Post
by Slinky » Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:09 am
[quote="Snafood"]At the risk of being banned form the forum’s, black listed from the internet, and possibly stoned and beaten as I leave my house, I will admit it….I work for a DME. Granted, I’m a little different, as I use a CPAP machine religiously and can personally relate to my patient’s what to expect and how to adjust the new experience of CPAP therapy. After reading this thread thus morning, I felt that I needed to make a few statements and reply to a few comments.
Lavendermist – sorry to hear about your troubles/doubts/concerns with your DME provider. Unfortunately, it’s a far too common experience. What a lot of patients fail to understand is that, except in a very few circumstances, you have a choice in your provider and do not have to accept the company that your doctor/insurer ordered from. Finding a good DME provider is a lot like finding a good auto mechanic. You may have to keep looking and asking around, but sooner or later you will find one that knows what they are talking about and you’ll soon become well acquainted. You should be able to feel comfortable asking questions about new product and options available to you and get honest, knowledgeable answers. A good provider may not have all the answers or know every machine/mask like the back of their hand, but they should be honest enough to admit it and willing to find out the info for you.
Guest - stated that DME’s are business people. Well, yes, we are business people. Believe me, it’s not easy staying current with ever advancing technology while trying to provide equipment for insurers who still think there is only one type of CPAP machine and one level of CPAP therapy. A lot of insurers are still paying the same allowables that they did 10 years ago. DME’s are forced to either give up revenue (measly to begin with) to provide advanced equipment such as APAP’s, or collect upgrade charges from the beneficiary’s to make up the difference. Those that complain that they can’t get an APAP without a substantial out of pocket expense should contact their provider and ask them why they don’t allow for advanced equipment which will better treat their condition.
Robbie – looking forward to internet based distribution for APAP’s? How about doing without equipment for 2-4 weeks while you ship it back for service? Most local DME’s will provide you with loaner equipment, ship yours back to the factory for authorized repair, and return yours to you when repaired. A lot of local (mom & pop) DME’s have already fallen victim to internet based competition, and it’s a sad thing. I personally would rather patronize a local business man or woman who is there for answers and service when needed.
Sorry if all this sounds like a rant, but I get frustrated when all I see mentioned are bad experiences with the “evil DME”. It’s like everything else, folks…we’re not all bad…just keep looking.
Women are Angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly.....on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.
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