Thanks for the laughs everyone! I so needed it!

As of now, the ramping is at 30 mins, starting at 6. I like it that way so far. I think I'll cut the time down again later once I get more used to the pressure and stuff.

My machine does not store any data other than time used. Approaching 12,000 hrs!

I am going to try and get another machine that does store more data. My doc doesn't "approve" of anything but CPAP and limited use of BiPAPs but there are plenty of data capable CPAPs out there.

I recently traded, with my doctor's approval, my non-data-capable machine (it was still on rental so I was able to swap) for a ResMed S8 Elite.  It does record data and even has a mask selection setting that if you are using a ResMed Mask will allow you to set to the specific mask or a standard setting for all others.  I'm quite happy with it.  My previous machine worked fine but gave me nothing in the way of information.


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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a


ResMed S8 Elite, F&P Flexifit 406, Optilife
AHI 54/hr, Pressure 8, desat. 73

My Dr does not approve of the APAP's...nor any data capable nachines...but then, he OWNS the Sleep Lab.  I wonder if the PAPeratzi will catch me sleeping in the buff with my CPAP!  I had better put sun glasses on so they will not know who I am.  The may sell my pics to TMZ  aka...To Many ZZZZZZ's

You are welcome PaulaO...glad I could help!

Now off to crack my next case!...I heard it is a basket one.

Maria7 wrote:

I recently traded, with my doctor's approval, my non-data-capable machine (it was still on rental so I was able to swap) for a ResMed S8 Elite.  It does record data and even has a mask selection setting that if you are using a ResMed Mask will allow you to set to the specific mask or a standard setting for all others.  I'm quite happy with it.  My previous machine worked fine but gave me nothing in the way of information.

That's the same machine I have.  If you really want detailed data you can also get the ResScan software and card reader.  It's practically like reading your own sleep study every morning.

I'm trying to trade my super-basic Resmed S8 Compact for the ResMed S8 Autoset Vantage--except my 80/20 insurance wants me to pay an additional $375 for the privilege of getting the AutoPAP machine!  I just need the flow generator and software--I already have the right heated humidifier and mask!

If one multiplies it out (what I've already paid + $375) * 5 (20% times 5 = 100%), then the insurance company is claiming the machine alone costs $2,660!  How is that even possible, considering the machine only costs about $800 (bundled with software, humidfier, card reader for $1,100)?

I've complained to my insurance company, but we'll see how it goes.  I hope they'll see reason.  Has anyone else had this experience?  I'm trying to search the threads to see if people have similar stories, and I've found a few of 'em, but I'd definitely hope that we can tell the insurance company NO to charging over double the price the general public pays for equipment.


_________________
A new existence on 2 April 2008!

Resmed S8 AutoVantage & 3i Humidifier
Resmed Swift LT ||| Circadiance SleepWeaver
fuzzy lavender hose cover
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Data & Diagnostic Capability, baby!

I'm not sure you mean the insurance company is charging you, wouldn't that be the supplier charging the insurance company?

The only experience I had that was similar was I could buy a mask online for half what the DME (supplier) charged my HMO.   I could not get permission from the HMO to buy online, as it was against their policy.  I had to wait weeks until my DME could order it as they did not carry the one I wanted.  Fortunately, I had another mask I could use in the meantime though it was not very comfortable.


_________________

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a


ResMed S8 Elite, F&P Flexifit 406, Optilife
AHI 54/hr, Pressure 8, desat. 73

I have BCBS...80/20 policy.  DME's submit to the insurance a much higher rate than what online companies charge...  I spoke with a case specialist at BCBS regarding buying off the internet for cheaper and pay 40% out of network verses 20% in network.   It ends up being cheaper for me to go the DME route.  With my 20% co-pay my new BiPAP will cost me $350 for an online advertised $2,200 machine.

Though the DME charges a higher price, insurance has contracted for a specific much lower price...more in tune with the online companies...this allows the DME to have a tax right off.  I pay 20% of that lower price.  In the mean time...as a rental for 10 months, if anything happens to the machine or if I want a different one that is equal for some reason...it is taken care of.  If I need a rep to come to my house, it is taken care of.  I have been on CPAP for some time and know my stuff...I do not need a rep...but if I travel and have a problem, this DME is nationwide....things will be taken care of.  If I were to buy online...I have to chase down the insurance to be reimbursed...I have to submit to the insurance all documentation including the neccesity of the equipment and if it has to go into medical review...I have to handle it all.  With the DME I do not have to handle it.

Another thing in my policy is if I go 'out of network' and the supplier wants to charge more for something...adding on additional fees, I have to pay out of pocket.  

If you have proved that you have failed your current 'Yugo' machine and the Dr agrees, you have a better chance at getting a Mercedes due to medical neccesity.  If you have not failed it but just want something bigger and better then the insurance WILL make you pay the difference...

Problem with the DME is to get what you want...they are paid one price for an xPAP regardless if it is Mercedes or a Yugo....the profit is not there to put you into a Mercedes if the Yugo is going to do the job.   You have to advocate for yourself...which I recently learned and had help with through the members of this board.

If you are going to self pay...then shop the DME's too...prices will drop significanly for self pay...not fair how it is done...but it is done.

Maria7:  no, with my insurance I go directly through my ins co's sleep apnea clinic, I do not deal with a DME (and was never given the option).

Mrs. RVW:  To me, it's unconscionable (especially given the high cost of insurance premiums) that insurance companies will pay exorbitant prices for the same equipment that is available to the general public for half that price!  However, I did have a very polite person-in-charge at my insurance company check on their pricing policies for me, and--of course--no dice.  So even though I'm paying closer to half of fair market value for a machine, I get to pay 20% of the "insurance" prices, plus an extra fee because a data-capable and automatic titration machine is considered "not medically necessary," even though I feel that data capability ought to be standard-issue and insurance only covers one machine every 5 years.  And shoot, why not go for the fancy machine?

I'm sure my insurance policy is standard-to-generous compared to many people's, but I'm still irritated that I have to shell out over $500 for a machine that will help me monitor my condition (of course, I paid more for the humidifier and mask, on top of that cost).  That being said, I suppose if one spreads the cost over 5 years, it becomes more reasonable.  And I understand that no insurance company will just give someone a Mercedes if they can get by with handing out a Festiva (or Yugo) instead.

At least I'll be data-capable!  :)


_________________
A new existence on 2 April 2008!

Resmed S8 AutoVantage & 3i Humidifier
Resmed Swift LT ||| Circadiance SleepWeaver
fuzzy lavender hose cover
---
Data & Diagnostic Capability, baby!