DME says special order masks will be expensive

[jmaziarz]

I have my 6-month mask replacement coming up next Thursday. I asked the RT about trying out the AEIOMed Headrest or the Respironics ComfortLite 2. He said they didn't stock either of those two masks but he could order them. Then he said, "special order masks will be very expensive".

I asked him what that meant and who would pick up the cost (I have really good insurance when it comes to this). He said, "uh, well, I'll have to get back to you later."

What is he talking about? Do DME's really charge a lot more for masks they don't stock?

[Wulfman]

I have my 6-month mask replacement coming up next Thursday. I asked the RT about trying out the AEIOMed Headrest or the Respironics ComfortLite 2. He said they didn't stock either of those two masks but he could order them. Then he said, "special order masks will be very expensive".

I asked him what that meant and who would pick up the cost (I have really good insurance when it comes to this). He said, "uh, well, I'll have to get back to you later."

What is he talking about? Do DME's really charge a lot more for masks they don't stock?

You ain't seen nothin' yet!
Not only that, but they charge for all the pieces and parts that make up the masks (that you can buy "complete" online). There are (somewhat) standard prices that insurance entities pay for this stuff......and the DMEs push it to the limit if they can. I've seen people report $400 or more for a mask that costs less than $100 online. And, then there are the $50 - $60 hoses that cost about $10 online. Bottom line is......SOMEBODY will pay extra for a special-order mask.

* A7034 is CPAP nasal mask, including all nasal masks, Nasal Aire, Breeze, Spiritus.
* A7032 is CPAP nasal mask cushion.
* A7030 is CPAP Full Face mask.
* A7031 is CPAP Full Face mask cushion.
* A7044 is CPAP Full Oral Interface.
* A7035 is CPAP headgear.
* A7033 is CPAP nasal pillows.

* A7037 is CPAP tubing, long and short hoses.

Den

[xyz]

You haven't given us enough information.

Who is the DME?
What -- exactly -- does your insurance cover for DME?
That ranges from no cost for some, to co-pays for others, to a percentage for others.
Are you allowed to go to any DME? Some are, some aren't.
Details matter.

[DreamStalker]

I have my 6-month mask replacement coming up next Thursday. I asked the RT about trying out the AEIOMed Headrest or the Respironics ComfortLite 2. He said they didn't stock either of those two masks but he could order them. Then he said, "special order masks will be very expensive".

I asked him what that meant and who would pick up the cost (I have really good insurance when it comes to this). He said, "uh, well, I'll have to get back to you later."

What is he talking about? Do DME's really charge a lot more for masks they don't stock?

DMEs charge a lot more regardless of what they stock or don't stock ... you will eventually learn that ditching them sooner rather than later is best for both your health and pocketbook.

[Guest]

DreamStalker - you're so full of _________________

[jmaziarz]

I just called my insurance company and got the information...

Who is the DME?

Vanguard Home Medical Equipment

What -- exactly -- does your insurance cover for DME?

According the the insurance rep. there is no specific limitations on what is covered. I have $2,500/year allowance.

Are you allowed to go to any DME?

Yes. The insurance rep. gave me information on another DME in my area. Absolute Respiratory Care in Johnston, Rhode Island. She said, "If the first DME doesn't give you good service or what you are looking for, call us first and then go to another DME. You are not bound in any way to stay with any single DME no matter what they may tell you."

[carbonman]

DreamStalker - you're so full of _sound advise________________

[LoQ]

Hee!

[Guest]

Not sure if they paid more for it but my Specially Ordered Headrest came in yesterday. The short story is I been waiting since June 30th.

Yea that IS special.

I'm just glad I wasn't holding my breath - or they don't do medical emergencies.