I have another question . . . yes, already

divajojo · Post by **divajojo** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:06 pm

I've notice you all talking about what machines you've tried, which ones you're getting, etc. How much control do I have over what machine I use? How different are they and how do I KNOW which one I should use? Is the insurance company going to just let me switch around until I find what I like? How does that work -- too many questions? . . . I'm done . . . for now . . .

HappyHoser · Post by **HappyHoser** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:12 pm

Greetings! How much control do you have? Sadly, the answer is often not enough. Seems to be a lot of MD's out there with other things besides what's best for you on thier mind. Also can find some pretty frustrating equipment providers as well. Fortunately there are good ones out there also. Stick to your guns, ask a lot of questions and go in as informed as you can be. You can usually tell pretty quickly if you have good providers. The people on this forum and the folks at cpap.com will do everything they can to help you, don't be afraid to ask. It's pretty common for insurance co's and equipment providers to rent the equipment for a period of time before they pay the purchase price. They SAY they are letting you try the machine but it's not always easy to get something changed if you don't like it. Again, stick to your guns, it's equipment that you will be with for quite a while. Best wishes!

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:26 pm

Ask your Doc if he has a financial interest in any suppliers he is recommending. If you are a medicare patient he is required to disclose this.

Other than that you can just get the Rx and purchase online. Order what you want and save yourself some cash and heartache. If the Doc won't go for this get another doc .

Study this forum to learn as much as you can .

Ask for bids from your DME. They'll just laugh.

Know the cpap.com price and don't be affraid to buy from them.

Good luck,

Chris

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:32 pm

Greetings!
As a grizzled veteran of many battles with DMEs, I offer you the following advice...Research to find what you want, explain what you want and why you want it to your doctor, and battle the DME together to get exactly what you want. If the doctor won't support your wants and can't give you sound medical reasoning why not, fire him or her and find another that has your needs and wants in mind, not their agenda. I am now on my 3rd DME, but have found a really good one that works with me and respects my agenda. Yhey are out there. The worst of the 3 I worked with was LinCare. They were only willing to provide me with what they chose to carry. The first thing I would do however is call your health insurance provider and see if they will reimburse you for equipment you purchase over the web. If so, the battle is over before it starts. Just get a prescription for CPAP from your doctor and buy the equipment you need through https://www.cpap.com.

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