Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

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Matt00926
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Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by Matt00926 » Wed Sep 30, 2015 3:48 pm

I live in New York City and the one DME branch locations for Apria Healthcare in the area is in the middle of nowhere in a warehouse district in Queens, New York.

Once I got off the train I had to walk through several shady, mostly deserted blocks, and THEN cross over a secluded and dirty pedestrian foot bridge that was full of homeless people in order to cross the interstate. Once I finally got to the office you can't even enter the front door, you have to be buzzed in.

Once inside I noticed that it was the cheapest office I've ever seen. They were still using LCD monitors that were 15" inch full-screen. Running wires zip-tied together out in the open. It took the receptionist almost 15 minutes to print my receipt because it came on this ridiculously super-sized paper with attached carbon copies.

God have mercy on anyone else stuck with Apria Healthcare.
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popcpoo
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by popcpoo » Wed Sep 30, 2015 8:37 pm

I guess I'm lucky. When I switched sleep doctors, the DME they work with is part of the same top level hospital system. They have been very supportive and work closely with each other.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by chunkyfrog » Wed Sep 30, 2015 9:07 pm

Doggone, that sounds like they are located to discourage business!

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oldie

Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by oldie » Thu Oct 01, 2015 9:00 am

You see why Medicare awarded Apria their medicare contract...nobody wants to deal with apria. All that New York area is stuck with Medicare's Apria......What's your solution?? if you need to buy through Medicare.

R1200ST
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by R1200ST » Thu Oct 01, 2015 9:09 am

cough cough, VA system, Cough Cough.


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Madalot
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by Madalot » Thu Oct 01, 2015 9:13 am

My insurance tried to get me to switch to Apria, but when I told them my benefits were the same in or out of network and I didn't want to, they let me stay where I was (am now).

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Sir NoddinOff
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:27 pm

They've earned their well-known nickname here time and again. Crapria. Although it's not really a laughing matter. I had them for a year or two (when they were decent with local offices and local reps)... I've watched them slide downhill every since.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Oct 01, 2015 7:13 pm

It is more important than ever before to "do the math", because even with insurance,
it may be cheaper to go out of network AND out of pocket.
{{{anyone with Medicare needs to check with Medicare for providers--
use my link below and enter your zip code.}}}

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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by SewTired » Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:45 am

In addition to what ChunkyFrog said, you need to occasionally check the list. They keep adding providers.

PLEASE contact Medicare and report the conditions of access for that Apria office. Unless many complaints are made, they will continue to contract with Apria. Imagine a disabled or elderly person having to go that route to get their machines? An unsafe place is unsafe. I did research before I got my machine and totally avoided Apria. Have Lincare, but the local office is good - but a long drive and inaccessible for elderly who have no transportation.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Oct 04, 2015 11:12 am

Good point. Calling Medicare (800-633-4227) is even better, as the list is rarely current.
Plug in your phone--they love to make you wait.

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mommydear
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by mommydear » Mon Oct 05, 2015 3:02 am

Matt00926 wrote:I live in New York City and the one DME branch locations for Apria Healthcare in the area is in the middle of nowhere in a warehouse district in Queens, New York.

Once I got off the train I had to walk through several shady, mostly deserted blocks, and THEN cross over a secluded and dirty pedestrian foot bridge that was full of homeless people in order to cross the interstate. Once I finally got to the office you can't even enter the front door, you have to be buzzed in.

Once inside I noticed that it was the cheapest office I've ever seen. They were still using LCD monitors that were 15" inch full-screen. Running wires zip-tied together out in the open. It took the receptionist almost 15 minutes to print my receipt because it came on this ridiculously super-sized paper with attached carbon copies.

God have mercy on anyone else stuck with Apria Healthcare.
I would have been livid. I'm with Kaiser but my coverage doesn't include DME. While I was waiting for my test results I started doing my research on machines & DME sellers ect. I checked Apria's rating since that is who Kaiser uses. OMG NOT one good feedback rating ZERO. I knew that I would not be using them for anything. I did find a seller that was about a 1 1/2hr drive from my home so when I got my script I called in my order & picked it up. They showed how to put my PAP together & everything I needed to know. Opened up my unit had me set it up & break it down made sure I knew what I was doing. I will not deal with bad customer service ever. If I have to spend my hard earned money I expect it & will not put up with shoddy service. In return they get my loyalty & high recommendations. So anyone in the So.California area looking to purchase machine,mask or supplies in person or order online as well. http://www.sleepapneacpapsupplies.com/ really nice people & very knowledgeable.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Couldn't help but laugh when going to my DME branch today

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Oct 05, 2015 5:26 am

If paying out of pocket, one would do well to compare their prices with those of the hosts of this forum, cpap.com
I see considerable differences.

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