[Sleepnet.com's Homepage] [Sleep Disorders] [Sleep Links] [Search]

Medicare & Sleep Studies

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Apnea Forum135 ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by SleepytimeGal on September 24, 2010 at 16:49:06:

I have a couple of questions. I am on Medicare, purchased my ResMed AutoSet Spirit several years ago. A respiratory tech came out about three months ago (at my request) to check it and rather than checking anything, suggested I replace it since the guidelines are to replace every five years (???? really ???) and Medicare will pay for it.

I am told Medicare will not replace it unless I have a new sleep study. Aside from not wanting the hassle, I've argued that a new study is unnecessary since nightly statistics are available from the machine. Does anyone know whether the new sleep study rule is, indeed, in place? Is there any way around it?

I'm also told that Medicare probably would pay only for rental of a new machine, that I would have to pay for an outright purchase. I've done a search for guidelines but have not found information that specifically addresses my questions.

2nd question: The respiratory tech attached an oximeter to my index finger and told me to walk. O2 started out at 97, but as I walked at a moderate pace, it dropped fairly quickly to 93 and I was breathless. I have mild asthma. I know 93 is not bad, but I've been swimming, exercising and trying to regain stamina and the fact that it dropped at all bothers me. Am I right to be concerned?

Thanks for any info you have.

Follow Ups:


Post a Followup

E-Mail  :  required - same address used when you registered (will not show up in posting)
Password:  required (sent to you when you registered)

Subject : Re: Medicare & Sleep Studies

Comments:....note: including your email address here will result in the removal of your posting (See removal policy)

PLEASE ONLY CLICK THE SUBMIT FOLLOW UP BUTTON ONCE!!. Thanks, Sandman

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Apnea Forum135 ] [ FAQ ]