Disappointment and Double Billing-How about You?

djb · Post by **djb** » Mon May 19, 2008 1:47 pm

I went to pick up my PAP today and they tried giving me the integrated humidifier instead of the F&P one prescribed. I had even specifically asked about the F&P when the appointment was set up and was assured it was “in stock”. And the integrated humidifier offered was not the newest one, and may have even been one of the first generation leakers.

So I left empty handed with a promise to see if they can order the one prescribed from their warehouse. That was a couple hours, fifty miles wear on the car, and several expense gallons of gas wasted on someone’s laziness and/or incompetence.

I also noticed that on the paper work they had itemized the various “included” accessories such as the six foot hose and spare filter. Each had been priced out separate from the machine with its own cost above and beyond the machine’s price. These were not extras, but the original ones from the PAP box.

Is being billed for “included” accessories a common experience when getting equipment from a DME using insurance? I know that by being “in network” the DME has agreed to a reduced fee (that is still significantly higher than internet sources full price), but stealing the stuff out of the box and reselling it to the rightful owner seems mighty low.

So, what has your experience been with B&M DMEs and their billing practice?

SleepyNoMore · Post by **SleepyNoMore** » Mon May 19, 2008 1:54 pm

Wow, where do I start???

Yes, I was also ripped off big time from my sleep study center on my equipment, they double billed for things I didn't even get such as billed for 3 masks ( I only got the swift 11 and a comfort gel that said "not for sale" on it and something else I don't even know about(mask) and lots and lots of other (so called) extra parts and accesories... I could go on and on

I just left it alone and will never do business with them again!!!

jules · Post by **jules** » Mon May 19, 2008 3:23 pm

yep - bill for the filters and the hose extra.

mask billing was even worse - for the Swift, I got billed for a mask, headgear, and for nasal pillow - this is 3 things I was billed for - I only got one set of nasal pillows not the 3 that come standard in the box - if I wanted all 3 I could have been billed for 3 sets - I wasn't billed for the little carrying case of the CD - guess they didn't have a use for extras of them

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Mon May 19, 2008 3:40 pm

no there's just no billing code for those.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Mon May 19, 2008 3:46 pm

Anything there is a billing code for they will bill seperate, even though it comes with the package. They billed me seperate for the humidifier chamber also. Really sucks doesn't it!

Yardbird is right there is no billing code for the case or the CD other wise they would have billed it seperate also.

Jerry

RestlessRoper · Post by **RestlessRoper** » Mon May 19, 2008 5:33 pm

I have also been very iritated at the way the DME bills each part. I finally bought my own and cut the DME off.

I am now being forced to buy Medicare Part B because my insurance will no longer be my primary insurer. So if I have to use insurance again it will be the same old frustration.

Oh Well I guess that is life in America with our wonderful medical system.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon May 19, 2008 6:55 pm

This is the way brick and mortar dmes work. You aren't going to change it.

Check that you are really getting a monetary benefit from using your insurance. Don't forget the milage and $4/gal gasoline.

If you are then you stomach what goes on.

If not say goodbye and buy stuff online.

Some here even have been successful at getting benefits from insurance companies paid to them. I have not but it has happened.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:27 pm

My insurance - so far - has reimbursed me at about 80% for all the purchaes I make on cpap.com. I then turn around and submit that portion to my FSA and get "reimbursed" from my own funds for that portion.

So, I SAY I'm getting 100% reimbursement, but really I'm not.

Cheers,
B.