1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Do I have to use the Aerobika on the highest setting?

Posted by terryb1 @128128terry11t, Apr 4, 2020

I think that I remember a respiratory therapist telling me that it is not necessary to keep the aerobika on the highest setting if you wish to not exert as much when you exhale. I am thinking of going down a notch but wanted to make sure that I didn't just "dream" this. Anybody out there who could keep it on highest setting but do not so that exhalation is a little easier? Wishing all safety and health at this difficult time.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 4, 2020

@128128terry11t My pulmonologist told me, whichever device you use, make sure you feel the flutter or vibration in your lungs on exhale - by placing your hand there. He said that was the important measure - and that if you were having to exhale so hard it was making you dizzy, it's too high. If you can't feel the vibration it's too low.
Are you able to call the respiratory therapist or doc and ask?
Sue

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Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Apr 4, 2020

Hi Sue. How did you get your aerobika script filled? I have a script for it too.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 4, 2020

My clinic was able to provide it through their respiratory therapy device department (since closed) - I was told that when it needs to be replaced, they will give me a scrip to send to the provider of my choice. My daughter's doc sent her prescription to the local medical device provider and she picked one up.
Sue

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1 reply
terryb1 | @128128terry11t | Apr 4, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "@128128terry11t My pulmonologist told me, whichever device you use, make sure you feel the flutter or..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@128128terry11t My pulmonologist told me, whichever device you use, make sure you feel the flutter or vibration in your lungs on exhale - by placing your hand there. He said that was the important measure - and that if you were having to exhale so hard it was making you dizzy, it's too high. If you can't feel the vibration it's too low.
Are you able to call the respiratory therapist or doc and ask?
Sue

Jump to this post

Thank you. Will do. It's not that it makes me dizzy on the highest setting; it's that there is slightly less effort going down a notch. That seems to make the nebulizing a little easier.

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ginak | @ginak | Apr 4, 2020

Although my pulmonary Dr told me to use the Aerobika, I never got a prescription for it. I had to buy it on my own on Amazon. I didn't even know you could get it as a prescription. I'll have to ask him about that.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 4, 2020
In reply to @ginak "Although my pulmonary Dr told me to use the Aerobika, I never got a prescription for..." + (show)
@ginak

Although my pulmonary Dr told me to use the Aerobika, I never got a prescription for it. I had to buy it on my own on Amazon. I didn't even know you could get it as a prescription. I'll have to ask him about that.

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@ginak I think the advantage of the script was that it was pertly paid by my insurance, I see the online price is a little more than my copay through the agency, which I'm sure had a substantial markup.
Sue

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rits | @rits | Apr 5, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "My clinic was able to provide it through their respiratory therapy device department (since closed) -..." + (show)
@sueinmn

My clinic was able to provide it through their respiratory therapy device department (since closed) - I was told that when it needs to be replaced, they will give me a scrip to send to the provider of my choice. My daughter's doc sent her prescription to the local medical device provider and she picked one up.
Sue

Jump to this post

Hmm. I was told it was not covered by insurance - Medicare. My doctor told me an acappella she prescribed (similar device but not as good imo) was covered but I finally paid for it myself. My first aerobika was given to me by a pulmonologist when they first came out in 2014. I purchased a second one online. You don't need a prescription but if insurance will cover it then it makes sense to get one.

My decrepit lungs cannot do anything above the second lowest setting.

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1 reply
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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 5, 2020
In reply to @rits "Hmm. I was told it was not covered by insurance - Medicare. My doctor told me..." + (show)
@rits

Hmm. I was told it was not covered by insurance - Medicare. My doctor told me an acappella she prescribed (similar device but not as good imo) was covered but I finally paid for it myself. My first aerobika was given to me by a pulmonologist when they first came out in 2014. I purchased a second one online. You don't need a prescription but if insurance will cover it then it makes sense to get one.

My decrepit lungs cannot do anything above the second lowest setting.

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@rits - Insurance and what is covered or not is a total mystery in this country, then add Medicare and its many rules and you have a mess. I always ask for a scrip and try to get the vendor to submit the claim. Otherwise, I'll pay myself, submit for reimbursement, and see what happens...
Sue

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