Philips Respironics CPAP/BIPAP/Mechanical Ventilator Recall Reminder

Friday, March 4, 2022

In June of 2021, Philips Respironics (Philips) announced a voluntary recall for certain BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and ventilator devices due to potential health risks related to deterioration of the sound abatement foam used in these devices. This recall was for all CPAP and BIPAP devices manufactured by Philips prior to April 26, 2021. Philips updated its guidance in November 2021 to align with FDA recommendations.

Health Net Federal Services, LLC (HNFS) recognizes you may still have patients who are waiting for a replacement machine from Philips. Philips continues to advise patients to visit www.philips.com/src-update or call 1-877-907-7508 to register recalled devices and get answers to frequently asked questions. Philips also encourages patients with recalled devices to discuss with their health care providers the appropriate next steps for treatment.

For beneficiaries who choose to use their TRICARE benefit for a replacement CPAP or BIPAP machine, we offer the following reminders:

TRICARE will cover a new, non-recalled device when a medically necessary device has been recalled.
Patients using their TRICARE benefit will need a new prescription/certificate of medical necessity from their provider (or referral for durable medical equipment) to receive a new device.
Per TRICARE guidelines, providers also must submit an authorization request to HNFS for the replacement. Please indicate on the request it is for a recalled device.
Patients may need to pay appropriate copayments or cost-shares based upon their TRICARE plan.
A new sleep study is NOT required for the replacement of a recalled device.

Find additional information on TRICARE coverage of CPAP machines and details about the recall on our Benefits A–Z web page.

For the latest FDA guidance, visit https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/certain-philips-respironics-ventilators-bipap-and-cpap-machines-recalled-due-potential-health-risks#recommendations