A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Sleep Disorder
Forum Posting


Archived Sleep Forum4 Posting viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Sleep Forums Homepage.

Bi-pap Insurance Issues. . .aarrrrgh!!

Posted by Jo (Seattle, WA) on May 19, 1998 at 14:16:34:

Hello...this is my first posting to a forum of any kind...so, please, be gentle.

My sleep study took place this past weekend. Pre-c-pap I had 408 events in 6:34...with the longest apnea lasting 96 secs. The tech told me that ratio is considered "severe". I haven't yet received the results of the post-c-pap tests.

With the c-pap (w/warm air humidifier) I felt as though I were experiencing the severest symptoms of the congestive heart failure that prompted the sleep study in the first place. I could not "catch my breath" and the struggle to control the panic overrode any good the c-pap was accomplishing. The tech switched me to a bi-level mode and I was able to sleep...woke only once with the mask in my hand and electrodes flappin' in breeze.

My doctor prescribed the bi-pap with a heated humidifier; therein lies the issue...

Insurance. The appointment to set up my machine was initiated by my home health provider the day I completed the sleep study....I received a call the following day telling me my insurance company had pre-approved a basic c-pap unit but would not approve the bi-level unit or the heated humidifier without a medical review of my case...which could take anywhere from two weeks to infinity! I was given the option to rent a bi-pap at $700+/mo. and the mask at $125-$200/month...but would be required to sign a statement assuming full financial responsibility should the insurance company deny the bi-pap. I declined and told them I'd wait until the insurance company made the determination.

Perhaps I'm overreacting...before the study I didn't give the apnea a second thought...however, now that the words "severe" and "life-threatening" have been uttered - I'm kinda anxious to get this show on the road! I've read quite a few postings regarding insurance issues and would appreciate any advice....as well as a bit of guidance if I've erred regarding "posting protocol". Thanks, in advance, for any support, encouragement and/or suggestions that may be offered.


Follow Ups:

Archived Sleep Forum4 Posting viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Sleep Forums Homepage.

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved