Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tibro Medical a Medicare approved provider?

Yes, we are a Medicare approved provider of medical equipment specializing in Sleep Equipment and Power Wheelchairs

Does Medicare pay for 100% of my sleep apnea supplies?

No, but Medicare will pay a maximum of 80% of their allowed amount. Medicare has an "allowable rate" for all equipment and services. If the provider "accepts assignment" with Medicare, the provider agrees to accept 80% of the Medicare allowed payment and they also agree to charge the beneficiary no more than the remaining 20%, plus any unmet deductible.

Will my electric wheelchair be covered by my insurance provider?

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies provide coverage for durable medical equipment such as electric wheelchairs. If you are not sure whether or not your insurance provides such coverage, we can contact your insurance company for you to find out.

How much of the cost of my electric wheelchair will be covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies will pay between 50% and 80% of a set allowable price for electric wheelchairs. The amount that your insurance company pays will depend in part on the type of electric wheelchair you need and on the state in which you live.

How do I find out if I qualify for an electric wheelchair through my insurance?

Most insurance providers require your doctor to fill out a form that is called a Certificate of Medical Necessity. This form has several questions to assess your mobility. If your doctor feels that you need an electric wheelchair, he/she will fill out this form and send it back to Tibro Medical with a written prescription, and office visit notes which support your need for an electric wheelchair. Upon receiving these forms, we will submit them to your insurance to find out if you qualify.

Do I need a prescription to purchase a new CPAP or BiPAP?

If you are purchasing a new machine then we do need a copy of your prescription written by your doctor. A sleep study report will not qualify as a prescription.

What sleep therapy manufacturers do you represent?

We represent the best manufacturers in Sleep Therapy Equipment. Brands such as Respironics, ResMed, Puritan Bennett, and Fisher Paykel.

What comes with my new machine?

Machines come with a six foot tube, a heated humidifier, manual and a travel case. The machines also come with a smart card to download machine activity, this is necessary to be compliant with the new Medicare Guidelines. They do not come with a CPAP mask. CPAP masks must be purchase separately.

How often should I replace my mask?

Medicare allows you to replace your mask every three months and your mask cushion once every two weeks to a month*. We have found that most mask cushions will start to deteriorate after about six months of use. The silicone will become too soft to hold a seal, so the headgear will have to be tightened in order to hold the necessary seal.

Tibro Medical advises you not to tighten the headgear too much because this leads to facial sores on pressure points.

*Replacement schedule subject to change.

How often do I need to clean out mask?

Masks need to be cleaned daily. Wash the mask and pillow with warm water and a mild soap, and make sure to rinse thoroughly.

Equipment that is kept clean works better, lasts longer, and will help prevent nose, sinus, throat, and chest infections. Clean equipment may also help prevent skin irritation.

Do I need to replace my machine every five years?

Manufacturers create new and more effective CPAP models each year. There isn't any need to replace your CPAP unit because it is five years old, but a malfunction could be dangerous. It is very important to have your unit inspected yearly to ensure everything is working properly and to check that the pressure settings are accurate.

How does Tibro Medical help me obtain an electric wheelchair?

When you speak to a Tibro Medical representative, they will obtain the necessary information from you to do the following:

• Verify you have insurance coverage that will cover durable medical equipment like an electric wheelchair
• Send the approval paperwork to your physician.
• Place the order for the chair to be delivered to your home.
• Send a technician to your home to set up your chair, and train you how to use it.
• File the insurance claim for you.