Surprise!!! Surprise!!!!

[Arizona-Willie]

I have always complained about my DME because every time I order a mask cushion I would get the entire setup.
Mask, cushion, hose, filters I would always get a complete set even though I told them I only needed a cushion.
This week I ordered a cushion and was stunned when yesterday UPS dropped off a small box and all I got was a cushion!!!

First time in 3 years they haven't overfilled the order.

Has Medicare cracked down on DME's I hope?

Still they billed Medicare for $104.66 for a cushion that can be bought online for less than $50.

But I'm still recovering from the shock of getting what I ordered.

Obama is right ... a public option < COULD > be paid for by stopping the waste and fraud.

But it would never happen. Medicare needs to audit the bank accounts of it's employees who authorize things like replacing hoses every 3 months.

I strongly suspect people are getting paid off under the table ... just like lobbiests pay off Congresscritters.

[Muse-Inc]

...Congresscritters...

I'm stealing this!!!

[Ganesha]

...Congresscritters...

I'm stealing this!!!

Yes - Congresscritter is the Politically Correct Non-Sexist term for our congressional representatives

Your situation with your mask cushion sounds like the surprise I got from my DME.
See "My DME Sent Me a Bunch of Stuff".

[elader]

my DME says they don't carry cushions, only complete masks and headgear setups. It's a racket for sure.

[Arizona-Willie]

I didn't originate it. That term has been on usenet newsgroups for years.

Enjoy

...Congresscritters...

I'm stealing this!!!

[Slinky]

My first local DME supplier didn't provide a dibblety-darn thing UNLESS I called and ASKED for something. My second (and good) local DME supplier was just automatically sending me everything on the schedule that Medicare ALLOWS. I just called them and told them I didn't see the need for a new hose every month (now Medicare only allows every 3 months - at the time it was one hose a month). I told them I would just call when I needed something (since that was what I was used to). They suggested that I SHOULD replace the hose every 3 months at least.

Since we had a furnace add-on woodburner for some 20 years despite our having had our furnace ducts cleaned our house is still fairly "dirty" during the winter when we're using the furnace so I replace my filter every month for a good share of the year. I told them that, so every 3 months they automatically send me a hose and filters and every six months they actually call and ask if there is anything else I need and remind me that I'm due for a new mask if I need or want one. And since I am also on 02 they run down a quick list of anything I might need to be sure I have enough. IF I mess up and don't order something at that time I can always call and they will ship what I need in between. Less waste of my tax dollars and I don't go w/o something I do need. I'm very happy w/them.

[DoriC]

my DME says they don't carry cushions, only complete masks and headgear setups. It's a racket for sure.

Ditto my DME!

[Slinky]

Yep, my first crappy local DME wouldn't care mask parts either. I don't know if my current DME supplier that I like does or not since I've never had to change a cushion on my current mask.

[nocreek1]

$104.66 is a bargin (how did they come up with the 66cents?).
I just received a cushion from my DME and they charged Medicare $165.00 for it. Talk about greed. No wonder Medicare is running out of money.
nocreek1

ResMed S8
Hunidaire 3i
Quattro FF mask
11 pressure