Isn't it a shame that such a great xPAP as the IntelliPAP isn't fully data capable? SUPPOSEDLY they are coming out w/software for the IntelliPAP Auto this summer - BUT - they provide little information on just what the software is going to be able to report, and what info they do provide sounds like it isn't going to be any more than compliance. *sigh* FRUSTRATING!!!!!!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I was looking toward replacing my auto M and basic IntelliPAP with an auto IntelliPAP.

That is what I have Bearded One (I almost typed that Breaded One   ).

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Its almost my supper time so BreadedOne doesn't sound all that bad to me, Vicki!!!!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I am on Cloud Nine 'cos I finally got a data capable machine! <3

It was definitely not easy, though.  Plus, my insurance company made me pay an "upgrade" fee.  And because I have Auto Fever, I got the ResMed S8 AutoVantage!  I LOVE eet!

My respiratory therapist, whom I LOVE, suggested that I borrow an APAP before plunking down the cash to "upgrade."  I am SO glad I did!  It cemented my resolve to get a data capable machine.  She went over the week's worth of data with me (and mailed me hard copies! <3).  Found out that I've been opening my mouth like clockwork for about 2 hours each night, in the predawn hours.  So now I've got a chin strap, and want to try the Hybrid mask (HATED the Resmed Mirage Liberty, but it worked well according to the data, so that might be my next mask).

Plus, I love the awesome travel bag my fancy machine came with.  There's velcro to anchor the inner equipment cases!  Pockets for manuals and tubing!  

So my next purchase shall be the software & card reader.  It'll be cool to see the uber-detailed data!


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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!

chou wrote:

Plus, I love the awesome travel bag my fancy machine came with.  There's velcro to anchor the inner equipment cases!  Pockets for manuals and tubing!  

The S8 Elite comes with the same bag.  It is nice!

Congratulations, Chou. You've got not only a GREAT xPAP but also a great RT. I wish more of us could encounter and have such an RT to work with!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I have to add that I have a lovely travel case, too, for my non-data capable Escape.  But I would give anything for a great, or even just an ok RT!  I have just called to speak with my sleep doctor's nurse to find out if my data from the borrowed Elite was in my file as my RT promised to send it three weeks ago and I have not heard from the dr. She could not find it and suggested I call the RT.  I refuse to play phone tag with that guy any more. I sent an email and asked, no, I told, him to track down that information, get it into my doctor's hands ASAP and email me when he has done so.  I reminded him (and  replied with his email attached) that his email promising to get the data to my dr. was dated April 29.  The astonishing thing is that both offices are in the same building (hospital/clinic complex) and I can walk the distance in two minutes.  If I don't have an email from him by Friday morning, I am going to try to locate his superior..have no idea who that might be.  This would be funny if I weren't so tired.  I may just drive over there and tell them I won't leave until I see that data and report.
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

Aw, poo!, Grandma. I'm sorry you've run into a problem getting that data from your RT. Do what you have to do. And good luck!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Well, Crohnie,
this is the first response from the RT
 
"Your data has been in your Excellian chart as of the date listed
previously. The Hospital and the Clinic are separate.
Thank you,"
 
So I emailed back that I didn't know what an "Excellian" chart is and apparently neither does the doctor's nurse. I said he had told me he was sending the data to my doctor and I wanted to know who is going to make sure the chart gets to the doctor.  My last question was how can I access that chart.  This was his response:
 
"I really do not care for the tone of this email.. From the start I have
been overly helpful in trying to cater to your needs.. The MD has the
info.. Tell him it is in your Excellian chart if he/she have a problem
with that they can call me directly. Have a nice day."
 
Ok, how do I handle that?  Something tells me that the insurance company has filed a complaint based on my previous interactions with this guy.  He's very young, very arrogant and very unwilling to listen to my problems or questions.  Unless any of you have a better idea, I guess I will just call the nurse again and tell her where the file is. I can't deal with that guy or the DME he's connected with.  I hope the new DME I plan to try will be easier to deal with.
Thanks for being there, folks. I do not know what I would do without this forum.  I am beginning to understand why people become non-compliant. It's just too hard.
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

Well, since this DME supplier is the "generating facility" (they did the download) and that download IS part of your medical records you have a LEGAL RIGHT to that download printout under HIPAA.

