Use Local Durable Medical Equipment Company Only

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 9:41 am

Hmmm-at the bottom of my CPAP script is a line that reads "*Use Local Durable Medical Equipment Company Only*"

I interpret that as an effort to shut out internet suppliers. It seems to be an end run around policies about doctors not recommending a specific provider. I don't know what insurance does with this. What I've ordered online was "spare" equipment that I paid for out of pocket and my insurance never saw the bill. It wouldn't fly with Medicare.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 9:52 am

Was it put on by the printer who made the form, or written on by the Doc?

If it was printed on, its probably a free script pad from ResMed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:09 am

It's not an end run around anything, it's just normal business practice for anyone. Usually all sorts of companies will preprint all manner of literature such as product brocures, informational pamphlets on various diseases and also prescription forms. Like any business that provides these materials to other sources they will also usually either print the name and number of the business on the form or some other statement in an effort to have the customer shop at that business.
Just like the 2 notepads I have here at my desk now - 1 is from a printing company and the other is from a construction company. Oh, and I also have a calendar that has 'Buy SNAP-ON Tools' on it too.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:11 am

insurance should be precluded from recommending ANY equipment or provider.

In California, it is illegal for automobile insurance company to recommend a repair facility.

The law should be changed and made the same for DME equipment, only then will we have some control over skyrocketing medical costs.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:14 am

Drink more Ovaltine.

Same principal. Now who can name that source?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:17 am

Anonymous wrote:Drink more Ovaltine.

Same principal. Now who can name that source?

Little Orphan Annie.

And she was not in the medical profession!

Also, Captain Midnight. (and he wasn't either)

Den

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:22 am

krousseau wrote:Hmmm-at the bottom of my CPAP script is a line that reads "*Use Local Durable Medical Equipment Company Only*"

. . . and how many folks would simply read this and think that it means the prescription is invalid for online orders?

. . . and, how many folks would be willing to disregard it, and order online anyway? Considering the weight some folks attach to anything from their physicians, I'd guess it's a large percentage.

Krousseau, you're no lightweight regarding medical matters. What did you think when you first read it? Did you interpret it to mean the script was no good for online orders?

Regards,
Bill

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:23 am

As far as my definition of local, any company in the U.S. that can provide my needs. Jim

pes423 · Post by **pes423** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:38 am

My insurance company will only pay to a DME, they will not pay me back or pay directly to an online company. Problem is, the deductible for DME ordered equipment was about the same as ordering outright from CPAP.COM, so I opted to just buy directly from them and not give the DME the money. I was shuffled to 5 different people when I asked the DME for the total cost, and finally they admitted--it would be $4700!!!!!! Whoa!!! I bought the machine, mask, longer hose, extra filters, and more assecories online from cpap.com for about $800!!!!!!!!!! So the insurance company LIKES getting ripped off, and raising our rates. There should be a law!!!!!!!!!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, cpap.com, DME

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:06 pm

I am a pessimest and questioner of all things, and I did a double take on that line on the script.

I started to wonder if it was good for on-line purchases. I think if it had been mine, I would have stared at it for a couple days then returned to the doc and asked for another prescription on a different pad.

BUT I can see how many people who are more trusing than I would take that as meaning not good at an online DME.

Very effective advertising in my opinion. Wrong but effective.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:11 pm

AND, I guess it depends on what the meaning of "local" is, too.
My telephone and computer are much closer than any of the "brick and mortar" DMEs around here. So, for ME, CPAP.COM was my "local" DME.

Den

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:35 pm

Maybe the Dr. just has your best interest at heart, he doesn't want you to have to drive out of state to have your pressure changed. Jim

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 2:15 pm

And since when is a huge national mega-corporation such as Apria, to randomly choose one "acceptable" DME, considered "local"?????????

I always thought "Local" meant something like the mom and pop grocery store or the bicycle shop that is owned my someone in the LOCAL town?

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:31 pm

NightHawkeye wrote:
krousseau wrote:Hmmm-at the bottom of my CPAP script is a line that reads "*Use Local Durable Medical Equipment Company Only*"
. . . and how many folks would simply read this and think that it means the prescription is invalid for online orders?

. . . and, how many folks would be willing to disregard it, and order online anyway? Considering the weight some folks attach to anything from their physicians, I'd guess it's a large percentage.

Excellent points, Bill! It sure does give the impression that it's a direct order from the physician to the patient. And does give the impression that the Rx would be invalid if a person even went to a DME in the next town, much less shopped on the internet.

Now, this was funny...

If it was printed on, its probably a free script pad from ResMed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 7:37 am

[quote="snork1"]And since when is a huge national mega-corporation such as Apria, to randomly choose one "acceptable" DME, considered "local"?????????

I always thought "Local" meant something like the mom and pop grocery store or the bicycle shop that is owned my someone in the LOCAL town?

Use Local Durable Medical Equipment Company Only