What is with all the CPAP prescriptions? - Page 2

Porcelain · ‎02-19-2014

There are companies that make a lot of money off CPAP machines: The accessory companies that have deals with your insurance.

Long story short: It's a racket to sell you the accessories.

Long story long: DH has a prescribed CPAP machine. He really does need it, had a sleep study and everything. All good so far.

When he got it, he was automatically signed up for replacement nose pads and various related whoosywhatsit hoses and accessories. Part of this was paid for by insurance and we were on the hook for the rest.

It was fine at first, but gradually we developed a huge backlog of boxes of supplies.So with DH's approval I tried to cancel the supply subscription. Couldn't do it.

I talked to them on the phone and so did DH. They said they cancelled the orders. Next month, we got another box. Called them again got the same assurances, got another box.

So I cancelled payments from our bank. I called the accessory company and let them know and they gave me the usual song and dance that it was all cancelled. And they kept sending supplies!

Then we got a warning letter letting us know we owed them money and that we were in danger of the subscription being cut off. Well hallelujah, go right ahead. Don't threaten me with a good time.

I waited until they stopped sending the boxes...and then paid off what we owed, even though I was very angry that none of those extra items were wanted. We still have boxes of this stuff taking up space.

When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.
"Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

desertrat8 · ‎04-26-2010

@Shelbelle I'm with you on this one. The medical community is difficult to trust anymore, imo. Perscription pads are very convenient in a doctors' office.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

@desertrat8 wrote:
@Shelbelle I'm with you on this one. The medical community is difficult to trust anymore, imo. Perscription pads are very convenient in a doctors' office.

We need to be our own advocates and be one step ahead and be so aware before we agree to any RX.

desertrat8 · ‎04-26-2010

@Shelbelle I do my research for sure!

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

@depglass wrote:
I have several friends with these now days. No matter what your complaint is, it seems like the docs recommend CPAP. I think this is a case of over-prescribing. I'm talking men, women, average weight people, heavy people. In only one case did the friend say the word "apnea."

@depglass It is a big money maker. They tend to push stuff like that because it is something that you will always need. I am glad you see it. Just like bone density tests and pills, and tons of immunizations. Do your research before you say yes.

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

@Shelbelle wrote:
I feel the same way about statin drugs, way over prescribed, must be a payoff in there somewhere.
@Shelbelle You bet they are and a lot of other things. They make between 6 and 8,000 for a Colonoscopy. People need to wake up and realize that some Dr.'s will test and prescribe you to death if you let them.

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

@SeaMaiden wrote:
in most cases, change in diet and weight loss especially will make sleep apnea go away. but, like most things... people would rather not do what would help and take the drug or therapy instead. Who in heck would sleep with a darn nose thing and a hose on their face? Not me. Even that thing they put inside you for sleep apnea... NO WAY.

@SeaMaiden My son wakes up with his on the floor evry morning. Then sometimes it gets under the bed and when the dog hears the hissing he starts barking at it. LOL

Peppu · ‎03-17-2010

"I also feel the payoff is from the drug companies to some docs, cant help but feel that way"-are you kidding ? Nowadays the docs are watched like hawk even if they try to get payments for what is rightly theirs. Others make money in the name of Docs. Sometimes the docs don't even get paid and do free service.

Porcelain · ‎02-19-2014

@BalletBabe wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
I feel the same way about statin drugs, way over prescribed, must be a payoff in there somewhere.
@Shelbelle You bet they are and a lot of other things. They make between 6 and 8,000 for a Colonoscopy. People need to wake up and realize that some Dr.'s will test and prescribe you to death if you let them.

You believe people over 50 should not get regular colonoscopies? Really? That is a very out there and extreme position on mainstream medical treatment and the detection and early treatment of colon cancer.

When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.
"Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

colleena · ‎03-27-2010

@Porcelain Omg, that is horrible that that company treated you that way - not good when your DH really needs to use the CPAP. I always think in situations like that how many people don't question, keep getting supplies sent & keep paying - you were a lucky one to get out like you did.

I also use a CPAP, hate it but really need to use it & it really does help. The company I get my replacement supplies through sends me an email twice/year listing which supplies they think I might need so I fill the form out, email back to them & they send the supplies/bill Medicare.