Standby Generator

[Genlando]

I've decided to switch to home-based dialysis using the NXStage system.  I expect to do this as soon as my fistula gets ready for use. 

The only concern that I have is that we have fairly unreliable power in my neighborhood.  The power lines are above the ground in my area, and we have a lot of squirrels  climbing around.  These two factors combine on occasion, resulting in a small explosion, roasted squirrel and a power failure.  Unfortunately, this occurs quite frequently; frequently enough to be of concern with home dialysis.  I'm therefore going to install a standby generator at my home.  Not one of the dinky little gasoline-powered units that cost a couple of hundred dollars; rather, a true standby unit that runs on natural gas, and will automatically switch on during a power interruption.

These things only cost 2-3 thousand dollars, but since I'm now on a fixed income, it would be nice if I can get some of the cost offset by insurance.  Does anybody know whether this would be covered by insurance as part of the costs for setting up the home for hemodialysis?  I currently have private insurance (Blue Cross), with Medicare as a secondary.

Last night, we had another squirrel run across the power transformer.  He evaporated in a cloud of rodential haze.  The resulting power failure lasted for 2 hours.  Either way, I'm going to install a generator.  It would just be nice to have some or all of the cost covered by insurance.

[greg10]

"rodential haze"
I don't think 'rodential' is a word, but 

My experience with the NxStage cycler is that you can get away with a much smaller setup than the full blown backup automatic switch over generator.  However if the insurance will pay for it, which I doubt, why not?

Using a APC Smart UPS 1500 (battery backup; basically a heavy duty PC power backup), you should be able to power the NxStage with the warmer for about 18 minutes, probably double that duration if you switch off the warmer or turn down the temperature on the Pureflow once you know the power is out.  I know that will probably won't let you complete the treatment as planned, but it could let you finish the treatment with the rinse back in an orderly manner (eg., no panic).  In many instances, the grid power may be restored in less than half an hour and you can continue the treatment.

See more data here: http://www.nxstageusers.com/forum/showthread.php?1660
APC is a good brand of UPS.  You don't have to get the exact model, but anything in the 1000w to 1500w rating is good.

[jbeany]

I worried about that too, but never had any problems.  You are trained to do a manual rinseback if the power goes out.  And the nice part of NxStage is being able to adjust times or run more time later the same day if you must.   I think the smaller battery back-up would have been nice, but I didn't have any luck getting help with set-up costs for anything I needed to do D at home.

[Genlando]

I don't think 'rodential' is a word..

Rodentia: noun Of or related to the order rodentia, an order of mammals also known as rodents.   

Reference: The Genlando International Dictionary--Dialysis Edition

Yeah, I've thought of going the UPS route, but I'm very serious about frequent power failures.  We just moved into this neighborhood about 3 weeks ago, and we've had 2 power outages in the last 2 weeks.   The people who've lived here for a while say that this is typical for the autumn and spring months.  The generator's overkill, but I really get tired of constant power interruptions that last for a couple of hours at a time.

[Genlando]

Actually, rodential is an adjective--not a noun--fake though it is.  I guess they're going to need to make a revision to The Genlando International Dictionary.