Apria sucks, any GOOD DME in CT?

sleepingBear · Post by **sleepingBear** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:03 am

Let me begin by saying Apria Sucks.

First they send the wrong machine and no mask, but they did call to see how it was going. I guess they expected me to stick the hose in my mouth or something. Then they lost my script. Then after getting the correct machine and correct mask (a month later) they send the wrong filters. for 2 month's I've tried to get the correct filters, they just keep sending the wrong ones.

Does anyone know a good or decent DME in CT, in particular I need one that CIGNA works with.

I called CIGNA for a list, because they now say we don't have to use Apria, I called all the DME's they gave me and the only one that they listed that actually has CPAP equipment was Apria (go figure).

I'm going to try calling CIGNA again, perhaps I'll get a rep that has half a clue this time. In the mean time does anyone here have CIGNA and a decent DME?

I don't care about RT's coming to my house, I have a mask and APAP that work great, all I need is someone to send me replacements when I need them without the hassle, run around and incompetence of Apria and send the bill to CIGNA.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Keith

ejdischer · Post by **ejdischer** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:13 am

Hey Keith. I live in Cromwell, CT and I have to use Apria as well. I hate them. Cigna blows as well. I travel a lot for work so I wanted the smallest machine possible. Initially they gave me the wrong machine and told me the mask I wanted (Hybrid) was special order and would take two weeks. So I tell them to make sure they order the mask while waiting on the new machine. Machine comes in. Mask not ordered. Another week goes by and I finally have my stuff.

I wanted to get a different mask, and they told me they can get any Respironics or F&P mask. However, the Opus and Optilife are not available. Basically I've settled on buying my masks from Cpap.com(although I did just get an Opti from Ebay), and I get my filters from Apria. I have a $400 deductible and I rarely if ever go to the doctor or need medication. So rather than put money towards the dedcutible for a mask I don't wan, I just go through the web.

Sorry to ramble on, but I figured you'd want to know that there are other people in CT with the same issues.

blowfish · Post by **blowfish** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:37 am

Garyw · Post by **Garyw** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:02 pm

Have you tried Lincare They have always treated me ok.

Gary

sleepingBear · Post by **sleepingBear** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:43 am

Ej, misery loves company my cigna coverage is good, i don't have a deductible, so I'd prefer to use the coverage instead of going online, at least until my ceiling is meet.

Mth, thanks, but i already checked and they are not in network for me.

Gary, Thanks, I'll give Lincare a call today.

bookwrm63 · Post by **bookwrm63** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:48 am

Bear,

I also use my local Lincare and I've been fine with them. Not everyone has had the same luck with them though. Then again, some have had good luck with Apria. lol..It's all relative I guess. Alot of people have reported good success with a smaller "mom and pop" type DME. Do you have any of those in your area that are on your list?

Good luck!

Mary

_________________

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

sleepingBear · Post by **sleepingBear** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:21 am

Here is the funny part,

I called Cigna, and they confirmed that i don't have to use Apria (this is great)

But I do have to use a DME they are contracted with (they don't contract with any online companies) So I ask for a list of DME's I can us in my area.

They list off 6, I call each one of them. Of course none of the ones they gave me carry CPAP's.

So I call back again and ask if I can use Lincare. They say yes they are contracted under my plan.

I call Lincare and they say they are not contracted with Cigna, but will check again.

Anyone have the number of a Lincare office that knows that they can bill Cigna? I'd like to call them

It's a 3 ring circus.

All I want is a company to mail me the correct parts and bill Cigna, seems easy enough, but what a PITA.

I found a long list of DME's on Cigna's website, so I guess I'll just start at the top and start calling until I find one that has CPAP's and knows they can bill Cigna.

Thanks for the suggestions.

sleepingBear · Post by **sleepingBear** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:23 pm

20 calls later and I've been given 2 answers.

1) We don't carry CPAP
2) We don't contract with CIGNA.

What a pain.

johnpaul · Post by **johnpaul** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:09 pm

I used PromptCare, Kevin LeKites out of RI. He bent over backwards to get me what I needed. The first mask didnt work out, called him, he delivered a new one the same day. When I told him I wanted to buy an APAP machine with data, he took my rental back and charged me only for the 12 days I used it. Very honest and professional. Becuse I bought my machine, I don't really do any thing with him anymore.

_________________

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

Garyw · Post by **Garyw** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:50 pm

I think they are located in Waterbury

Gail at Helath Complex 1-888-575-7778 Not sure if they take Cigna I know they honor Heathnet and Blue cross Hey worth a shot.

Gary

sleepingBear · Post by **sleepingBear** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:07 am

Gary and Johnpaul,

Thank you for the recommendations, I'll call to day to see if they take Cigna.

Keith

Apria sucks, any GOOD DME in CT?

Apria sucks, any GOOD DME in CT?

CT too

Try This one

Mask

Additional Comments: Machine used is actually a Malibu, with Heated Humidifier

Mask

Additional Comments: I love my ComfortSleeve and my Pad-A-Cheeks! See www.ComfortSleeve.com and www.padacheek.com