Info requested on VA service regarding CPAP

[bearcatx16]

I am requesting any experience w/VA on CPAP equipment and their policies on replacement of masks and supplies. Presently everything has been obtained through my work Health Ins. and local DME, which I have been satisfied with.

Thanks for the help.

Blessings,

Fred

[Slinky]

It seems to vary. I've read of those who have just been handed an auto-PAP, seems to me in the NW, because they are so far behind in the number of sleep evaluations and titrations they can do. And, yup, those vets got to keep the autos, they weren't just a loaner.

Much as I hate to refer to other apnea forums, you might want to check out the ASAA sleep apnea forum. They've had at least two long-running threads on VA xPAP benefits, etc.

[Dgrendahl]

Back in Sep of last, I went to the sleep clinic here located in the Northwest. All they did was to show me the equipment...demonstrate its use, how to clean it and sent me on my way! It was set up with a range of 4 to 20. And that is all she wrote. Since then, I have called and gotten new masks. I'm told that if there is anything wrong with the machine, bring it in and they will issue a new one.

[RAINSUX]

I think each hospital does it their own way. Once I finally had my sleep test and CPAP was recommended, I was given a Remstar Pro2. There was an orientation session that mostly centered on cleaning. I asked after a few weeks if they were going to do any followup and read my card and was told no, but I should call if I had problems. With that news I bought the software and started to make my own adjustments. I visit them occasionally and they will give me a new mask every 6 months or so and whatever filters I ask for. This group does not believe in Auto machines and I haven't been able to talk them into giving me one. After participating here the "service" is on par with a lot of commercial DMEs. They ARE very pleasant to deal with and I can't complain about what I've gotten. If I hadn't taken my treatment into my own hands it might be a different story. I wonder how many of their patients have given up when nobody bothered to follow up and help them along?

Sam

[deerslayer]

[quote="RAINSUX"]I think each hospital does it their own way. Once I finally had my sleep test and CPAP was recommended, I was given a Remstar Pro2. There was an orientation session that mostly centered on cleaning. I asked after a few weeks if they were going to do any followup and read my card and was told no, but I should call if I had problems. With that news I bought the software and started to make my own adjustments. I visit them occasionally and they will give me a new mask every 6 months or so and whatever filters I ask for. This group does not believe in Auto machines and I haven't been able to talk them into giving me one. After participating here the "service" is on par with a lot of commercial DMEs. They ARE very pleasant to deal with and I can't complain about what I've gotten. If I hadn't taken my treatment into my own hands it might be a different story. I wonder how many of their patients have given up when nobody bothered to follow up and help them along?

Sam

[bearcatx16]

Thanks, all, for your replys and information. Will check with area VA next month.

Fred