DME Charges for S9 Elite Total $1,495.00

[Breathe Jimbo]

I'm glad to own my S9 now, but the DME charges totaled $1,495.00 after $500 for two months' rental and the final purchase charge of $995. That is almost $700 more than what our host charges for the same machine. Now, I did see the RT several times for the initial setup, to return a mask at no charge, to exchange the first machine they gave me for the S9 Elite, and for the S9 setup, so the DME did "add value" for me. Also, when I showed the RT my odd titration results to explain that I needed a fully data-capable machine, she did see my point and take my side, going so far as to prepare a Certificate of Medical Necessity for my sleep doctor to sign, specifically naming the S9 Elite and full data capability, in order to avoid any insurance problems. I'm feeling rather ambivalent about all this. On the one hand, $700 is a big markup. On the other, I did receive value-added services and, once I made it clear I was going to be a PITA to get what I wanted, the RT did become my advocate. I suppose this first machine purchase could have been better, and it could have been worse.

[jules]

sounds pretty cheap to me for a DME - my bills over 5 years ago for first mask,CPAP machine, humidifier ran about 3K

[Laurie1041]

I'm glad to own my S9 now, but the DME charges totaled $1,495.00 after $500 for two months' rental and the final purchase charge of $995. That is almost $700 more than what our host charges for the same machine. Now, I did see the RT several times for the initial setup, to return a mask at no charge, to exchange the first machine they gave me for the S9 Elite, and for the S9 setup, so the DME did "add value" for me. Also, when I showed the RT my odd titration results to explain that I needed a fully data-capable machine, she did see my point and take my side, going so far as to prepare a Certificate of Medical Necessity for my sleep doctor to sign, specifically naming the S9 Elite and full data capability, in order to avoid any insurance problems. I'm feeling rather ambivalent about all this. On the one hand, $700 is a big markup. On the other, I did receive value-added services and, once I made it clear I was going to be a PITA to get what I wanted, the RT did become my advocate. I suppose this first machine purchase could have been better, and it could have been worse.

If you have insurance, the amount billed by your DME is not necessarily what will be paid out by your insurance. DME, hospitals, etc. bill out more for services never expecting to receive the billed amount. If you are going through insurance, your DME will be paid the contracted "allowed amount". Laurie

[Janknitz]

DME's are supposed to provide the services you received and it's why they can charge and receive more than online suppliers. It sounds to me that you got your money's worth because they were attentive to your needs and spent the time with you to ensure your success with CPAP.

$700 is not such a big markup when you consider that they have to also maintain a brick and mortar store, insurance, AND they have to jump through all the regulatory and billing hoops that online suppliers get to avoid.

Unfortunately, not all DME's are the same. Too often we see lousy DME's who basically throw the equipment at the user and don't offer any real help, support or advice. They are more concerned with getting their money than providing your care. Those are the ones who don't deserve to earn more than the online suppliers.

[lbw]

I live in Ontario and I paid about the same for my S9 and mask.

[msradar65]

I checked what I was charged and that is pretty reasonable I would assume. Mine was $1533 and I have S9 Autoset, with climateline hose, Swift LT for her. I did not do any rental. I bought my equipment out right. My BCBS covered 80% and I paid my 20% which was $303.

I have a high deductible so it was in my best interest to make a purchase and not rent because my deductible would reset to $3300 at the beginning of the year.

I will be switching to BCBS Anthem at the beginning of the year...and I will only have $2000 allowance for DME.

[mldenison]

$700 is not such a big markup when you consider that they have to also maintain a brick and mortar store, insurance, AND they have to jump through all the regulatory and billing hoops that online suppliers get to avoid.

Edited: my math was wrong, but still a high markup

Er, that's a 90% markup over retail. I'd call that a tad excessive - probably close to 150% over their cost. I'm glad they're not selling cars.

[Janknitz]

Er, that's a 90% markup over retail. I'd call that a tad excessive - probably close to 150% over their cost. I'm glad they're not selling cars.

Hey, I'm not an apologist for DME's, especially the big greedy companies. BUT, the charge was not $1,495 for the machine, it was $1,495 for the machine PLUS professional consultation services. More like a car PLUS driving lessons (oh, and they changed out the tires if you didn't like the originals). And imagine if a car dealer had to bill your insurance company for 80% of the payment (and prove that you are driving it at least 4 hours, 70% of the days or they don't get paid).

DME's are supposed to provide SERVICE (a skilled RT to educate the patient on the use of CPAP, monitor their adaption to the therapy, and assist as needed to help the patient be comfortable and compliant) as well as the machine. When they actually do what they are supposed to, I don't have a quibble with them getting paid what the insurance companies (not in a vacuum but after much negotiation), think it's worth.

The trouble is, very few provide the real service they are contracted to provide.

[mldenison]

I hadn't considered the services as well. I'm just kind of cheap. Point taken.

[kentoboo]

I have BC/BS insurance and they force you to go through a 3 month rental period and then will cover 80%.

[bilnap]

I'm glad to own my S9 now, but the DME charges totaled $1,495.00 after $500 for two months' rental and the final purchase charge of $995. That is almost $700 more than what our host charges for the same machine. Now, I did see the RT several times for the initial setup, to return a mask at no charge, to exchange the first machine they gave me for the S9 Elite, and for the S9 setup, so the DME did "add value" for me. Also, when I showed the RT my odd titration results to explain that I needed a fully data-capable machine, she did see my point and take my side, going so far as to prepare a Certificate of Medical Necessity for my sleep doctor to sign, specifically naming the S9 Elite and full data capability, in order to avoid any insurance problems. I'm feeling rather ambivalent about all this. On the one hand, $700 is a big markup. On the other, I did receive value-added services and, once I made it clear I was going to be a PITA to get what I wanted, the RT did become my advocate. I suppose this first machine purchase could have been better, and it could have been worse.

All Day Medical supply, on the net, charges 853 for the S9 Autoset, a bit more for the Elite.

[chunkyfrog]

We figured my husband's Autoset cost us about 350 bucks over and above insurance and copay, since doc would not specify autoset.
They kicked in a mask, so that's pretty cheap for professional services; which they are decent at. They don't do Medicare assignment, so we need to find another B&M for later--user group is useful for that. We got our eye on another mom&pop in town.
I'm glad we don't have to get everything in the same place.

[spinifex]

All Day Medical supply, on the net, charges 853 for the S9 Autoset, a bit more for the Elite.

Sorry to say, but your pricing is incorrect.
Prices from alldaymedical are as follows. ( I checked because in Australia the AutoSet is the top of the range model).
Elite = Our Price: $805.00
AutoSet = Our Price: $853.00

Pricing difference at alldaymedical is minimal, compared to downunder.
Elite = Our Price: $1499.00 AUD
AutoSet = Our Price: $1995.00 AUD

Sure wish ours were a bit cheaper.

Jon