Administrivia

[Quirky]

And... there are some administrivia matters.

I have a rental-eventual purchase agreement with a DME, and I have still not received a copy of it. In my initial (and only) session there, I asked the RT if I would be given a copy of everything I was signing so hurriedly with little time to read, was told yes, got home and didn't have it, immediately wrote a polite letter asking for it (and mentioning some other issues), and just asked a third time when I was contacted Friday by phone about taking my smart card in to have my compliance checked - we'll see. QUESTION: Isn’t there some law or regulation about being given a copy of the rental-purchase agreement by a DME? (The RT gave me good basic instruction on the machine, but incorrect information on compliance with Medicare regs, and there were other issues I won’t get into now.)

My other question is about the sleep lab. I was told I must name where I would be getting supplies, that I could not just be given a prescription to use whereever I wished. I was told that some DME providers in this very rural area substitute cheaper items than what the supervising MD/pulmonologist wants used. I asked about the sole provider in this small town (there are others in neighboring small towns) and was told the provider here gave the correct equipment, so opted for that, as I had to decide on the spot, after the trial night. QUESTIONS: Has anyone else had this experience? Should I not be able to use a prescription wherever I wish?

[Goofproof]

If you are using your money, you can spend it whereever you wish. When signing a contract you have 72 hours to back out. You need a APAP machine that provides full data so your treatment can be better monitored, using software that can be aquired later. A APAP machine can be set to CPAP mode if needed. Both machines are the same for medicare purchace. if you are buying out of pocket, online is a cheaper way to go, renting is the most costly, as always. jim

[M.D.Hosehead]

I could not just be given a prescription to use whereever I wished.

Totally wrong. Just as you can take a prescription for a medication to the pharmacy of your choice, you can take a prescription for durable medical equipment to any licensed vendor. An attempt to force you to use a particular provider is illegal. You could notify the Medicare hotline (800-633-4227). If necessary, let the lab know you understand the rules.

You are entitled to a written prescription from the doctor; insist on it. You will need it if you decide to purchase any CPAP equipment online.

I was told that some DME providers in this very rural area substitute cheaper items than what the supervising MD/pulmonologist wants used.

That does happen; be on guard.

[LinkC]

Yes, you should be offered a copy of everything you sign. If you fail to take it, I'm not sure what their legal responsibility is. I wouldn't think they would get into a peeing contest with a new customer, but...

As to your 'script, the DME provider must keep it on file as long as it is valid. They are required to give you a COPY of it if you request it in writing (mention HIPAA when you ask). IF your prescribing doc kept a copy in his file, you can get a copy that way, too. Where drugs are involved, a COPY of a 'script is not valid...however, most all DMEs accept copies for xPAP.

I recently got a copy from my DME because I'm traveling to Europe and want to have one with me. There was no problem.

Speak calmly, firmly and ask for exactly what you need. And know what you are talking about, of course...

[RestLessLass]

I didn't exactly fail to take the script from the DME - I was supposedly given a copy of everything, per my verbal request.
I wrote and mailed a letter the next day, specifically stating that and asking for a copy again. I also made sure to mention that I was not given time to read the HIPAA statement, yet signed another statement saying I had. Ya, I know, I should have insisted. The RT was quite forceful and rushing, and as is apparent, I wasn't assertive.

I have Medicare and private insurance.

The script I was given by the DME has "VOID" stamped all over it. Guess that means more being assertive, sigh.

[LinkC]

Hmmm... the "Void" thing is a new one! Legally, I don't know for sure one way or the other. But, as a "copy", it isn't really valid. Guess they are highlighting that point.

It sounds to me like they've been down this road before.

[M.D.Hosehead]

The script I was given by the DME has "VOID" stamped all over it. Guess that means more being assertive, sigh.

No, it means your DME is unethical.

A DME does not have authority to "void" a physician's prescription, any more than a pharmacist does. You could contend with them, threaten to report them, etc.

The easier route is to obtain a copy of your prescription from your doctor. And then "void" your relationship with this particular DME; return the equipment to them and start over with an ethical outfit. I'm speaking from my own experience; that's what I had to do.

[RestLessLass]

"Down this road before" - meaning they want to limit purchase options to themselves?

So... I need to start over, right? First, get an Rx from a dr and get another setup, then return this machine?

[LinkC]

An attempt to force you to use a particular provider is illegal.

You are entitled to a written prescription from the doctor

Could you lead me to a source for those? I've heard both before, but never been able to verify either one. I know that rarely do you get a "hard copy" of a 'script these days. Most often they are sent electronically. I'd love to see a legal requirement for that!

I'm thinking maybe it varies by state? Thanks!

[LinkC]

Yes, exactly! Many times a sleep doc has a financial interest in the DME and steers you that way. As you see above, I've HEARD that's illegal, but never been able to verify that.

I would see what agreement you signed with this DME before getting another machine elsewhere. You MAY well be stuck with what you have, unfortunately. It all depends on the contract. And what your insurance will do. Getting out of it could be very expensive.

You MAY end up holding your nose and dealing with them until you are eligible for a new machine.

[RestLessLass]

Thanks. You can be sure I'll be checking that agreement that he gave me so little time to read and took back so quickly. (I could have been reading the 20 minutes I was twiddling my thumbs with the mask on and nothing else to do, but he produced none of the documents that needed signing until the very end, when he had another client waiting). To Do: get that agreement and a usable prescription, and while I'm at it, a copy of my sleep study.

[LinkC]

Yes! Sleep study, too. Ah Grasshopper, you have learned well!

There is a "summary" study and a "full" one. Summaries are about 3 pages. Full includes all the charts, EEG, etc. About 20 pages, give or take. A Summary is fine if they balk at the "full".
Good luck!!!

[Hose_Head]

The script I was given by the DME has "VOID" stamped all over it. Guess that means more being assertive, sigh.

Simple response to this one. Pay them with a check, with "VOID" stamped all over it. That will get their attention.

[Wulfman...]

Most prescription documents (these days) will show "VOID" all over them when copied in a copier......because they're embedded in the original paper to prevent them from being copied. It helps to have the "original" prescription and then scan it. That way, it won't show the "VOID".

It also sounds like you MIGHT be dealing with a DME that's less then honest.......which is pretty common. If the original prescription was faxed to the DME, see if you can get an original from the doctor. You have rights to these documents.


Den

[Pugsy]

Most prescription documents (these days) will show "VOID" all over them when copied in a copier......because they're embedded in the original paper to prevent them from being copied. It helps to have the "original" prescription and then scan it. That way, it won't show the "VOID".

This is true. I have an original script from my doctor that doesn't show anything but when I copied it so that I could fax it to cpap.com the "VOID" did indeed show up. When I called to ask about it they told me that this was common and it wouldn't be a problem and they accepted it anyway.