"Need new DME in Smyrna GA -- suggestions?"

[Admiral_Schmidlap]

Hi,
It has been quite a while since I have posted here but I was hoping to get some advice/help. I have had a falling out with my Sleep Apnea Doctor because I do not feel he has been listening to my issues concerning the amount of sleep I am getting. My Sleep Doctors office was also my DME provider. I am moving to a different state in two months so I was going to have to get a new Doctor regardless but I am not sure what to do about my CPAP machine. When the machine was given to me I was told I had a monthly payment of just over $50.00 for 10 months, then after that I would own the machine out right. I will be honest I do not really understand the whole point of a rental period but I guess it is to make sure that patient is actually going to use the machine. I still have 3 or 4 monthly payments left and then I guess the machine is mine. I have 2 months before I move however and will need some new nasal pillows at some point. I have sent the Doctor's office 2 letters requesting a new DME but have not heard back from them. I do not know if they actually have any responsibility in ensuring that I have a new DME so I was wondering if anyone here has had a similar situation and what they did.



Thanks

[zoocrewphoto]

You can finish off the cpap purchase through your current DME and simply get a new DME for the supply purchases. You don't have to buy both at the same place. Just keep doing the regular payments for the cpap machine. If they ask if you need new supplies, tell them you are fine.

On your own, look for a new DME and start buying your supplies there. The old one doesn't have to help you find a new one. Your doctor doesn't need to either., And if you don't like him anyway, his advice for a new place may not be useful anyway.

[caffeinatedcfo]

Use the "Local Services" feature at the top of this site. I do not get supplies through DME as mine is over-priced and unethical.

[RandyJ]

As zoocrewphoto says, you can make your last 2 payments through current DME - just make sure they have your new mailing address so they can bill you.

As for a new DME, your insurance company's website might be able to indicate someone in your area they already deal with, or you could make a request here, telling folks what city and state you are located in - maybe a member here could point you toward a new DME.

[Tino2You]

[quote="RandyJ" maybe a member here could point you toward a new DME.[/quote]

This is by far the best way to find a DME. Nothing like a personal reference to clear away the chaff.
-tino

[Admiral_Schmidlap]

Hi All,
Thanks so much for the advice so far. I should have included my new address in my original post! I am moving to Smyrna, Ga.


Thanks

[RandyJ]

Hi All,
Thanks so much for the advice so far. I should have included my new address in my original post! I am moving to Smyrna, Ga.


Thanks

Suggestion: Go to your first post in this thread and change subject line to something like "Need new DME in Smyrna GA -- suggestions?" and see what you get....

[amos]

Welcome South, Brother! Sorry I can't help you. I am still trying figure out this new change in Medicare and which DME will serve me.

amos

[Papit]

Hi All,
Thanks so much for the advice so far. I should have included my new address in my original post! I am moving to Smyrna, Ga.
Thanks

Admiral, In addition to checking out Smyrna I would drive the 15-20 miles to Atlanta where you should have multiple choices of sleep centers. My experience is that it is SO important that you find a top notch sleep doc. An average or typical sleep doc is not adequate imho. I'm not sure how valuable it is, but once you have a few doctors' names, you can check their online posted patients reviews, however they may be sketchy or nonexistent. I went the more time consuming route and made a few initial consultation appointments to help me "gauge" them and my compatibility with them. Even after that, I had issues with what I thought was a best choice after the initial cpap study was done a month ago re. my centrals. So I took the report to my second choice who turned out to be amazing. He had me ASV tested quickly, then an ASV Titration a few days later and an ASV with my new prescription in my hands the NEXT day. Results? See my recent thread, "0.0," which is not a daily occurrence but so good to see.
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