Fellow cpapper getting ripped off?

GoodnightHoser · Post by **GoodnightHoser** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:28 pm

I have a friend about as new to cpap as I am. Her medical supply company sends her a new hose and mask automatically every three months for which she pays out of pocket 200 dollars. They say since she is breathing through this equipment it needs to be "clean". Is she getting ripped off? My medical supply company doesn't do this to me. As a matter of fact they've never said anything about how often I should replace my supplies.

goose · Post by **goose** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:42 pm

If she's paying out of pocket I would say she's getting ripped off!!! If the insurance company was paying for "supplies" every three months, that's a good deal......

Unless she needs a new mask every 3 months that's not a valid time frame. I've been using my ComfortGel for over a year and have only purchased one new silicone seal and blue shape thingie -- the old one is too large but still works well as long as it's cleaned every other day.
I've also been using a headrest mask since last August and have just now bought a new pillow interface (a XL rather than L)....
These masks work just fine and area easily cleaned. They can also be disinfected at will using Control III solution (available in concentrate from cpap.com). I disinfect my masks about twice a year. I clean them in vinegar, dish soap and water about every other day (ComfortGel), and my Headrest stuff about twice a week.....depending on how often I use them.

If I were her, I'd tell the DME to cease and desist from sending unrequested supplies unless they are going to bill an insurance company. If she has insurance, she needs to call them and inquire as to the frequency supplies are paid for and let the DME know not to send any "out of pocket" supplies.

Good luck!!!!
cheers
goose

wlo2008 · Post by **wlo2008** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:44 pm

Most insurance companies will only replace the mask every 6 months at the most. As long as you keep it cleaned and do not use harsh cleaners on it. And not to use lotions and vasaline at night on your face. Anything that is water based is fine. But I don't see why you would have to replace it so much.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:24 pm

I'm not sure how to interpret what all that $200 a month covers, but in my opinion, it's a HUGE rip-off.......even if they had insurance coverage.

Here's a link for a list of some hoses/prices:

https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... ose-tubing

I'm still using the very same mask and hose I started out with three years ago. I do have extras that I've purchased out of pocket, but at $200 a month ($2400 per year), your friend could buy multiple machines, masks, hoses, filters and whatever else to last for many, many years if they were to take that $2400 and buy the stuff out-of-pocket from an online supplier.

For the last several years, I've been amazed (dumbfounded is more like it) at how little research so many people put into the equipment that they're supposed to sleep with every night that's saving their lives as compared to their cell phones, TVs, video recorders, cameras, etc.

Stupid is as stupid does.

Den

wlo2008 · Post by **wlo2008** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:40 pm

[quote="Wulfman"]I'm not sure how to interpret what all that $200 a month covers, but in my opinion, it's a HUGE rip-off.......even if they had insurance coverage.

Here's a link for a list of some hoses/prices:

https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... ose-tubing

I'm still using the very same mask and hose I started out with three years ago. I do have extras that I've purchased out of pocket, but at $200 a month ($2400 per year), your friend could buy multiple machines, masks, hoses, filters and whatever else to last for many, many years if they were to take that $2400 and buy the stuff out-of-pocket from an online supplier.

For the last several years, I've been amazed (dumbfounded is more like it) at how little research so many people put into the equipment that they're supposed to sleep with every night that's saving their lives as compared to their cell phones, TVs, video recorders, cameras, etc.

Stupid is as stupid does.

Den

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:50 pm

wlo2008,

It's one of those contradictions on which I've commented a number of times in the past. It just blows my mind.

Another one that that's like fingernails on a chalkboard to me is when they say "My insurance pays for......."

Den

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:52 pm

I have been on this therapy 8 years and have NEVER had to purchase a replacement hose, I use the one that came with the machine or a heated hose.

DME is ripping your friend off.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:53 pm

Ab, but a DOCTOR didn't write a SCRIPT for that TV, VCR, etc.!! Ya gotta understand the psychology here. A DOCTOR "ordered" that CPAP stuff.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:01 pm

Slinky wrote:Ab, but a DOCTOR didn't write a SCRIPT for that TV, VCR, etc.!! Ya gotta understand the psychology here. A DOCTOR "ordered" that CPAP stuff.

That should be the most obvious reason to check things out. When it comes to doctors prescribing stuff, there are many reasons why people should do online research (especially when it comes to drugs) as to WHAT and WHY they're being prescribed and any possible adverse/side effects.

Den

wlo2008 · Post by **wlo2008** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:21 pm

Wulfman wrote:
Slinky wrote:Ab, but a DOCTOR didn't write a SCRIPT for that TV, VCR, etc.!! Ya gotta understand the psychology here. A DOCTOR "ordered" that CPAP stuff.
That should be the most obvious reason to check things out. When it comes to doctors prescribing stuff, there are many reasons why people should do online research (especially when it comes to drugs) as to WHAT and WHY they're being prescribed and any possible adverse/side effects.

Den

ScottGA · Post by **ScottGA** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:16 am

[quote="GoodnightHoser"]I have a friend about as new to cpap as I am. Her medical supply company sends her a new hose and mask automatically every three months for which she pays out of pocket 200 dollars. They say since she is breathing through this equipment it needs to be "clean". Is she getting ripped off? My medical supply company doesn't do this to me. As a matter of fact they've never said anything about how often I should replace my supplies.

shortbus · Post by **shortbus** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:51 pm

I got a bill from my DME requesting 50 dollars for a Cpap hose. I called them up and told them they are getting 10 dollars or the hose back.

This is the first hose that came with my Bipap. It came with the machine and not as an add on since they already are making a mint off my insurance carrier they can go pound sand before I send them 50 dollars. What is next do I have to pay for the storage bag the bipap came in?

wabmorgan · Post by **wabmorgan** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:57 pm

plan and simply.... @ $200 out of pocket every 3 months.... she is getting ripped.

mellabella · Post by **mellabella** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 8:53 pm

At most...she could be replacing the cushion every 3 months.

Those are about 30-40 (usually half that on eBay)

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:52 am

GoodnightHoser wrote:I have a friend about as new to cpap as I am. Her medical supply company sends her a new hose and mask automatically every three months for which she pays out of pocket 200 dollars. They say since she is breathing through this equipment it needs to be "clean". Is she getting ripped off? My medical supply company doesn't do this to me. As a matter of fact they've never said anything about how often I should replace my supplies.

I think most agree ... she is being ripped off and she should turn them in to the authorities ... who ever they might be?

Posts like these show up on this forum just about every day and that's what gives DMEs a bad name around here ... they are at least two levels below used car sales persons.

Fellow cpapper getting ripped off?

Fellow cpapper getting ripped off?

Re: Fellow cpapper getting ripped off?

Re: Fellow cpapper getting ripped off?