sleep apnea HELP

[Tinainjax 17]

This is the last step I have before my paperwork is sent off to insurance and I have completed two sleep studies. One without the mask where they determined that I have sleep apnea and the second one with it and I was told by my advocate I need a clearance from the pulmonologist but the doctor will not sign off on that form until I've been on the machine for 30 days. Is there any way around this? I'm ready for my surgery and this is all I need to do now.

[CaribeRidge 104]

I am not 100% positive on this but it might be for monitoring compliance with using the cpap. When I first got mine they had it connected to the wifi and monitored my use every night. If I didn't use it a minimum of ?? hours per night they would have taken it away. I'd recommend you follow the guidelines to the T and be in full compliance all of the time even if you hate it. Then check in with the doc once a week and see if he or she wont approve you sooner. Good luck.

[Edie0201 3]

For candidates with sleep apnea, this is definitely standard procedure. I had to do my 30-day monitored use before they scheduled my psych evaluation.

It really is in your best interest...especially if your sleep apnea is moderate to severe. They want to make sure it’s somewhat stable before having you ”put to sleep” while having surgery.

[Matt Z 4,140]

I've had my CPAP for about 10 years now, 2 WLS's in that time and no, the 30 day monitor is not standard procedure. For my first WLS (lapband) insurance didn't care that I had a CPAP(like at all, zero requirements except to bring my CPAP with me).

For my second WLS (Bypass) my new insurance didn't care that I had a CPAP, they just wanted to know if I used it all the time and what my pressure was. That's it.

You will need to bring it with you to your surgery, otherwise your surgeon can and usually will cancel the surgery. The 30 day wait does seem more like an insurance thing, to make sure you are within compliance before allowing you to move forward with surgery.

I'd try to find out WHO is imposing the 30 day delay, if it's your insurance, then there isn't much you are going to be able to do about that, if it is actually the Pulmonologist, I'd ask why he's imposing the delay if it isn't required by insurance.

The CPAP isn't for your actual surgery, because they *WILL* intubate and put your on a breathing machine anyway, CPAP or not. The requirement is for AFTER your surgery during your overnight stay.

But hey, I've only been through this a few times now...

[Tinainjax 17]

15 hours ago, CaribeRidge said:

I am not 100% positive on this but it might be for monitoring compliance with using the cpap. When I first got mine they had it connected to the wifi and monitored my use every night. If I didn't use it a minimum of ?? hours per night they would have taken it away. I'd recommend you follow the guidelines to the T and be in full compliance all of the time even if you hate it. Then check in with the doc once a week and see if he or she wont approve you sooner. Good luck.

thank you I will check each week because it is the pulmonologist requirement before he signs off on my clearance.

[CaribeRidge 104]

8 hours ago, Matt Z said:

I've had my CPAP for about 10 years now, 2 WLS's in that time and no, the 30 day monitor is not standard procedure. For my first WLS (lapband) insurance didn't care that I had a CPAP(like at all, zero requirements except to bring my CPAP with me).

For my second WLS (Bypass) my new insurance didn't care that I had a CPAP, they just wanted to know if I used it all the time and what my pressure was. That's it.

Yes I've also have had my cpap for years and at this point they only cared that I have one and that I use it. But when I was first diagnosed they kept a close eye on me and it. This docs reluctance might have something to do with it being a new diagnosis and machine for her.