Perhaps a WRITTEN REQUEST for that download printout sent to this DME supplier (not their RT, to the company) via CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED w/ a copy to your doctor will spur the DME supplier to provide the copy OR your doctor's office to find and provide it. I'd be inclined to also cc it to the state licensing board. Keep a copy of the written request, certification receipt and return receipt (green card).

If you haven't received it w/in 30 days and you didn't send a copy to the state licensing board, that would be the time to do so. You would have either the DME supplier or the doctor by the short hairs for non-compiance w/HIPAA and the state licensing board would enter into the fray.

If you have contacted the state licensing board you should contact them when you receive a copy of the report to let them know that the doctor or DME supplier has complied. Let them know which one complied.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I have found when requesting my records that I hit a brick wall with the authorization forms...I guess that is what they call it.  They do not take any thing I have written out,  signed and mailed in...they want me to use their form for it.  I haven't a clue why...always say what does it matter...my letter to youis dated, it has my information on it, it is requesting my records and is signed by me...the same signature you have on file.

Grandma....I would love to reply to that RT's email!!!!!  He is acting like he did you a favor.  Sheees...you are just trying to find out if the DR has the info, the Dr's office says that it is not there and you are trying to find out where it went to.  You are caught in the middle...the little sh*t RT needs a chip or 2 knocked off the shoulder.


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

BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

I would also love to reply to that RT's email, but I am afraid I would lower myself to his level.  I taught special education for 34 years and would have parents try to tell me how to do my job. Sometimes they would even step over the line.  But I always tried to understand where they were coming from, we were on the same side, wanting to help their child. I never would have responded to them the way this guy responds to me.  Even if I am a pesky nut case, he needs to remember that he is a professional.  I don't think I am a nut case (getting there, fast, though) but I do ask a lot of questions. How else am I going to learn what I need to learn about my condition and its treatment?

I left a message this morning for the Dr's nurse just telling her where the RT says he put the info and that she can call him if she can't locate it.  I didn't mention his nasty response.  I want to do something about it since he shouldn't be allowed to treat patients that way, but I think he needs to be taught how to be respectful, no matter how much he dislikes the patient.  Anyway, I am pretty sure I won't have problems getting a copy of the data once the nurse locates it. I guess I have to submit my request to "health records".  Another hoop to jump through.

Thanks for the support.
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

By all means, write a letter to the Supervisor or Manager of this local DME relating your experiences w/this RT. Just as we shouldn't let good deeds go unrewarded so shouldn't we NOT let poor perforomance and lack of respect for the patient go unmentioned. Or, if you prefer, call the Supervisor or Manager. Letters in writing usually get the best results. A "paper trail" has a way of getting better, more satisfactory responses.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Grandma wrote:

Hey krb
How long did you have your first Remstar before they let you get the Pro?  

I picked up my basic machine the friday before new years (dec 29th?) and got my upgrade last week.  

Quote:

You mean your insurance covered it without a problem?  

The DME said I needed a scrip when I first talked to them but that's the only time I've heard anything.  The only thing I've heard from the insurance is that I had to pay about a hundred out of pocket to cover a deductible.

Quote:

I had to get a script just to borrow a Resmed Elite for a week and the DME was not happy to even let me do that.  I am pretty sure my insurance company will not pay for another machine after only eight months. They don't even want to buy me a new mask when mine is six months old. I have to have a reason like my old mask is broken, doesn't work, wore out.  Well, it's not any of those. I worry about what if something does happen and I have be be without a mask until I can get a new one. Why can't I have a spare?  Anyway, I want to change to a different DME but there's only one other one in the area that is in my insurance network.  My insurance company is adamant that I don't go to an out of network DME.  I also have a doctor who asked me how I want the prescription written...It's nice except that I wish I felt like he knows more than I do.
Grandma

I feel like I've been lucky with both my Dr and my DME.   My DME said from the beginning that I should be asking them for a new filter element each month, a mask every six months, etc. and every time I see the Dr he's quick to make sure I'm getting that support from the DME.