I have to stick up for my DME

Sleepless in St. Louis · Post by **Sleepless in St. Louis** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:39 am

I feel that I need to put in a good word for my DME since we hear so much of the opposite. Mine has done everything that has been asked of them without fuss etc. There name is Medical West here in St. Louis. They gave me the exact machine the sleep lab ordered, brand new with humidifier and everything. They sat me down and made sure I knew how the machine worked. They took all the time I needed and answered all of my questions. The rental agreement is steeper than it needs to be, knowing what I know about CPAP costs, but I'm sure they are working within the guidelines of my insurance carrier, United Healthcare. When ordering supplies, I've gotten mine within 2 days via UPS, with everything correct. Their prices are close to reasonable for consumables relative to what I've seen on-line. I've gotten several calls from them to see if I'm having problems and to inquire about my compliance (I know there may be a financial reason for that question). They even threw in for free a piece from my Swift that I accidently cracked. They just said we have some of the "swivels" around, we'll just put into into the box, no charge.

They seem to care and follow up when they should. So, even though we are all hard on the DME, I feel like mine is doing the job they are getting paid to do. My equiqment has worked fine for me so I've never had to ask them for anything other than what my doctor prescribed, do I can't vouch for that kind of situation, but in general, pretty good people to work with.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:45 pm

I think that is great. Great for you and great for them.

Now, if this sort of disease could be contagious and spread through the rest of the DME Community infecting them with an overwhelming desire to give good service and follow-up at a fair price. What a plague that would be!

David

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:57 pm

there's a sucker in every crowd.

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:22 pm

LOL! I had good results with my DME too.

Sleepless in St. Louis · Post by **Sleepless in St. Louis** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:33 pm

there's a sucker in every crowd.

Oh goodie, give me the orange flavor. Or if you don't have that, how about cherry?

Not sure who the brave guest is calling a sucker, but I can say that my DME is doing okay for me in a generally flawed system. Not sure what else you could ask for, working within the current medical environment? Tell me guest, since you imply by your comment that you know more than anybody else?

CRMW · Post by **CRMW** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:38 pm

I have another vote for an excellent DME, the prices are higher than CPAP.COM, but the additional service was worth the money to me as a first time user. However, I suspect that my next machine will come from CPAP.COM as did my extra mask & software.

ladytonya · Post by **ladytonya** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:28 pm

*raises hand* My DME has been good, too. They gave me the prescribed machine, including a heated humidifier. Unfortunately, I hadn't found this site before getting my S8 Escape so I didn't know about all the features that you can get on these machines.

I have gotten several phone calls from my DME asking if I need anything and how things are going. They offer a CPAP clinic once a week for people using CPAP to come together and share experiences and to check equipment and try out new masks, etc. Other than the usual overcharging, they are actually quite good!

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 5:30 pm

mine's also purty good, they gave me exactly what the sleep doc ordered made sure i knew how to use it and even gave me a brand new comfortgel nasal mask free of charge almost 3 weeks after i started on my machine, no complaint here, of course their prices are higher than what you find online but considering their service i think it's money well spent.

jrgood27 · Post by **jrgood27** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:02 am

So far so good with my DME.

They gave me a brand new Resmed S8 Vantage with heated humidifier and sent an RT to my house to show me how to use it. My RT had a personable and caring attitude and when and I called yesterday with questions she returned my call by the end of the day with suggestions and urged me to keep in touch and let her know how it's going.

My insurance has been covering everything too. So I feel very fortunate. Now if I could only use the damn thing! : ) Jenny

Guest12 · Post by **Guest12** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 4:52 pm

My first DME company was awful and they never did anything. Since I have switched to a mail order company called tibro medical. They have been great. I had to pay 200.00$ every time I received anything (1 per year). Tibro found my correct schedule and waived the cost. I think to many people on this site have nothing better to do than complain about something. I think its great that there are some good posts out there.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:20 pm

Guest12 wrote:.........I think to many people on this site have nothing better to do than complain about something. I think i know too much..........

i think they should stop allowing people to post hiding behind "guest". if you wanna complain about other people on this forum doing this or that you should have to at least register so everybody knows who is who, and that you're not just a lurking troll here to stir up the shizz.

Guardian · Post by **Guardian** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:35 pm

I'll have to agree with Sleepless in St Louis about Medical West. I use them too.
They told me they would do everything they could to see that my sister had everything she needed. They're ordering her a new mask. The sleep lab recommended them. I hope it stays this way.
BTW the doc said Apria was the last place he'd recommend, but it sounds like you guys already know that.
Tom

I have to stick up for my DME

I have to stick up for my DME

me too