Philips Recall Notice

Philips CPAP, BiPAP, Ventilator Recall
(US Family Health Plan)

Philips has issued a recall for some models of their Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP), and Mechanical Ventilator products. Please see the affected models on the Philips Recall website. If you have any of the devices on the site, please follow the steps below.

Please check with your durable medical equipment (DME) vendor to see if they have already registered you for a replacement. If not, please register your device on the Philips Registration Page or call 877-907-7508 to register your device. Due to a shortage of available equipment and the ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, it may take an extended period to replace impacted devices. Philips must manage the replacement/and or correction of the recall.

Per Philips Website:

• For patients using Bilevel PAP and CPAP devices:
  Discontinue use of affected units and consult with physicians to determine the benefits of continuing therapy and potential risks.
• For patients using life-sustaining mechanical ventilator devices:
  DO NOT discontinue or alter prescribed therapy without consulting physicians to determine appropriate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement early?

• CPAP/BiPAP (Capped rental): This recall alone does not warrant an early replacement outside of the useful life of the device (which is 5-year lifespan).
• Ventilator: You may be eligible for the new device if medical necessity is met but please note availability is extremely limited. Please check with your DME supplier to confirm if supplies are available. If the DME supplier has confirmed the device is available, please have them contact the plan to determine authorization requirements.

My doctor wrote me a prescription for a new device, citing I need it. Can I get a new device?

• CPAP/BiPAP (capped rental): Is the device older than 5 years?
  • Yes: if medical necessity is met, you are eligible for a new device. We advise you to go to a participating provider. If authorization is required, your participating provider will request it on your behalf.
  • No: This recall alone does not warrant an early replacement outside of the useful life of the device (which is 5-year lifespan).
• Ventilator: You may be eligible for the new device if medical necessity is met, but please note availability is extremely limited. Please check with your DME supplier to confirm if supplies are available. If the DME supplier has confirmed the device is available, please have them contact the plan to determine authorization requirements.

I've found a new DME supplier who will switch me to a new machine. Can I do this and get an auth for it?

• CPAP/BiPAP (Capped rental): Are you in your 13-month rental period?
  • Yes: If the new supplier is willing to switch the rental, then you may be allowed to switch. You must notify the new provider you are currently in a rental period with another provider. Have the provider call Provider Inquiry for questions related to the current rental.
  • No:. Is the device older than 5 years?
    • Yes: if medical necessity is met, you are eligible for a new device. We advise you to go to a participating provider. If authorization is required, your participating provider will request it on your behalf.
    • No: This recall alone does not warrant an early replacement outside of the useful life of the device (which is 5-year lifespan).
• Ventilator: You may be eligible for the new device if medical necessity is met, but please note availability is extremely limited. Please check with your DME supplier to confirm if supplies are available. If the DME supplier has confirmed the device is available, please have them contact the plan to determine authorization requirements.

I’ve found a device online through a DME supplier. Will you reimburse me? Same question but online retail.

• CPAP/BiPAP (Capped rental): Is the device older than 5 years?
  • Yes: if medical necessity is met, you are eligible for a new device.
  • No: This recall alone does not warrant an early replacement outside of the useful life of the device (which is 5-year lifespan).

Ventilator: You may be eligible if medical necessity is met, but please note availability is limited.

I can find a replacement but it's OON. Can we get an INN auth for it? Will you reimburse me?

• CPAP/BiPAP (Capped rental): Is the device older than 5 years?
  • Yes: if medical necessity is met, you are eligible for a new device. During the public health emergency you can get out of network services at INN cost share if medical necessity is met.)
  • No: This recall alone does not warrant an early replacement outside of the useful life of the device (which is 5-year lifespan).
• Ventilator: You may be eligible for the new device if medical necessity is met but please note availability is extremely limited. Please check with your DME supplier to confirm if supplies are available. If the DME supplier has confirmed the device is available, please have them contact the plan to determine authorization requirements. (During the public health emergency you can get out-of-network services at INN cost share if medical necessity is met.)

My DME is sending me to Philips. Philips to my PCP. PCP to my insurance. Insurance can't help. What can I do?

• Only Philips can manage the replacement/and or correction of the recall. Please talk with your provider if you should continue to utilize your device (CPAP/BIPAP).

I'm high risk medically. My doc says not to use this machine, but that I need one for life sustaining dx. What can I do?

• Only Philips can manage the replacement/and or correction of the recall. Please talk with your provider about your concerns. The determination of using your device should be made between you and your doctor.
• Please check with your DME vendor to confirm if they have registered you for a replacement. If not, please register your device on the Philips Registration Page or call 877-907-7508 to register your device. Due to a shortage of available equipment and the ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, it may take an extended period to replace impacted devices.

I've found a DME supplier that has agreed to give me a new machine if the insurance says ok. Will you say, ok?

• CPAP/BiPAP (Capped rental): Are you in your 13-month rental period?
  • Yes: If the new supplier is willing to switch the rental, then you may be allowed to switch. You must notify the new provider you are currently in a rental period with another provider. Have the provider call Provider Inquiry for question related to the current rental.
• No:. Is the device older than 5 years?
  • Yes: if medical necessity is met, you are eligible for a new device. We advise you to go to a participating provider. If authorization is required, your participating provider will request it on your behalf.
  • No: This recall alone does not warrant an early replacement outside of the useful life of the device (which is 5-year lifespan).
• Ventilator: You may be eligible for the new device if medical necessity is met. Please have the DME contact the plan to determine authorization requirements