Trying to get Dr. to prescribe home pulse oximeter

[myproblem]

I have Restrictive Lung Disease as part of my systemic autoimmune disorder. As a result, I often feel like I can't get a deep breath. Now I am 9 weeks pregnant, and having a harder time than usual. My OB wants my internist to prescribe it, and my internist doesn't think I need it, but is willing to order a 24 hour pulse oximetry in my home to evaluate my need. Anyone else have experience with this? (I had a pulmonologist, but he was a serious jerk, and treated me like a hypochondriac. He called the diagnosis I got from my internist and the hospital "ridiculous". Clearly I won't get anywhere with him. I can get one off eBay for about $200, but they look so cheap. The onesthat look like they belong in a medical setting cost $400-600, So you can see why I really want my insurance to pay for it. I have Tricare Prime Military health insurance. Anyone with the same insurance know what the chances are of them paying for it? Any advice is appreciated.

[Demiguise]

Radio Shack only carries replacement batteries. Go back to above
post & google what I posted. I know that Turner is reputable site. Just didn't know if that's what you were talking about.
Go to site & read. 888 # is free to call & ask questions. Free
ups + cost looked good. I guess there are different types for
whatever the need. I only know abt these from when I had some
surgery & they clipped it on me for saturation check. Board
doesn't allow advertised URL's. I'm sure you'll find it. Just
make sure you enter search exactly like mine. 1 place I called
was for sports therapy supplies & they wanted $500 for same. A
neighbor told me that if Dr. calls in order or does fax to Ins. Co., Ins. will cover a rental. Guess it depends on the need.

[Demiguise]

A suggestion. Yrs. ago I needed something & went to yellow pgs
under Medical Equipment & Supplies. Many advertised new/used.
I got what I needed almost brand new @ 50% off. I just ck'd my
ph-pk & called a few. They said 'finger hm-pulse oximeter' run
by lithium battery was $410. Used = 50% off but were out. Some
said rx needed, others said no. 1 place gave me this info if
interested. Most popular is SPO 5500. Can't give url they gave
me but google exact w/ quote & look-see? "SPO 5500"+turner
it gives free UPS shipping. Should be near top of search. Sounds
new w/ warranty. Uses 3.6V Lithium. Is that what you're looking
for? Has # to call & didn't find if rx needed. Does pulse &
oxygen. Spare batteries avail. also at Radio Shack. Know what
it's like to be on a budget. Gd-luck.

[myproblem]

Thanks. Iv've seen the SPO 5500, but didn't really know what was a good choice. I will check Radio Shack, because I really do like to see something like that before I buy it.

[myproblem]

Thanks for the warning. I am not specific to amodel number or anything. I just need it to be as inexpensive as possible. I am trying to find one on a medical website, maybe reconditioned for under $300.

[Demiguise]

Star's suggestion sounds pretty good. Please stay away from Ebay when it comes to meds/cosmetics/health supplies. I have
friends that had many horror stories. One bought a case of
her favorite shampoo + the ratings were great on that company.
Bottles were copied & it was dish soap in them. Maybe we can
help if you can get the name & model # you want. I know 2 sites
that are reputable if things fail & you need to buy yourself.
The 24 hr trial might payoff in your favor?

[myproblem]

Thank you. That's probably the most useful information I've gotten so far.

[crystaly]

Hi I posted a funny story on my listing if you want to look 21/06/06 . Thought it might brighten your day up. Hope your feeling better soon. Meant to put your name on it as well but speedy me forgot and clicked submitt Durr stupid person I am. Taa for advice anyway I think its folliculitus and my Dr should get retrained. Tata for now. XX Chris

[star queen]

Tricare Prime (Triwest) doesn't like to pay for pulse oximeters.  If you get a prescription from the doc, it will probably have to go to committee for evaluation before they will grant or refuse the order. By then you will have the baby. The trick is to go to a military facility.  Go to the Urgent Care center at the base hospital with a breathing problem and talk to the doc there and request one.  If they can fill the order on site, they will.  Base hospitals don't have to go through the same evaluation process as the civilian doctors do. If the hospital can't fill the order, then check with the on-site Champus center about getting the order filled off base.  If the doc doesn't want to give you one, then you might have to settle for the cheapie on line.  good luck

[boninclyde]

Why can't your OB perscribe it? He could also write to your insurance company and tell them why he feels you need it.

[crystaly]

Hi Sorry to hear your having a problem breathing. Unfortunately as I live in the UK I dont know anything about health insurance but would like to wish you good luck anyway. Hope they will pay for one for you. If not if you go on ebay try and lookat the feedback left by anyone who has bought a oximeter might give you a clue to quality. Take care XXChris

[Duchess47]

I don't have this particular insurance, but I klnow that in the past when I have contacted my insurance company directly about these issues, they have helped me .  Sometimes they are willing to contact the doctor directly for you.  Good luck.