Used CPAP without prescription = problem with doctor?

[CardinalPalmz]

Hi, I just bought a used S9 autoset from secondwindcpap.com because my old CPAP is just so noisy I cannot stand it anymore (old + out of warranty + no DME too). Since the purchase didn't require a prescription, I wonder if this would give me a trouble with my sleep doctor, given that formally any CPAP purchase requires his prescription. Not that I care that much about the doctor but I need him to fill out prescriptions for future supplies and with how inflexible my insurance is, I can't afford to get fired by him. Anyone with a similar experience?

[kteague]

Since you had a CPAP before, if it was obtained by prescription, for all your doctor knows the new one was obtained under that same prescription. Is there a reason for the doctor to even know you changed machines? You are under the care of a sleep doctor and prescribed CPAP treatment, so he should have no reason to care how you got your machine. He should just be glad his patient is committed to following doctors orders and being compliant with treatment. Now, if he has a vested interest in the sale of machines, that might be another story. But I'd just say nothing and ask him for a script for supplies as needed.

[Julie]

The law is written for doctors, not patients. Doctors write prescriptions because they could be arrested for not doing so - that is where their interest lies, but I don't think they'd give a darn about your buying the machine without a script if they weren't personally involved - it's not like you're using their scripts to get illegal drugs.

[LSAT]

If you are ONLY using the "sleep doctor" for a prescription...remember...ANY doctor or dentist can write a prescription. It doesn't need to be a "sleep doctor" unless you need this doctor's help with some sleep issues.

[chunkyfrog]

My opinion is that for the most part a prescription is needed for the first time "papper"
to reduce liability in case of any of the few health problems contraindicating positive air pressure.
Most of these ailments would have been previously diagnosed, by their nature--(most are fairly serious).
Subsequent prescriptions are required for insurance participation--just part of the "game".
You don't have to play this game, the dice are "loaded", anyway.

[Sir NoddinOff]

If your sleep doctor needs those few extra kickback bucks from your local DME to help make the down-payment on that new yacht, then yes, you've got a problem. It's really hard to tell at the onset how sleep doctors will bounce... they're sort of football shaped, IMO <metaphor>

[Stormynights]

I had a SS and then bought my own equipment over over 3 years. When I got on Medicare I had no way to prove that I was complient. I bought my machine on Craigslist and my insurance company wouldn't furnish supplies for it even though I had 100% coverage. We are still working this out. I had to have a new SS and am now waiting for an appointment with a sleep doctor. What a waste of money when all I need is supplies for a machine I already own.

[oak]

stormy, so sorry to hear you had to go through all that just to get Medicare to pay. sad.