Getting a Hybrid

sybert1ger · Post by **sybert1ger** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 10:08 am

I've been reading about the updates to the Hybrid mask. To get insurance coverage I need to order a new mask through my local DME. It has something to do with the tax code associated with the machine when I bought it.

How do I make sure that if I order a hybrid, that I get the latest and greatest parts?

Thanks

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:38 pm

Let your DME know that you will only accept the new version of shell and headgear.

Brenda

Garyw · Post by **Garyw** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:45 pm

How did they modify the mask and headgear? How long ago?

gary

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:54 pm

The new headgear is grey on the inside and black on the outside... don't accept the all black headgear as that is the old stuff and it's crappy (the velcro comes off the headgear easily).

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:38 pm

And you will probably still have to call Telex and order the gray headgear. When I bought mine from cpap.com I specifically asked for the new headgear. I got the old style one. I will give cpap.com credit though....they overnighted me the gray one the day after I got the old one....and on their dime.

JeffH

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:00 pm

sybert1ger wrote:I've been reading about the updates to the Hybrid mask. To get insurance coverage I need to order a new mask through my local DME. It has something to do with the tax code associated with the machine when I bought it.

How do I make sure that if I order a hybrid, that I get the latest and greatest parts?

Thanks

I would be way more concerned about getting the new grey headgear. The new exhaust port design didn't really make a big difference for me.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:19 am

I requested the grey headgear from cpap.com and got it when the order showed up.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:17 am

sybert1ger,

I would check with your insurance about the Hybrid.

The codes for the Hybrid got changed so now it is not considered a full face mask but something else and insurance companies do not have to cover it.

Either way, ask before buying if paying out of pocket will be a concern for you or oder on line if that will be cheaper if your insurance will not pay for it.

This info was posted on Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:58 pm. I do not know what is being done now about the code for the Hybrid.

Here is the post:

johnnygoodman wrote:Greetings,

Word recently came to us that the Hybrid is now coded under E1399 which is insurance for "misc" and by extension "do not pay". This means that while Teleflex works it out, companies like Apria and BillMyInsurance.com can not receive reimbursement for the mask and will not put it out.

In my very personal and subjective opinion, this is another situation where medical innovation is punished instead of rewarded by insurance companies. As you go through your medical travels and think "this makes no sense", most likely buried underneath is all is an insurance policy or code change.

Rooster, I don't think any DME that is aware of the code change will give you the hybrid. If you find one that is unaware and have them give you one, you are basically handing them a write off of a few hundred bucks. Someone wiser than me can sort out the moral high ground on that one.

Mattman, all this time and I didn't know you are a DME! Have you registered with our sleep service locator? Have you seen any patients yet due to it?

Johnny

from this topic: viewtopic.php?t=16394&highlight=hybrid+insurance+code

Hope this helps you.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:27 am

Vadar,

Thanks for mentioning what the difference was for the shell peice. Was the rest of the shell the same?

Can you describe the difference. I am assuming I got an old one.

Does anyone know when the newer shell even came out.

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:46 pm

you are going to love the mask! My wife and I sleep sounder than we have slept in our lives.
I have the old shell and she has the new one. the little co2 holes are a little different, that is the only difference.

WearyOne · Post by **WearyOne** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:53 pm

Curious, when did the new shell come out? I have the new headgear, but I don't know if I have the new shell. Anybody know where there's a picture of the new one, or better yet, a picture of the new and old one both, to compare? I ordered and received mine from cpap.com about a month or so ago, if that helps any.

Also, my DME offered to trade my Hybrid for the one he'd already given me, but I'd already ordered one from cpap.com. I should have asked him first, but I didn't know I could trade it! So maybe some insurance companies are reimbusing for the Hybrid.

Pam

Getting a Hybrid

Getting a Hybrid

Modifications?

Re: Getting a Hybrid

Mask

Additional Comments: Machine used is actually a Malibu, with Heated Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i