Question:
I live in CA and the largest HMO here is Kaiser. Do they have doctors to
treat sleep disorders, and is it covered by the insurance?
Anyone have had experience treating sleep disorders thru Kaiser? How
about Blue Shield?
Answer:
I know that my wife's Blue Shield plan covers the filters, masks, and
other replaceable parts of my CPAP. However, I always include a copy of
a letter from my doctor, which explains the significance of apnea, the
fact that he prescribed a CPAP, and that a CPAP does need occasional
replacement of filters, etc.
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Kaiser San Francisco has a sleep lab, and I had my apnea diagnosed
there. The diagnosis was covered but the CPAP unit itself was *not*
covered; I'm now renting my own. Despite not paying for DME (Durable
Medical Equipment) under my policy, Kaiser has a sweetheart deal with
Apria and they send you to Apria to rent or buy your equipment. I found
my local Apria representatives to be appallingly ignorant and given to
wasting my time by making me wait unnecessarily for half an hour or
more.
I'm not happy with Kaiser and will soon be seeking care elsewhere. This
is partly because of the Apria problem, and partly because I feel the
judgment, trustworthiness, and good will of my Kaiser sleep physicians
leaves a great deal to be desired. I'm glad I have the resources to go
outside Kaiser.
