Apria sending generic supplies

[artpenjr]

I have insurance through CIGNA, and they use Apria as their CPAP supplier.

Recently I received new filters for my ResMed S8 Autoset II, and instead of the ResMed OEM filters they usually sent, Apria instead sent cheap AG Industries generic non-hypoallergenic filters. I called and requested the original Resmed filters, and Apria admitted they sent the wrong ones and promised to reship the order. When I received the replacements, they were more AG Industries filters, this time with a thick hypo shield twice the width of the original ResMed filters. I tried these cheap generics, and my ResMed S8 Autoset made a loud sucking sound trying to pull air through the filter.... it was at least twice as loud as it is normally.

Aside from the obvious strain on the motor the filter caused, I wonder if the operating pressure at the mask might be affected? Also, I use this ResMed brand cpap gear because of it's quiet operation!

I once again called Apria, and they admitted problems with the hypo-filters (why did they send them then?) and said AG Industries was making a better generic filter that more closely matched the Resmed filters, and I would be "put on the list" to get them when available. I would like to get the genuine ResMed filters, especially because Apria is charging Cigna the same price for the genuine vs. generic supplies!

Is anyone else having problems with Apria sending cheap generic supplies??

[Julie]

Can you not afford to just buy your own filters (changing Apria seems like a lost cause from all I've heard)?

[lovecollies]

Filters are very reasonalbe on eBay. I paid $16 total for 14 filters.

[midnightdweary]

I got a call from a DME at Apria today. (he was not from the local office, but the district)
He asked me how my therapy was coming and if I was still in compliance. I said yes.
He asked me if I was using my machine every night and I also said yes. (I'm not sure what the difference is)

Then I asked about an order for new filters that I had made at the local office.
He said he would check on the order and see where the holdup is. (its been about 3 weeks now)
Remember that when I first started on cpap, it took me 6 weeks for them to get me my Autoset II.

I'm not sure what all this is about. I was surprised at the call, since I'm on Medicare.
Maybe they are trying to become more efficient (after the big speech last night).

Cheers,
Jay

[LSAT]

I know there have been many complaints about Apria. I also am not completely happy with their RT, but I have to say that whenever I order from them, I have the supplies the next day and they are always the brand names...not genarics. I have had occasions where they send the wrong item, but, again they replace it within a day or 2.

[janp]

I got a call from a DME at Apria today. (he was not from the local office, but the district)
He asked me how my therapy was coming and if I was still in compliance. I said yes.
He asked me if I was using my machine every night and I also said yes. (I'm not sure what the difference is)

Then I asked about an order for new filters that I had made at the local office.
He said he would check on the order and see where the holdup is. (its been about 3 weeks now)
Remember that when I first started on cpap, it took me 6 weeks for them to get me my Autoset II.

I'm not sure what all this is about. I was surprised at the call, since I'm on Medicare.
Maybe they are trying to become more efficient (after the big speech last night).

Cheers,
Jay

Jay,

You really don't have to put up with Apria's attitude and poor support.

You indicate that you're on Medicare ... so am I ... I dumped Apria months ago for a supportive DME.

You can change your DME.

Mine calls every month on the consumables. I don't have to remember to call them or to look up which items I'm allowed for that month.

If your machine is less than 13 months old ... they would still be responsible for the machine (it would still be under lease).

Jan

[artpenjr]

Can you not afford to just buy your own filters (changing Apria seems like a lost cause from all I've heard)?

Hi Julie,

Yes, fortunately I can still afford to buy my own filters, and can afford the two hundred plus dollars a month I have to contribute to my health insurance premium on top of the ten thousand plus dollars per year my company pays toward my premiums.

It just burns my arse to shell out the kind of money I am already for my insurance coverage, and be sent a defective generic item for the same price as the insurance covered manufacturers original I requested!

I have seen this crap before, and it usually is only the beginning. More profit for Apria, and higher costs for Cigna which are passed along to you and me.

Well, I am going to try and beat Apria at its own game. I am going to order the genuine ResMed filters from another supplier, and ask them to bill Cigna directly. If Cigna pays, then I will know I can start getting all my supplies from the other company, and will let everyone here on the board know. If Cigna doesn't pay, then I will be out only the costs of the filters, but at least my ResMed S8 Autoset II won't sound like a broken vacuum cleaner with a full bag!