Saga continued - with happy ending!

[episodic]

viewtopic.php?t=12065

Ok in this thread (and others) I've posted my little saga trying to get the cpap in a hurry.

First let me dispell some myths in the other thread that is referenced at the top:

The problem I was having was the following simple things with the DME's I went to first:

1. All I wanted to know was with my insurance how much it would be. I had all my insurance information in front of me and had faxed it to them. Not one could give me even a ballpark.

2. At least one of them insisted that there was no such thing as APAP's. (I even said auto titrating cpap) still, just a blank stare.

3. One of them said point blank - we don't do APAPS.

4. The other would not give me even a ballpark frame of reference time to get all the paperwork done.



5. For those saying the DME's in question needed a copy of my sleep study, I had it in hand - and faxed it to them. Also I had the prescription in hand. I had the titration part of the report and the part that told about the AHI's. I had everything.

6. For those telling me to go to billmyinsurance.com I wish I could. I have HMO that steadfastly affirms that everything has to be innetwork.

Now - let me tell you a good tale.

This third DME (2 hours away), I called them, the put me right on the phone with an RT who answered all of my questions and even applauded my choices. He confirmed they had everything in stock. He confirmed they were all new. Within 1 hour based on nothing more than trust and my insurance # he verified benefits and gave me a cash total, total length of rental, my amount and everything. He set me up an appointment for the very next day.He said as long as they had a prescription that they didn't even need the sleep study as they could just get the insurance to get a copy from my PCP.

Today I went. EVERYTHING was as described. I got a nice new remstar auto (not the M series) - but hey, the other is great as well. I got the full face mask of my choice (a fisher and paykel 431 I think) that fits very nice. He let me lay down in a bed they had to try the machine for about 10 minutes and make any comments.

He then told me I would not have to drive back up, should my pressure needs change, just mail in the smart card, and they will mail it back to me overnight. They will automatically dropship me a new mask, hose, couplings, and filters every 6 months (and I can change masks if I like as he took my full facial measures much like the chart on cpap.com).

He showed me every little detail, was friendly, and was very impressed I was aware that I could monitor the smartcard and was suprised I could find the software on the market, but thougt it was great. He showed me everything to take apart and clean, mentioned that harsh soaps may damage the rubber, and that alot of clients liked johnson's baby shampoo for cleaning the parts, and let me try on at least 4 different face masks.

Needless to say this DME is great!

Anyway, it is sitting on my couch now. I'll tell you all how it goes tommorow.



PS,

I almost forgot. At first this DME (the latest greates) told me my insurance would not cover the heated humidifier. They called me today before I left, and admitted they made a mistake, and that my insurance did cover it. There was another lady that had told me to call and make sure. I was going to call if they did not beat me to it. Seems they had a girl that wasn't quite up to speed on the billing. They caught their own error and self corrected within 24 hours.

Needless to say, I had to pay like 90$ up front, and my rental is a little less than 15$ a month for a year. So it comes to less than 300$ out of pocket.

[bdp522]

THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck on your first night!

[oldgearhead]

..Wow! Can you tell us who they are? They deserve a pat on the back.

[WNJ]

I’m glad to hear it worked out right for you!

Too bad all DME’s don’t work that way!

You really should tell us all which DME you had the good experience with. We’re so quick to name the bad ones, it’s only fair to give credit where due.

Wayne

[Ric]

Needless to say this DME is great!

I don't give these out frivolously, but here, you've earned it...

HIGH FIVE BRO !!!



...and one for your DME !

It's nice to hear a success story.

-Ric

[inacpapfog]

yes, do share the name of that great DME!