Medicare & Durable Medical Equipment

[6PtStar]

Dori, my DME told me that Medicare had changed the tubing requirement to 1 every 90 days. The replacement for the machine is from the time you take possession of the machine which is on a 13 month rental/purchase requitement. This means it is actually 6 years and 1 month to replace the machine. If it breaks and cost to much to repair it could be different.

Jerry

[GumbyCT]

I can never understand this mindset! A DME can only make money if they sell something. Is their stock only for show? It would appear that they would want to sell as often as possible in order to make as much profit as possible. I have read from some folks that they are on an automatic replacement schedule and receive more than they need at times. Last time I went to my DME I got fussed at because it had been a year since I bought anything from them. Sometimes it was easier to buy out-of-pocket from cpap.com than to drive to their place and wait for them to write out the billing.

Jerry

Exactly why I would not continue to give my money to this type of DME. Something is fishy. Check the past CMS statements you've received. Everyone on Medicare gets them after a Medicare bill is paid. I just wonder if they are billing for items never sent?

Run ... don't walk away from this DME.

You should be able to go to any DME who takes your Medicare plan.

[Amigo]

...Seeing that and knowing what you know now. I would take my business somewhere else. I wouldn't even mess around with these $#@%!&*.

But hey it's your money, your time, your life.

ps. I think I'd report them to Medicare too

Yeah, I know, but the alternatives around here are few, far between, and have even worse reputations. Besides, I'm rather looking forward to "rubbing their noses" in the documentation.

I can never understand this mindset! A DME can only make money if they sell something. Is their stock only for show? It would appear that they would want to sell as often as possible in order to make as much profit as possible. I have read from some folks that they are on an automatic replacement schedule and receive more than they need at times. Last time I went to my DME I got fussed at because it had been a year since I bought anything from them. Sometimes it was easier to buy out-of-pocket from cpap.com than to drive to their place and wait for them to write out the billing.

Jerry

Is is puzzling, isn't it. My only explanation is that it is a very poorly run business, with bad management, and that they're not too enamored of Medicare reimbursement amounts. I've never received one call from them about replacing my CPAP supplies, let alone be placed on an automatic replacement schedule.

For the most part I simply avoid the place and buy everything online, but now it's a matter of principle to set them straight. I wonder how many other people they've led astray?

[Amigo]

Dori, my DME told me that Medicare had changed the tubing requirement to 1 every 90 days....
Jerry

I concur, and the "official" documentation I printed out yesterday confirms that.

[Amigo]

I can never understand this mindset! A DME can only make money if they sell something. Is their stock only for show? It would appear that they would want to sell as often as possible in order to make as much profit as possible. I have read from some folks that they are on an automatic replacement schedule and receive more than they need at times. Last time I went to my DME I got fussed at because it had been a year since I bought anything from them. Sometimes it was easier to buy out-of-pocket from cpap.com than to drive to their place and wait for them to write out the billing.

Jerry

Exactly why I would not continue to give my money to this type of DME. Something is fishy. Check the past CMS statements you've received. Everyone on Medicare gets them after a Medicare bill is paid. I just wonder if they are billing for items never sent?

Run ... don't walk away from this DME.

You should be able to go to any DME who takes your Medicare plan.

I check online, and review the CMS statements very carefully. This DME provider may be a poor businessman, but does not appear to be a crook. Scrutinizing EOB's is how I found an independent DME provider who was obviously trying to rip off my BC/BS coverage before I had Medicare. The result of that investigation put him out of business.

[The Texan]

Amigo, you might want to contact Don Scurti, Care Specialist, at Americare Respiratory Services 866-344-2774 x 309. They are happy to have your Medicare business and will mail you a package every 91 days with everything you are entitled to for your system. Their website is http://www.americarecpap.com . My DME decided that the small amount of business that I was giving them, now that they were no longer getting paid for the machine and humidifier, was not worth their time and refused to send me any more supplies. Americarecpap has stepped up and is taking care of me.

[Amigo]

Amigo, you might want to contact Don Scurti, Care Specialist, at Americare Respiratory Services 866-344-2774 x 309. They are happy to have your Medicare business and will mail you a package every 91 days with everything you are entitled to for your system. Their website is http://www.americarecpap.com . My DME decided that the small amount of business that I was giving them, now that they were no longer getting paid for the machine and humidifier, was not worth their time and refused to send me any more supplies. Americarecpap has stepped up and is taking care of me.

How very kind of you to send me this information. I'll certainly look into it. Thanks.

[Janknitz]

Awww, darn! I wanted to hear the DME's response when you rubbed their nose in it

[Amigo]

Awww, darn! I wanted to hear the DME's response when you rubbed their nose in it

Stay tuned...I haven't had a chance to stop by there yet.

[GumbyCT]

Awww, darn! I wanted to hear the DME's response when you rubbed their nose in it

Stay tuned...I haven't had a chance to stop by there yet.

I am on the edge of my seat.

[Amigo]

Awww, darn! I wanted to hear the DME's response when you rubbed their nose in it

Stay tuned...I haven't had a chance to stop by there yet.

I am on the edge of my seat.

So happy to provide "today's" entertainment, but, please don't lose any sleep over it.

[Amigo]

Awww, darn! I wanted to hear the DME's response when you rubbed their nose in it

Well, the denouement of my "confrontation" with my DME provider turned out to be rather anti-climactic.

After presenting my concerns and showing them the documentation which lists the Medicare CPAP accessories replacement schedule, I was informed that the person in question who gave me the incorrect information had been terminated.

Apparently they had received numerous complaints, verified that she was giving customers "off the top of her head" answers, and they fired her.

I was apologized to profusely, and assured that they would always honor the replacement schedule of CPAP supplies as indicated by the current Medicare documentation.

I left with a goodie bag of supplies, and a smile on my face.

[Janknitz]

It may be anticlimactic, but good for all. Yay!