Need a new DME provider, what do I need to get one

[Jerseyguy]

So, I've been on CPAP for like 2 years (I was on it for a couple of months 3 years ago but stopped) without much success with keeping my mask on. I've tried a couple of different masks, I put waterproof tape to tape the straps to my face (worked for like a week) but no dice about 1/2 of my days are below 4+ hours. I don't have the time right now to post the graphs so lets not really get into that (I'll post a different topic soon). But my DME is saying I can't exchange my mask because I've exchanged it before like a year ago and they only allow 1 lifetime exchange, so I need another provider. My issues are that I got a sleep test like 3 years ago from a doctor that I don't see anymore, I didn't meet the minimum use for my insurance company, so when my orginal DME said I would have to pay for the rental, I gave them the machine back and didn't try again for a year after I got spooked about not getting treatment and rushed to the first doc that had an appointment (ENT). So I have a copy of a 3 year old sleep test and I don't have a copy of my prescription. What can I do to switch DMEs??? I also plan on getting a new doc, I didn't care for the ENT and he seemed like he was just going thru the steps.

[LSAT]

Contact your insurance and see which DMEs are in their network. Many DMEs will allow a mask exchange within 30 days...but a year????

[Jerseyguy]

No I didn't want to exchange the mask I had for a year, I had it like 28-29 days and they said because I had done a exchange 1 year ago I couldn't. They only do 1 exchange per customer period doesn't matter how long ago your 1 exchange was.

[Janknitz]

No I didn't want to exchange the mask I had for a year, I had it like 28-29 days and they said because I had done a exchange 1 year ago I couldn't. They only do 1 exchange per customer period doesn't matter how long ago your 1 exchange was.

That's baloney. Manufacturers allow exchanges up to 30 days. Your DME didn't want to do the paperwork to get credit for replacing it. So if you can find a DME with a better exchange policy it's a good thing.

[TropicalDiver]

Four steps.

a) Contact your insurer to find what DMEs are in network.
b) Call each potential DME -- ask about mask return policy, what brands they carry or will order, and anything else you care about.
c) Select one. Get the ENT doc to fax over your script. Sleep study doesn't matter to the DME -- they need the script.
d) Notify your current DME you are ending your relationship. Make sure you cancel auto-anythings.

QED.

[babydinosnoreless]

Four steps.

a) Contact your insurer to find what DMEs are in network.
b) Call each potential DME -- ask about mask return policy, what brands they carry or will order, and anything else you care about.
c) Select one. Get the ENT doc to fax over your script. Sleep study doesn't matter to the DME -- they need the script.
d) Notify your current DME you are ending your relationship. Make sure you cancel auto-anythings.

QED.

In Arizona a dme will not touch you without a sleep study. Even if you have a prescription, they will not fill without a copy of your original sleep study also. I was told this by 3 different DME's when I was looking to switch.

[zonker]

Four steps.

a) Contact your insurer to find what DMEs are in network.
b) Call each potential DME -- ask about mask return policy, what brands they carry or will order, and anything else you care about.
c) Select one. Get the ENT doc to fax over your script. Sleep study doesn't matter to the DME -- they need the script.
d) Notify your current DME you are ending your relationship. Make sure you cancel auto-anythings.

QED.

In Arizona a dme will not touch you without a sleep study. Even if you have a prescription, they will not fill without a copy of your original sleep study also. I was told this by 3 different DME's when I was looking to switch.

yet another reason for me to leave arizona!


to the OP: sorry to disrupt your thread, i just couldn't resist.

carry on.

[D.H.]

Method 1: Call your insurer and ask who takes your plan.
Method 2: Find a DME yourself on the internet, check their ratings and reviews, and call them to see if they take your insurance.

[babydinosnoreless]

Four steps.

a) Contact your insurer to find what DMEs are in network.
b) Call each potential DME -- ask about mask return policy, what brands they carry or will order, and anything else you care about.
c) Select one. Get the ENT doc to fax over your script. Sleep study doesn't matter to the DME -- they need the script.
d) Notify your current DME you are ending your relationship. Make sure you cancel auto-anythings.

QED.

In Arizona a dme will not touch you without a sleep study. Even if you have a prescription, they will not fill without a copy of your original sleep study also. I was told this by 3 different DME's when I was looking to switch.

yet another reason for me to leave arizona!


to the OP: sorry to disrupt your thread, i just couldn't resist.

carry on.

not me I've lived other places and am so glad to be home. As Dorothy said "there is no place like home"