CPAP question

Hi Everyone, I am reading about the CPAP and wondering why you have to wait to get it? I am going for my follow-up Monday night and was hoping to go home with it to jumpstart this whole thing. My nutrition eval is on Monday, too. The only thing I will have left to do is the bloodwork which I was also going to do on Monday. THEN I can call for an appt. I don't get that either. Why can't I just make the appt now? Dr. Ryder's office said no, that I had to wait till EVERYTHING was done. I don't get it. Anyway, the question is...on average, how long is it taking to get the CPAP?? Is there anyway to speed it up? I know some of you are picking it up. Is that what you have to do? Or does it speed it up? Thanks!! Marie

Hi Marie, When I went for my follow up with sleep doc, she has to place an order for the machine - sort like a prescription.  She decides based on the study what machine you should get and what the air level shoudl be set at.  That went to a local medical supply company - Lifespan Home Medical.  The doc told me they would call me in a couple of days, if not to call them.  They called the next day and I set up an appointment.  My doc said they would come to the house, but the respiratory therapist asked me to go there.  So I took the next available which was a Saturday, and left wtih the machine.  When I went for the follow up wtih the sleep doc, I went immediately after the appointment for the blood work and then made the follow up wtih the surgeon.  I did not have to wait to receive the CPAP machine. Hope this helps

Thanks so much! That gives me hope!! THANKS!! Marie

Hi Marie, Same here only I have Tricare and they had to approve the prescription for my machine. Also, the resp. therapist came to my home. The company I'm using is called Neighborcare. I had my last Sleep Study was on Monday March 24th and I received my cpap machine in my home on Friday, April 6th. I had my first appt with Dr. Pohl on March 31st. My Pulmonologist had to send a letter to his office saying I'm good to go for surgery before they would submit to the insurance for approval. Good Luck! Jules

the reason they make you wait till all is done to schedule the apt is just in case something goes wrong and you don't complete a step.  They also need to make sure that they schedule the apt long enough out to make sure there is enough time to ensure all the test reports are in the office and in your file- so there is no hold up there.   I know the waiting seems forever- but when you get your date- what a whirlwind that is!  Use this time to do some great reading, research, etc.  I really loved the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies".  I still use it, refer to it.  It has info on all things, even lists to pack for the hospital, recipes for stages after.