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When to get new supplies?
I have used my APAP since April 3rd. My mask is a Swift LT for Her nasal pillows. I have never had new nasal pillows. How often should I get new pillows and why? How do I know that I need them, it seems sort of wasteful to me to just get new ones if the old ones are working. I don't have leak at all...0.04 L/S has bee the highest I have had, it is usually 0.00 L/S
Also, what about filters? My ResMed S8 Autoset II started flashing this weekend that it needed a new filter. I didn't get a backup filter for my machine, so I only have that one. My machine wouldn't turn on at all because it had that warning on the LED screen. I called my local DME, Lincare. The RT said to unplug the APAP, take out the filter and blow on it and put it back in. He said he would order me a new filter on Monday. It worked and the machine turned back on. How do I know when to get a new filter? And new hoses?? Thanks.
Also, what about filters? My ResMed S8 Autoset II started flashing this weekend that it needed a new filter. I didn't get a backup filter for my machine, so I only have that one. My machine wouldn't turn on at all because it had that warning on the LED screen. I called my local DME, Lincare. The RT said to unplug the APAP, take out the filter and blow on it and put it back in. He said he would order me a new filter on Monday. It worked and the machine turned back on. How do I know when to get a new filter? And new hoses?? Thanks.
Views: 615
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on
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Bee,
Here are the basic standard time frames for durability as set by Medicare. Each and every insurance company may be different so you need to ask your carrier.
HCPCS Code Description Allowed Replacement Frequency
A7030NU Full Face Mask 1 every 90 days
A7031NU Full Face Cushion 1 every 30 days
A7034NU Nasal Mask 1 every 90 days
A7045 Exhalation Port with or without Whisper Swivel Span Not Yet Released By Medicare
A7032NU Nasal Mask Cushion 2 every 30 days
A7044NU Oracle 1 every 90 days
A7033NU Nasal Pillows 2 pairs every 30 days
A7035NU Headgear 1 every 180 days
A7036NU Chinstrap 1 every 180 days
A7037NU Tubing 1 every 90 days
A7039NU Non-Disposable Filters 1 every 180 days
A7038NU Disposable Filters 2 every 30 days
A7046 Humidifer Chamber 1 / 6 months
E0601NU CPAP 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
E0470NU BiPAP 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
E0562NU Heated Humidifier 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
E0561NU Passover Humidifier 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
If your insurance pays, by all means use it. You are paying for the service in some way.
I have shopped the net for most of the items and have found cheaper costs for everything than buying thru your local DME. For example, the filters for a Resmed S8. The local DME wanted $14.00 (billed to insurance) for one pack of 3 filters. I found them thru an internet DME for $11.00 + shipping for a years supply (30 filters). Same filter with the same part numbers on the packages.
Another example is a Respironics 6’ hose. $35.00 /local DME compared to internet source at $10.00/3 hoses (same brand)
I can go on and on.
Wise shopping can save you lots of money. You have to remember, a lot of the DME’s only care about the $$$$$$$$$, not about you. They have calculated the maximum return off of your investment.
It’s the same way with the cleaning directions they provide to you. If you follow them to the letter, you will destroy your mask’s components. That’s what they want to happen, both the DME and the manufacturers. It is called re-occurring revenue. It keeps them in business.
Common sense is the guide.
Makes you wonder where the problems may be with the US healthcare system.
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Permalink Reply by BeeAsleep on
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Dan, You're the best. I asked my insurance carrier about parts replacements awhile ago, they said they do not use Medicare guidelines for replacement. So if the dog chews my hoses, filters, masks etc. I just need to ask for new ones. :>D But I guess I didn't know when to ask. I will print out your reply and keep it handy. As always Dan, thanks so much for your thorough and timely reply. :>D
I am always up for shopping around to get the best deal. I think getting filters for a year is the way to go! THANKS!! bee
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Dan, do you know anything about the nasal pillows for the Swift LT being made of different material than they were about 6 months ago? Thinner?
