hmmm... i am starting to look into other options aside from the hillrom vest i've used for probably 15 years now. i can wear my vest and even with huff coughing during it or with pauses, i rarely get stuff up. i never really have, but when reading the testimonials on amy's vest, i feel inclined to research that one and see if I'M just doing a vest that "isn't necessarily for me".
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<br />here's the deal: i had the older heavier model of the hillrom and had to fight the insurance company to essentially upgrade me to the newer model (not the new model now that you can program your settings, etc., but it was new probably abuot 7 years ago). anyway, i fought hard telling them that with moving around and traveling for military, i needed a machine i could personally carry without assistance. had doc notes, etc. stating such. they ended up covering the additional $6K or so to cover the upgrade. it was strange, because even after my appeal and doc's letter, they sent a denial, yet they did end up sending payment to hillrom for the upgrade, so not sure what happened exactly. i didn't ask too many questions. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
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<br />i'm curious waht my basis will be and how on earth i'd get insurance to approve yet another vest. if its just a matter of preference, they've told me they will not cover it. i'm not certain citing a study done (or backed by or however you want to look at it) by the manufacter will cut it as proof its "better".
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<br />does anyone have experience with switching and having insurance cover the respirtech vest? i have a personal BCBS policy that is usually pretty good about covering DME, but will not do so for a like product without just cause.
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<br />thanks!
