Local DME Companies
The process of obtaining a CPAP or Bi-level unit and any related medical equipment once you have a prescription requires a few steps. Your prescription will specify the type of therapy needed (for example CPAP versus BiLevel) and your therapeutic pressure. In addition, the physicians shouldl have indicated certain accessories, such as specific mask types, chin strap, or humidifiers, which are essential to the proper delivery of positive airway pressure.
Checklist for Obtaining Durable Medical Equipment
- You will need to contact a DME vendor in order to get your prescription filled and obtain the equipment. Many insurance companies are in contract with specific DME providers. Therefore, it is a good idea to call your insurance to verify which providers are covered. If you are able to go to any vendor, please refer to the DME listed below.
- Once you have chosen a specific vendor, the vendor requires the following: insurance information, prescription, and sleep study report. You may need to complete authorization forms to allow the Sleep Disorders Clinic to provide the necessary medical documentation.
If you had your study done at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic, the completed authorization form should be faxed to the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic at (650) 721-3448 or mailed to the clinic. No medical documentation will be sent to the vendor if the form is incomplete. If you have any questions regarding the form, you can reach us at (650) 721-7500. - The vendor will then contact your insurance for DME coverage. Upon approval, a vendor will set up an appointment time and date with you to provide apparatus to your home and will give further instructions.
- In some cases, the equipment provider will need additional information, such as a Letter of Medical Necessities. If this is the case, they should contact the Sleep Clinic.
- It’s always a good idea to have a follow up appointment with your sleep physician after you start using your PAP therapy.
Durable Medical Equipment Vendors Listings by County and Regions
Durable Medical Equipment Vendors list [.doc] is not comprehensive, but attempts to cover the major population centers, with a focus on the Bay Area for our local patients. Most, if not all home care dealers, may be found in your local yellow pages under Medical Equipment and Supplies. If you are from a region outside California, it’s a good idea to check with the local hospital or sleep clinic to see whose service they prefer.
Your prescription should contain the following information: pressure settings, mask size and type, accessories such as humidifiers, and any special needs such as oxygen or Bi-level. Detailed prescriptions are necessary for a home care company to provide you with your CPAP or Bi-level unit