Medical care and equipment can get expensive. This is especially true if you have a chronic medical condition that requires regular medications, equipment, and physician visits. Even common medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, can result in thousands of dollars of treatments and necessary medical equipment. Sleep apnea is prevalent in as many as an estimated 18 million Americans. Fortunately, there are many programs and ways to find discounted pre-owned inventory of certified CPAP and BIPAP machines, which is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment needed for those suffering with sleep apnea conditions.
Medical discount programs If you do your research, you can usually find medical discount programs. These programs can help with medications and other pre-owned inventory of certified CPAP and BIPAP equipment. In most cases, it does not require much to be approved for these programs. You simply have to contact the supplier of the CPAP or BIPAP machine that your physician recommended, and inquire about how to receive assistance.
Physician samples Sometimes medical suppliers provide physician?s offices with samples. The physicians can provide the samples to their patients. Some physician offices may have pre-owned inventory of certified CPAP and BIPAP machines available for usage. These preowned machines might have been turned back in from a patient who no longer found use in them, or from someone else who used it to try the specific brand. The physician can recommend specific CPAP machine brands based on the ones they have in the office for you try out.
Medical supplier store Although most medical supplier stores charge retail prices for their CPAP machine supplies, you can sometimes find discounted pre-owned inventory of certified CPAP and BIPAP machines. These may be older models or machines that were returned for a lack of usage. Studies show that about half of all people prescribed CPAP machines stop using them in one to three weeks, making preowned ones relatively easy to find, even in a medical supplier store. Simply ask the store associate if they have any reduced priced or gently previously used CPAP machine for sale.
Insurance provider Your insurance provider may cover the costs of your CPAP and BIPAP machine or your BIPAP mask. You should always inquire with your insurance provider if they will cover it, before purchasing one. They may have specific reimbursement standards that require you to purchase a specific model or type. Additionally, pre-owned inventory of certified CPAP and BIPAP machines may not be covered. Your insurance provider may want you to have the best CPAP mask, something that is newer, and harder to find used models for.
For best results and continued insurance coverage, patients should use CPAP at least 70% of the time over a 30 day period, for at least 4 hours every night. Considering that many patients stop using the CPAP or BIPAP machine within a couple of weeks, it is important to continue regular coverage for insurance coverage. The insurance company will also generally not continue to pay for the machine, if you do not regularly use it for many months. Ensure that you understand how the reimbursement and out of pocket fee structure works.
Some medical conditions can get very expensive. Sleep apnea, although common among Americans, is one of those conditions. BIPAP and CPAP machines have shown to be successful in reducing sleep apneas in a single night. The actual machine itself can get quite expensive, but those who find it beneficial can find alternative ways to afford it. You can often find medical help programs, your physician may be able to provide you with one to try, your local medical supply store may have discounted machines, and your insurance provider may cover a portion of the cost.