capable machine, not just a compliance device. Also make sure that if you have troubles with the mash, they will exchange it for another selection. The DME get paid the same for a compliance device or a full data machine. They make a lot more money on the compliance device though and you are the looser in so far as therapy tracking.
Always remember you are the patient not just the insurance card and/or wallet, which is what the DME sees you as.
Happy shopping.
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thanks Dan - I guess i need to catch up on downloading data and why I need to do so. I will get the scrip and results as recommended - thanks so much!
Karl
Dan Lyons said:Hey Karl,
Welcome to the world of CPAP.
Finding a good to excellent DME is a crapshoot - period. They are a business and the first rule in business is to make money. You are their money source. Always remember that and you will be in a better position in the future.
The first thing you need to do is to get a full and complete copy of your sleep study and get a generic script from your physician. GET THEM! You will need them in the future and are the key to being able to shop the market place.
The generic script should read, in addition to the setting required, "the *PAP machine and mask of the patient's choice." Do not let yourself get cornered into devices you don't like.
When you go to the DME you choose on the dice roll, make sure that the machine you select is a fully data capable machine, not just a compliance device. Also make sure that if you have troubles with the mash, they will exchange it for another selection. The DME get paid the same for a compliance device or a full data machine. They make a lot more money on the compliance device though and you are the looser in so far as therapy tracking.
Always remember you are the patient not just the insurance card and/or wallet, which is what the DME sees you as.
Happy shopping.
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Permalink Reply by Andy on
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Hi Karl,
Welcome to SleepGuide!
I'm on week two of CPAP, so I'm no expert. But I've had good results so far, and have stumbled onto a good DME company, who has been helpful, though not overly informative.
I'm using a ResMed AutoSet II, which does gather efficacy data. Mine has a ResTraxx, which is a device that uses the cellphone network to send data back to the DME, and enables the DME to make adjustments to the device remotely.
I don't believe that it is essential that you have access to the data, but I do believe it's important. And since it seems that the better units do give you some access, then it's good to have.
My unit gives me access to the last night's data by pressing a series of buttons on the front panel, and reading the resuts on the LCD. It also acumulates the data and transmits it to the DME.
If I didn't have the ResTraxx, then I'd need to use a "smart card" (very similar to the card in a cable tv or satellite converter) to get the data to the DME or doctors. If your unit has a smart card, then depending on the model you may be able to get a card reader and software to read the data yourself.
It seems that the ResTraxx is more of a benefit to the DME, who does not have to come out to my home to retrieve the data. In fact, so far they haven't been here at all, as I initially picked up the unit at their office.
I've worked out an arrangement with my DME to email me the report every month, so I'm not going to pursue reading the data myself. Yet!
I still read the data daily, and keep a chart comparing how I slept, and how I feel each day. I'm interested in seeing if there's any correlation of the data and how I feel.
Now, I have a friend who uses CPAP, and he doesn't care about any of this. He just leaves it all to the doctor and DME to sort out. I, on the other hand, like to have more involvement in my care.
Hope this helps!
Andy
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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on
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'Morning, Karl--hey, if you haven't found it already, you might want to check your SG Page, check "groups" at the top, and that will take you to the Manhattan A.W.A.K.E. group that meets monthly. It was started initially by our Webmaster, Mike, who consistently has really good speakers come in to deal with various sleep apnea problems and questions people have. If it's located anyplace that you can get to (I'm not from N.Y.), that would be a really good source of info and local resources for you. There's also a N.Y. sleep doc on Sleep Guide, Dr. Steven Park, who is awesome!, and donates a lot of time and energy to SleepGuide and to his apnea patients. You can reach him directly through SG. Just type his name into the top right hand corner of your Page (marked search social networks) and click the spyglass. You can reach ANY SleepGuide member this same way.
Take care--glad to have you onboard!
Susan McCord :-)
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Hi - Just to update everyone, I finally got an appointment with a DME - I ended up choosing Apria; I had originally selected a smaller mom&pop operation that I liked, but they didn't have the machine needed in stock and I figured it would always be an issue getting supplies.
My insurance company is renting me a Respironics with CFlex and a heated humidifier as specified in my scrip. Even though my sleep test was with a nose mask, the tech recommended I try the nasal pillows since my setting is not very high (9), so I'm trying that for now.
My nights have been on and off - when the humidifier is on the tube gets some water in it and makes noise, and I have ended up removing the mask several nights around halfway through b/c I wasn't sleeping well.
Last night I didn't turn humidifier on and for the first time slept well all the way thru the night. I think its just a matter of getting used to the settings, and perhaps reducing the humidifier setting to the lowest?
I'm still trying to figure out how to route the stupid hose, and I think I need to get a special pillow so I can turn my head to the side - any recs on pillows?
Still no dramatic improvement in energy levels but I'm committed to trying...
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