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Insurance and Heated Humidifiers

Posted by Mona on May 06, 1998 at 17:38:11:

I have been on CPAP for a little over a month. Three weeks after my sleep study when I went back to the doctor, he prescribed a heated humidifier as I had had cold or sinus type symptoms since starting my CPAP (congestion, coughing and some post nasal drip).

I got my heated humidifier the same day. Now a little over a month later, my insurance company has finally approved my CPAP but they say they don't cover heated humidifiers as they do not feel they are ever medically necessary.

I haven't tried a cool humidifier since my physician prescribed a heated one right off the bat. Also after much surfing the opinion I find most prevalent is that the heated humidifier is better at combatting these symptoms than a cool humidifier.

I have contacted the Medical Director for my insurance company to request what basis their position is determined as it does not appear they would ever consider a heated humifier as medically necessary. The director was to return my call today but did not.

I also contacted my physician to see what he has to say as to whether a cool humidifier would work for me as well as my heated humidifier has.

My DME supplier says there is a cool humidifier called Oasis that they have heard is suppose to work about as well as the heated humidifier. Has anyone heard about this Oasis humidifier?

Other questions I have is:

1) Has anybody else had this problem and if so were they able to resolve the problem successfully?

2) Does anyone know of any sources of information to help me support my position that the heated humidifier is medically necessary in some cases?

At the same time my doctor prescribed my heated humidifer he also also prescribed Flonase nasal spray. From the very first night I had my heated humidifier, I have been able to sleep better and tolerate my CPAP all night. Prior to getting my CPAP, I found I was removing my mask at night due to stuffy nose and coughing. Now I don't have that problem.

Any help would be appreciated. I am going to have to make a quick decision what to do since my insurance is not approving. For example, am I going to switch to cool and try it and then fight the problem later if it does not work.

One last question, if I switch to cool does any one have suggestions on one they would recommend. I have a Responic CPAP right now. All suggestions and help will be appreciated. Thanks.

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