I'm past-due to get a new mask and accessories. I got a message fom Apria when I was out of the house. (Message from their automated system.) So I called the local branch today. The call went kinda like this:
Me: I nicely told the woman at Apria that I was overdue for a new mask, had bought a hybrid out-of-pocket, was happy with it, and wanted a replacement.
Apria woman: "You need a prescription from your doctor for that."
Me: "You have a prescription on file with a refill that says 'patient preference.'"
Her: Silence then "let me put you on hold to check your record." puts me on hold, comes back, then says "we don't have a prescription for you. You need to call your doctor."
Me: completely deflated now "Ok, thank you."
I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle her, but the only purpose it would've served is me letting off steam and probably further raising my blood pressure. Ironic, isn't it? (As an aside: Yes, I realize now that giving them the prescription was my mistake. I was new to CPAPdome back in March and didn't know I was dealing with a satanic company. If I knew that, I would've kept the original of the Rx. I don't even have a copy of it.)
Since my insurance is Aetna, which deals only with Apria, I'm freakin' back to square one. I've decided that I have to treat Apria like children and spell things out in absurd detail. I have to call the sleep doc and ask for a prescription.
Any suggestions on exact wording for the Rx? I'm thinking that "Universal Hybrid Rev C mask" should be good enough since it comes with all supplies.
Doug.
PS Have I mentioned lately how much I hate Apria?