Good DME provider in NYC area?

[nap_guy]

Hi All,

It's time for me to get a new mask, and my current DME is just *so* annoying--they must be the most disorganized people in the world. Even though my insurance is paying, I cringe at the thought of giving them more business.
I've read so many negative postings about DMEs here that I'm discouraged, but just in case, it's always worth asking:

Would anyone know a decent DME?

Not asking for anything spectacular, really. Just a company that takes your calls instead of routinely sending you to voicemail (and never replying).
I live in NYC, but I guess I could order over the phone and get my stuff shipped from anywhere.
Thanks!


-Martin

[jnk]

Bought my last mask from cpap.com, the gracious hosts of this forum. Good experience for me.

You may want to check to see if your insurance will reimburse you if you buy from cpap.com. But I just paid out of pocket, myself, for the sheer joy of avoiding the not-to-be-named brain-damaged crew that calls itself a DME across the border from Brooklyn over in Queens.

[nap_guy]

Hey, thanks for your reply. Just checked with my insurance, and they would not reimburse me for out-of-network services.
Funny, we might be talking about the same DME guys. Calling them brainless would actually be a compliment. Jeez...
Again, thanks.

[Snoredog]

maybe you should broaden your search? Like any good DME's east of the Mississippi

[jnk]

Your insurance company may be able to give you a list of who is in-network.

If you are up for a mask, you may be able to do your research on cpap.com and then tell the DME exactly what mask you want, what size, etc, and let them know you won't sign for anything else.

I must say, though, that I consider the 129 bucks spent at cpap.com to be a bargain, considering the peace of mind I got from having the right mask delivered to my door by mail without having to see, hear, or otherwise deal with anyone at the DME.

Hope it goes well.

[jnk]

Snoredog,

I wonder if your buddy, thedean, will price-match? Oh, I crack myself up.

jnk

[nap_guy]

Thanks, jnk.

Yeah, I did call my insurance company--all they could do was walk me through their site to find a DME provider, the problem being that they can't break it down by what they specifically sell. I have a 400+ list now, including everything that's considered DME
I don't mean to be a whiner, but I can't help thinking that I'm actually paying a lot of money to all these guys.

I did do my research on cpap.com and found exactly what I want, including the right size for me (in the process, I realized that I had been given a wrong size when I started my therapy 6 months ago).
Now my job is to get these clowns to either take or return my calls, and cross my fingers so they send what I asked for, when and if I'm finally able to place my order.

I would pay for it myself and avoid all this hassle, but I need to get a new machine (one that reports useful data, not just compliance). As I read so many times here, when you get started on cpap you're most likely clueless and yes, I got stuck with a good but basic machine. It looks like my insurance will only pay for a new one in 5 years, so I'm trying to get my them to at least pay for something.

Thanks for the good wishes.

[gregnga]

It's an oxymoron

[jnk]

It's an oxymoron

Definitely. In fact, doubly so. First problematic word is "good." Second problematic word is "provider."