2nd sleep study results

[bunkit]

My doctor called last Thursday and told me that with the CPAP, the results were significantly better and that I was sleeping through the night. I'm happy but she's adamant that I cannot pick what machine I want. She says the sleep company will call my insurance to see what kind of machine is covered. That's just the way it goes.

She said that she would let them know that I'm a flight attendant.
I'm a tad bit discouraged because I learned so much on here and had what I wanted picked out.

Should I just be happy that I'm getting anything? I am, but what about people who have two machines? One for home and one for travel? I get the feeling she might give me a hard time if I wanted a 2nd machine.

Do I push the issue with the sleep study people?

[alnhwrd]

If it were me, I would definitely push the issue. If you get saddled with a substandard machine you will be stuck with it for five years unless you buy a new one. If they refuse to give you what you want, I would walk out and go somewhere else. If you went to McDonalds and asked for a Big Mac and they told you they could only sell you an apple pie you would do the same thing. You insurance doesn't care what kind of machine you get, as long it is prescribed by your doc. Get a copy of the RX (which is your right under HIPPA) and you can buy your machine and gear from another DME or online. Good Luck.

[Gerald]

Bunkit......

What Alnhwrd says....is right on the mark. If you let them "bully" you into accepting a "cheap-ass" machine......one that doesn't work with full featured software, your chances of successful therapy go way, way down.

My bet is that they wil "come around" if they see that you're about to take the prescription and "walk".

Stick to your guns......don't waver.......handle them just like you've been taught to handle an "unruly passenger".

You can do it.

Gerald

[bunkit]

Thank you Very Much!

[Wulfman]

And I agree with what alnhwrd and Gerald both told you.
If you want/need a second machine, you'll probably have to purchase it out-of-pocket, but that's where having a your prescription is important......but, it's important to have it anyway.
Remember whose therapy it's going to be and remind all the parties involved.

I would be highly suspicious of the part about the sleep company calling your insurance to see what kind of machine is covered. They should KNOW that ALL CPAPs (basic to Auto) come under ONE billing code (E0601). Most insurance providers don't care which machine it is. Even if you needed a Bi-PAP machine, that would be billed under THAT billing code (Bi-Level billing code is E0470) and your insurance would pay for it.

Get your prescription in hand.

Den

(Edited for clarity of Bi-Level billing code.)