"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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Sleep Apnea Management In An Inpatient Setting
Hi Everyone,
I had my first post new machine visit this past week. I am waiting for a copy of my prescription for the vpap auto 25.
In talking with the RT, I questioned how one would know which pressures I need, if I had an accident, and it was after hours and the md offices were closed...
He produced a yellow sticky with the heading "Perform Verification" on it which has a place for the set pressures and mode and he added the machine name and put the date and his initials on it....and we placed it on the side of my machine..
That made me feel more comfortable, especially if I were in an outpatient setting where I needed to bring the machine with me or if I were in the hospital for an elective procedure and needed to have the machine available.
I just realized tho...... that nothing is written on my machine or the sticky identifying the DME or giving a telephone number for reference.....and I would think that information should also be there...an oversight, no doubt.... My brainfog is clearly not totally gone....or perhaps the sleep MD name and telephone number should be there...What do you think?
Neither of the above mentioned medical situations is imminent for me, but I was a girl scout once....and I am trying to be prepared...
I am curious as to how treatment is managed when one is
admitted to the hospital either on an emergency basis or an elective one.
Is it the expectation that the patient bring his/her own machine to the hospital in an elective situation or does the hospital provide one for the length of the stay?
What is the common practice, because I assume that there are probably individual variations depending on the facility.
In the event of an emergency, I assume a machine would be provided assuming recognition of the condition....which leads to another issue.... as to the need for sleep apnea identification on one's person via a medic alert bracelet, wallet card etc.
If the hospital provides a machine then how are pressures determined/verified, if they can be, especially if its an emergent admission after hours. How is the determination handled if no appropriate verification can be established?
If its Friday nite and the sleep medicine md office and patient providers are not available with any specific information, then there is just the hospitalist on duty...and weekend ahead...
How is Infection Control handled with regard to the machine?
If you have been in one of these situations, I would appreciate knowing how you fared and what suggestions you may have for any of us who may find ourselves facing a similar event in the future.
Thank you! Claudette
Views: 60
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by 99 on
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what a lot of inteligent questions let me see
when your machine arrives there is usually a registration card for membership and your details to record including name address and machine and pressures fill it in and post or email
second the manufactures reply to your post will be to issuse you with a card stating that you an apneac (they like to do that for repeat custum) carry the card
you should when hospitalised take you own machine
you should be showen or at least told how to clean the machine and also a leaflet provided or even a handbook look after your hand book
thats enough for now get used to your situation and just call for clarification or help glad to be here
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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I would think the easiest would be to have a wallet size card w/the brand and model of your xPAP along w/the scripted pressure settings. This card could easily be replaced if you change devices or your therapy settings are changed. The card could also have your sleep doctor's name and number and DME provider's name and number. The back side of the card could contain your emergency contact numbers such as spouse, child, etc.
Most hospitals in the USA today prefer that you provide your own xPAP, but many require that it be checked out by their BioMed staff to ensure wiring safety (i.e. no shorts in it, etc.).
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Thanks Judy and 99....I didnt get a card with the machine...I will get something as you describe to carry with me. I have been planning to check the Medic Alert products.
Actually, these questions came to mind because I am waiting to obtain something written that will officially designate the pressures that I am using before I can enter any numbers anywhere. That led me to my other questions....The health care system is not an ideal one and I believe that everyone should think about and have a contingency plan in the event of an emergent situation when dealing with any life threatening disorder and the need for and the use of a machine can complicate getting ideal treatment.
Thank you very much for your suggestions! Claudette
Judy said:I would think the easiest would be to have a wallet size card w/the brand and model of your xPAP along w/the scripted pressure settings. This card could easily be replaced if you change devices or your therapy settings are changed. The card could also have your sleep doctor's name and number and DME provider's name and number. The back side of the card could contain your emergency contact numbers such as spouse, child, etc.
Most hospitals in the USA today prefer that you provide your own xPAP, but many require that it be checked out by their BioMed staff to ensure wiring safety (i.e. no shorts in it, etc.).
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give resmed a ring or email them say that you want to join sleepvantage (it is free) and they will send you out a card to be filled in and posted
return of post you will receive a plastic card and they will have all the numbers
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Jeff, I cant believe that I have not set all this up at an earlier point in time...I am going to have to do alot of work to fulfill the criteria you outlined, but your suggestions are clearly essential. .Re your example of your RX...given the fact that I am in auto mode ( EPAP 7 and IPAP 20) and the unlikeliness that such a machine would be available in this particular situation....Is there a way to take that prescription and translate it into non auto mode pressures for a generic bilevel machine? The sleep study recommendation for me was also 16/12, but then I was able to get the vpap auto 25 and it was set as above....Is there an applicable formula? Thank you so much! Claudette
j n k said:For emergencies in which you might be unconscious, always carry in the front of your wallet a card that says I.C.E., which stands for "In Case of Emergency." Put a primary phone number of someone unlikely to be with you in an emergency who always has their cell-phone on. That person should have the important information for you. Also list on the card any medical conditions and considerations that emergency people or hospital people would need to know. My info, for example, is: "Severe obstructive sleep apnea, Rx: CPAP Bilevel 16/12 cmH2O." You may be associated with a clinic, primary physician, or insurance setup that has an emergency contact number for giving out further information about you.
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Microsoft HealthVault Connection Center for Windows
Transfer measurements from health and fitness devices (such as blood pressure monitors, pedometers, glucometers, and many others) via your computer to your online HealthVault account
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Thanks 99.....I didnt know about that.. I continue to have computer issues and have to spend much time removing what I want before it totally crashes...Right now I dont need to transfer any measurements, but the Microsoft program sounds interesting and I will look it up for future reference....thanks again........Claudette
99 said:Microsoft HealthVault Connection Center for Windows
Transfer measurements from health and fitness devices (such as blood pressure monitors, pedometers, glucometers, and many others) via your computer to your online HealthVault account
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