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So You Have Been Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea
Well you have gotten the sleep study out of the way and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
First it is important that you obtain a copy of your script for your files. Ask the doctor to give it to you instead of faxing it to a particular DME. While you are at it, ask for a copy of your sleep report with the charts and graphs, along with the dictated report. Put these in a safe place. Your script is good for more than a year and allows you to purchase on-line if needed.
If you haven't gotten your equipment, yet, I suggest that you acquaint yourself with your insurance company's policy on durable medical equipment.
Call your insurance company and ask the following questions:
Is your deductible met?
What will your copay be?
Is the machine rental (typically) and for how long?
When can the machine be considered yours?
Will the insurance pay for the machine outright if requested?
Do you have an HMO or PPO (it can make a difference in treatment options)?
Which DME's are considered in-network?
Can you purchase on-line and submit the bills with the correct codes and get reimbursed? Can you get reimbursed at in-network?
What is their policy on obtaining supplies? Many follow the Medicare guidelines, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
If you have a choice of more than one DME -- CALL them prior to making an appointment. Ask them which machines they give patients -- brand and models. Ask about their exchange policy on the equipment and masks. Manufacturers often have a 30 day return policy on masks but some DME's do not allow you to exchange masks -- so be sure and inquire. Ask how knowledgeable the RTs are and if they will be setting your equipment up or is someone other than the RT responsible for that. If you encounter difficulties at the beginning of you treatment (or actually anytime) how much help can you expect to get from them? Do NOT sign any paper work you do not understand completely!!
Remember once you bring home your equipment that it will take some getting used to sleeping with all the apparatus that goes with cpap. It will take several days to several weeks to become used to sleeping in this new way.
Be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone in this journey. We are only a click away from answering what ever questions you may have about your treatment,
First it is important that you obtain a copy of your script for your files. Ask the doctor to give it to you instead of faxing it to a particular DME. While you are at it, ask for a copy of your sleep report with the charts and graphs, along with the dictated report. Put these in a safe place. Your script is good for more than a year and allows you to purchase on-line if needed.
If you haven't gotten your equipment, yet, I suggest that you acquaint yourself with your insurance company's policy on durable medical equipment.
Call your insurance company and ask the following questions:
Is your deductible met?
What will your copay be?
Is the machine rental (typically) and for how long?
When can the machine be considered yours?
Will the insurance pay for the machine outright if requested?
Do you have an HMO or PPO (it can make a difference in treatment options)?
Which DME's are considered in-network?
Can you purchase on-line and submit the bills with the correct codes and get reimbursed? Can you get reimbursed at in-network?
What is their policy on obtaining supplies? Many follow the Medicare guidelines, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
If you have a choice of more than one DME -- CALL them prior to making an appointment. Ask them which machines they give patients -- brand and models. Ask about their exchange policy on the equipment and masks. Manufacturers often have a 30 day return policy on masks but some DME's do not allow you to exchange masks -- so be sure and inquire. Ask how knowledgeable the RTs are and if they will be setting your equipment up or is someone other than the RT responsible for that. If you encounter difficulties at the beginning of you treatment (or actually anytime) how much help can you expect to get from them? Do NOT sign any paper work you do not understand completely!!
Remember once you bring home your equipment that it will take some getting used to sleeping with all the apparatus that goes with cpap. It will take several days to several weeks to become used to sleeping in this new way.
Be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone in this journey. We are only a click away from answering what ever questions you may have about your treatment,
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