Question:
Can I be denied?

I have idependent health (fehb)ins. can I be denied for surgery because I don't use my cpap enough for their liking? I tried to explan I work 88hrs a week...and I have a 10month old baby... i'm lucky if I get three hours a night!!!    — mary ann B. (posted on September 16, 2003)

September 16, 2003
I'm curious, how do they know you are not using the machine?
   — barbara A.

September 16, 2003
I am not clear on why you cannot use it all the time you sleep, unless you are saying that you only sleep three hours a night. If that's the case then you are totally complying. When you sleep you use it. There is no standard for how many hours someone should sleep. So if 3 hours is working for you, even marginally, then so be it. You have a hectic schedule. This isn't even something my insurance would have asked. The pulmonologist might have had something in his or her notes about only using 3 hrs or something, but so what. Just make sure when you go to sleep it is on and there as long as you are sleeping.
   — zoedogcbr

September 16, 2003
Original poster- The machine I have contains a downloadable card with which I have to send back to them once a month. The first month the company I went thru to get the machine said after downloading the first months was that I didn't use it enough and that I should have it on a minimum of six hours a night(oh how I wish). I had try and plead my case to them before they would even approach the insurance company .
   — mary ann B.

September 17, 2003
I have a CPAP/CFLEX machine that also has the card. I have "lost" the card (i hardly use the machine because I cannot sleep with it on). I was told I only needed to use it for 6 weeks consistantly before my surgery (which is still in the approval process). Until I can get a new mask (in another month) you know, the nasal pillow one...I won't be using it. Just loose the card. Blame it on the 10 month old.
   — Renee B.

September 20, 2003
Please go to the memorials page and read Ginger Brewster's story. Nuf said.
   — Barbara D.