Committed to purchase after 61 days?

Shimoda · Post by **Shimoda** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:33 pm

I was getting ready to dump my DME after renting for 3 months. (Blue Cross Blue Shield has a 3 month rental period.)

Reading the fine print of my rental (CPAP & Humidifier) and purchase (Hose and Mask) there's a separate document that states I need to notify the DME before 61 days if I don't want to automatically go from rental to purchase. (I checked a box stating that I received the document -- and then signed the agreement.)

Seems to me I should be able to return the machine and humidifier as long as it is before the rental period is up (89 days).

This DME is awful and I don't want to give them my business. They lied to me about mask replacement policy, they don't return phone calls, they steered my wife right from the doctor to their DME, they don't want questions, and both my wife and I know about the machines and norms than they do -- Thanks to this forum.

Anyone have a great argument as to why I should be able to return it to them after 61 days?

They also want me to get a release for discontinuation of treatment from my doctor which is, of course, crazy. I wouldn't agree to something like that. I just want them to take their crap back.

Shimoda

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:53 pm

just tell them therapy is not working, you have chosen an alternative treatment option an leave the machine and all the other crap on their counter.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:03 pm

Without knowing anything about your insurance coverage, monthly payments and other contractual stuff that might have been in there.....or other "unknowns", I would suggest starting with your insurance provider. See what they have to say.

Den

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:53 pm

My, my. Can't return the equipment w/o a release from the doctor, eh?? HORSEPUCKIES! I had a local DME give me that same line when I told them I would be returning the equipment the following day. Needless to say, I returned it the same day as our phone call instead even tho it required a special trip into town. Best $6 worth of gas I ever spent!

I didn't sign a darn thing when I returned it either. Just grabbed the receipt and walked out.

FreeLancer74 · Post by **FreeLancer74** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:41 pm

I guess they sucker enough Oxygen and wheelchair patients that they can stay in the black and afford to piss us off. I swear, Used car salesman used to be the lowest on my list, but now that I'm in the necessity of medical equipment, I'm finding out that DME should be written at the bottom of my list.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:45 pm

Whatever you do, make sure you've at least got a copy of your prescription and if at all possible, a copy of your PSG (sleep study). You're entitled to BOTH.

Den

Snooze_Blues · Post by **Snooze_Blues** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:15 pm

I don't have any good excuses, but I'm glad you posted this because I didn't realize I'd be "signing a contract" when I go to pick up my equipment. No one mentioned that little formality, and I can just hear them telling me now how "there's no need to read that whole thing, you'll be here all day. It's just a standard contract we use for everyone."

I wonder if the employees get training on how to minimize the importance of such contracts? I wouldn't doubt it. To me, DME's are starting to look more like high pressure sales organizations than health care providers. Like buying a used car or a major appliance.

I think I'll ask them to send it to me in the mail so I can read it at home and not be pressured during the "instruction and fitting" appt. I can hear them now, "If you keep reading that thing, we won't have time to get your your equipment".