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Bee,
My understanding is that the new pillows have been changed and according to several folks, are not of the quality as the prior version.
I might suggest that prior to purchasing new replacements; ask the supplier if they are the new or old style.
I would also send an email to the manufacturer should you experience any difficulty what so ever with a new version.
BeeAsleep said:Dan, do you know anything about the nasal pillows for the Swift LT being made of different material than they were about 6 months ago? Thinner?
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Permalink Reply by Noreen LaVallo on
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Has anyone had problems with the tubes being hard to take off the humidifier? After the first week or so, taking this apart becomes a nightmare. The tube is on so tight that you have to struggle to disconnect it...sometimes I just take the whole thing and wash out the humidifier and fill it with the tube still attached. A couple of times the tube above this cracks and then gets holes in it from trying to take it off to clean. If you can only replace the tube every 90 days, what are you supposed to do? My DME says to bring it in for a replacement...I live 1 and 1/2 hours away and can't do that. Any suggestions?
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Permalink Reply by ZolliStar on
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Dan,
When you shop around, does your insurance cover your purchases? And if so, do you have to submit bills, etc.?
All of this is a whole new world to me!
Dan Lyons said:Bee,
Here are the basic standard time frames for durability as set by Medicare. Each and every insurance company may be different so you need to ask your carrier.
HCPCS Code Description Allowed Replacement Frequency
A7030NU Full Face Mask 1 every 90 days
A7031NU Full Face Cushion 1 every 30 days
A7034NU Nasal Mask 1 every 90 days
A7045 Exhalation Port with or without Whisper Swivel Span Not Yet Released By Medicare
A7032NU Nasal Mask Cushion 2 every 30 days
A7044NU Oracle 1 every 90 days
A7033NU Nasal Pillows 2 pairs every 30 days
A7035NU Headgear 1 every 180 days
A7036NU Chinstrap 1 every 180 days
A7037NU Tubing 1 every 90 days
A7039NU Non-Disposable Filters 1 every 180 days
A7038NU Disposable Filters 2 every 30 days
A7046 Humidifer Chamber 1 / 6 months
E0601NU CPAP 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
E0470NU BiPAP 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
E0562NU Heated Humidifier 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
E0561NU Passover Humidifier 1 every 5 years, with valid medical need
If your insurance pays, by all means use it. You are paying for the service in some way.
I have shopped the net for most of the items and have found cheaper costs for everything than buying thru your local DME. For example, the filters for a Resmed S8. The local DME wanted $14.00 (billed to insurance) for one pack of 3 filters. I found them thru an internet DME for $11.00 + shipping for a years supply (30 filters). Same filter with the same part numbers on the packages.
Another example is a Respironics 6’ hose. $35.00 /local DME compared to internet source at $10.00/3 hoses (same brand)
I can go on and on.
Wise shopping can save you lots of money. You have to remember, a lot of the DME’s only care about the $$$$$$$$$, not about you. They have calculated the maximum return off of your investment.
It’s the same way with the cleaning directions they provide to you. If you follow them to the letter, you will destroy your mask’s components. That’s what they want to happen, both the DME and the manufacturers. It is called re-occurring revenue. It keeps them in business.
Common sense is the guide.
Makes you wonder where the problems may be with the US healthcare system.
-
Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Noreen, I had one hose with that problem. Luckily I had an old one so I ditched the faulty tube. Mail it to your DME instead of driving out there.
Noreen LaVallo said:Has anyone had problems with the tubes being hard to take off the humidifier? After the first week or so, taking this apart becomes a nightmare. The tube is on so tight that you have to struggle to disconnect it...sometimes I just take the whole thing and wash out the humidifier and fill it with the tube still attached. A couple of times the tube above this cracks and then gets holes in it from trying to take it off to clean. If you can only replace the tube every 90 days, what are you supposed to do? My DME says to bring it in for a replacement...I live 1 and 1/2 hours away and can't do that. Any suggestions?
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