Recommend a good Philadelphia Tech?

[feklar42]

Is it possible to request a specific tech from provider? If so would anyone have recs in the Philly area?

I just started CPAP and randomly picked allcaremedical as I had no prior experience and nonone to advise me. I guess I should have researched a bit before starting therapy, because I am now learning there's a whole lot I don't know about this machine I'm hooked up to and my tech didn't have any interest in telling me about it.

I also felt like he wasn't that interested in trying to help me find a mask that fit. I would like someone who would be a bit more helpful if that is possible.

[AllOwnersManual]

Ugh...

Im sorry for your bad experience.

Tech's are similar to doctors, when you find one you like Hang on to them!!

what i would suggest is possibly calling some local DME's and see if they will let you talk to the Tech on the phone, ask him/her some questions and see if you click with them.

it may take some time to dial in the right tech, but its worth it, because you will have the CPAP for a long time!!

Good Luck

[Velbor]

If so would anyone have recs in the Philly area? .... I just started CPAP and randomly picked allcaremedical ....

Much depends on your expectations. I have used AllCare for many years, and I am quite pleased with their service. I had minimal interaction with their RT at the beginning, didn't expect much more, and have had almost none since. They send an RT periodically to my sleep doctor's office, so they are available if needed. If I have technical issues, I go to my physician, not to AllCare. My physician also maintains an independent supply of masks and accessories, which come from manufacturer sales reps and are provided by my MD at very low cost. I have even been able to "obtain" software directly from my MD office (Be VERY nice to the support staff!!).

But I can assure you that the Customer Service folks at AllCare have been very good to me - they know what my insurance covers and give me more specific information than BCBS will directly - they are helpful in getting me whatever I ask for, contacting my MD directly for Rx when necessary, and handling all the insurance billing very competently. I don't expect them to be proactive, but I do expect them to be courteous and knowledgeable and attentive - and they are. I have no complaint at all with AllCare's service.

[feklar42]

I can't say much about allcare one way or the other. Except they ignored/didn't process my request not to send my mask to my home address as I live in a townhouse in a city. So if there's no one there to sign for it (which is the usual case during the day), it never gets delivered. I had to stay home from work to be sure I got it.

Maybe I was a bit naive to expect a tech who views his job as more than "sign this, push this button." But if someone has found a good one of any DME I'd like to know.

I'm using the Jefferson Sleep Center. I do like the doctor, but it took 2 months to get my first appointment and the followup was delayed by a month, so I'm not sure how much I can rely on them for maintenance problems. Does anyone have any experience with that?

[AllOwnersManual]

Fek,

if the doctor has a waiting list and there are multiple doctors in the area that have his specialty, that in my mind means good things

[rubymom]

I'm in the Philly suburbs. I'm using Apria. The tech, Terri, has been very helpful to me, always available by phone and has been to my house four or five times. I've changed out machines and masks and she's been very patient and kind.

[feklar42]

Thanks for the rec.

[nocreek1]

I am from the Philadelphia subrubs and have AllCare. When I was told that I needed a sleep maching I was given a list of suppliers and of course had no clue who was who or how good they were. Since AllCare was listed first I used them.
All went well until I had my first visit with the doctor after using machine for a few weeks. I was told by the office that they no longer used AllCare (due to poor perfomance by reps).
They gave me no help to change to another-so am still with them. Get service when I call main office and ask for filters, etc. They have never once contacted me to see if things are working. Now this is another interesting problem. When I last was at the doctor, I was told that it was up to me with the help of my rep to learn to use equipment and to compile. Small problem when one never hears from the rep.
I will say, that without this group I never would have made it. It has a bit over a year now and there are good nights and bad nights. Do I feel better? Yes, some days and no on other days.
Like so much in life, one just has to keeping going and hope for the best.
Nocreek

S8 Escape Res Med
Quarrto FF Mask

[feklar42]

Sigh, thanks for sharing. That's a mess. I hope I don't end up in the same boat.

[SaltLakeJan]

You asked about a good technician - I presumed you meant in an DME.

Philadelphia has several Accredited Sleep Centers. I have listed the names of a few of them. Most of the Accredited Sleep Centers are not directly affiliated with a DME, but they are acquainted with many of them. Perhaps you could call, and get a referral of a DME from one of the Centers.

University Services-Network I Sleep Center

Sleep Disorders Center
Pennsylvania Hospital

Philadelphia Northeast Sleep Disorders Center
Nazareth Hospital

Sleep Disorders Center
Pennsylvania Hospital

Good luck in finding what you need.
Jan

[feklar42]

Well, I went into the Jefferson Sleep Center again today--Allcare's rep is there on Tuesday's. I like the one they sent to the hospital a lot better than the one they sent to my house. He actually measured my nose and found that I take a small, not a medium (which the house rep had given me). He was also just more patient and helpful. I'm guessing he's a more senior guy. Hopefully the new mask will work better.

[snorebird1]

I also have Allcare has a provider. I feel their service is a LOT to be desired. They used to call you when your supplies needed changing. My supplies were due for replacement September 26th. I had not heard from them. I called today, October 14th. They said their automated calling service was down but it's back up now. This is just one incident of shabby service. I have been with them for a few years and they have NEVER been excellent service. I wish I could change provider also. This last incident takes a month away from my service. I will continue to search ways to dump them and get a new supplier. Your health provider and sleep doctor will not tell you because they don't want to persuade you one way or the other.

[Bons]

My husband and I both go to Jefferson's sleep center, and haven't had too much trouble booking appointments. I can't think of my husband's doc's name right now, but he is excellent (and only prescribes apaps). I see Dr. D., the head of the department, but don't like him as much.

I'll have to try their supplies. We have been purchasing ours online since dumping our terrible (closer to home than Philly) DME. The drive to Philly might be worth it to try some new masks.