Compliance

[chunkyfrog]

You want the PRESCRIPTION from the doctor.
Usually a DME will supply the machine and accessories.
Prices vary wildly. Compare, compare, compare.
If insurance will cover it, you need to get a list of their network providers.
And your cost, wherever you go.

[Julie]

And remember, not JUST an auto, or bipap, but one that collects lots of data that can be then read by an SD card from the machine by your computer using special software (like Sleepyhead). Machines that only count on data read off their screens are not at all as good or useful as the ones with SD cards etc.

[Pugsy]

All of the current bilevel machines from ResMed and Respironics are full efficacy data machines.
The other brands I don't know about and wouldn't recommend anyway.
There haven't been any brick/no data bilevels from ResMed or Respironics in several years now.

[jollor]

Well, I missed my appointment yesterday by showing up at the wrong doctor's office location. I appreciate all the help so far.

[D.H.]

When you do finally see the doctor, have him write a prescription. If you go through insurance, be sure to have him write it for the machine you want. If you buy it out-of-pocket, you're in control (but you'll need an Rx in the U.S). Under some plans, you might have out-of network coverage, but you'll still pay quite a bit more than in plan.

[jollor]

My online app for the doctor's office shows that the perscription will be for a bilevel bipap. I need to talk to the doctor's office and see if they multiple choices for a bipap or if they just have a specific one they want you to use.

[Julie]

Bipaps ARE bilevel by definition... none are 'more' bilevel than other bipaps.

[jollor]

Well I spoke with my doctor's office and they want me to use a provider they recommend. Of course the provider they recommend gets horrible reviews online. I think I'll go with a different provider I found locally that's covered by my insurance that gets good reviews. The nurse I spoke with really wants me to stick with the provider they recommend.

[Okie bipap]

Sounds like they may be getting a kick back from the DME. It shouldn't matter to the doctor where you get the machine.

[jollor]

Okie, how do you like the Aircurve 10 VAuto? That is the machine I would like to get.

[Okie bipap]

I really like as much as you can like anything you have to tie to you when you sleep. My wife uses the same kind of machine. Both machines work as advertised.