Heard of these DMEs? Gilbraltar Healthcare, EDC Medical?

[John Chowder]

Hi all, I'm having some problems getting a BiPAP from Lincare. My sleep doc faxed them my prescription last Tuesday but they still said it might take up to six weeks before I receive my machine. It's already been 8 days so in the meantime I've acquired a list of in-network local DME's from Aetna to check out.

Has anyone heard anything about the DMEs listed below? They're all in Southern California. Any info you have would be greatly appreciated!

Gilbraltar Healthcare Supplies (Calabasas)
EDC Medical Supply (Thousand Oaks)
Avasco Medical Supply (Thousand Oaks)

I'll be calling them over the next few days. I was just curious to see if others have dealt with them, and what their experience was like.

Thanks for your help! I'm dying to start my therapy, I already received my Hose Buddy and have it set up ready to go
Johnny

[Wulfman...]

Hi all, I'm having some problems getting a BiPAP from Lincare. My sleep doc faxed them my prescription last Tuesday but they still said it might take up to six weeks before I receive my machine. It's already been 8 days so in the meantime I've acquired a list of in-network local DME's from Aetna to check out.

Has anyone heard anything about the DMEs listed below? They're all in Southern California. Any info you have would be greatly appreciated!

Gilbraltar Healthcare Supplies (Calabasas)
EDC Medical Supply (Thousand Oaks)
Avasco Medical Supply (Thousand Oaks)

I'll be calling them over the next few days. I was just curious to see if others have dealt with them, and what their experience was like.

Thanks for your help! I'm dying to start my therapy, I already received my Hose Buddy and have it set up ready to go
Johnny

The part that I bolded would bother me. Did the doctor also hand you the original/copy of the prescription? If not, you NEED to get it. Too many doctors have had cozy relationships with DME shops and that constitutes a conflict of interest. It's a little unlikely that the doctor may have a cozy relationship with Lincare (or Apria), but in any case the doctor should be giving the prescription directly to the patient.

The time they're telling you also sounds problematic. Shouldn't take that long.

But, I personally have no knowledge about those ones you listed.......but, you should be able to look them up in the Internet and through the Better Business Bureau as to their reputations and customer satisfaction/complaints.
If they're in-network, they should be able to tell you how long it will take to get the proper machine. Many times, the smaller shops do a better job of customer service.


Den

.

[StuUnderPressure]

Also, if you DO change DMEs, inform Lincare of that or else they may continue processing the transaction with Aetna which will interfere with the new DME processing their transaction with Aetna.

[John Chowder]

Yes, thanks to this forum I made sure to get a copy of my prescription and both sleep studies.

Just a quick update... I called Gilbraltar and they were unwilling to allow mask exchanges so I called Avasco and so far they've been more helpful. They're currently finding out if they'll be able to get a PRS1 Auto BiPap for me. I'll report back.

[John Chowder]

Hi all,

Avasco was able to get a Series 60 Auto BiPAP, and I picked it up today. Tonight will be my first night of therapy. Many thanks to everyone on this forum who provided such fantastic advice. I am looking forward to finally getting some quality sleep!