Walmart and personal control

CSwriter1 · Post by **CSwriter1** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 1:44 pm

I should have replaced my mask, tubing, and filters months ago, but the way the law, suppliers and insurance companies are organized, replacing the parts is not like walking into Walmart and getting what I need. I am just waiting to get some terrible infection from something growing in the old tubing, but trying to get supplies through a supplier makes death seem like an angel of mercy.

I am 100% okay with this medical equipment requiring a prescription, but once a person has the necessary prescription and the proper consultation on using a CPAP machine, s/he should be able to replace the filters, tubes and mask without a hassle. For over 5 years, every time I ordered anything, I waited and waited for my order to be filled. I would call the supplier to find out what was happening to my order, and some clueless person would tell me I need a doctor's prescription to get the supplies. Yes, I know that. Why don't you have the prescription? Because no one called the doctor. Dah! So I begin reminding the supplier someone needs to call the doctor, every time I placed a order and they still couldn't get things right. They are not geared to work with the public like Walmart. They are geared to get orders from a doctor.

The supplier was excited about a new mask, so I agreed to try it. It never fit. For days I struggled with the mask, and then returned to my old one, which I thankfully kept. So there I am using my old mask for another three months, waiting for the time to pass until my insurance company will pay for another mask. I call my supplier, be sure they know someone needs to call the doctor for a prescription, and I wait for my order to be filled. Weeks later I call to be sure they have the prescription, my insurance has approved the purchase, and they have the supplies I need. I am told yes and that I can come in and pick my supplies. I get there and my supplies are not there. Evidently they are no longer selling the mask I prefer.

After over 5 years of this hassle, I decide to change to another supplier. This is not something that can be done over night. First I have to cancel with my old supplier, before a new one will even speak with me. Then I have to wait 2 weeks for the new supplier to get information from the old supplier, the doctor and my insurance company. Now I can make an appointment. I go to the appointment with the mask in my hand and say this is what I want. Guess what, they don't sell it!

I am lucky there are several suppliers where I live. I try calling around to find one that sells the mask I want, and first, they want to know my name, the name of doctor, the name of my insurance, etc, etc. and finally I say, I just want to know if you sell the mask I use. All this processing is for nothing if the supplier isn't selling the product I use, right? Not a one of them will let me know if they sell the product I use. I am expected to cooperate with their processing and then buy the product they are selling. There are a zillion on line suppliers displaying their products and prices, but none of the suppliers, contracted with my insurance company, can give me this information without going through the process first, that takes at least 2 weeks, and my insurer will not cover an on-line order.

Bottom line:
Turn the problem over to Walmart. Walmart does whatever is necessary to get their customers the products they want at the best possible price. Anyone know how to contact the top management of Walmart? Seriously, I trust Walmart will do a better job of assuring us our supplies at the best possible price, and this is not what Medicare, or other insurance companies, or other suppliers, or state or federal law is going to do. Control the machine and settings for medical reasons, but not the tubing, mask, and filters, and make it easier to get the supplies, reducing our risk of a deadly infection, because of not being able to replace the supplies in a safe and healthy way.

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 1:50 pm

Get a copy of your prescription from your doctor. They don't need a new one every time, that is total BS. Present them with the prescription get them to copy it and keep the original. Tell them to keep it on file.

Many people here buy from our host who keeps a copy on file - one only has to put in an order and even to Canada I get it within 4 days.

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:00 pm

I have a better "bottom line"........I've used them for over six years........

CPAP (dot) COM

Beyond my initial machine and mask purchase (for which my insurance reimbursed me 80%), all of my equipment and supplies have been purchased out-of-pocket. For my CPAP equipment and supplies, I don't rely on a brick and mortar DME or my insurance. Frankly, I couldn't buy that much "stuff" (to justify using insurance) in a year, anyway.

Den

CSwriter1 · Post by **CSwriter1** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:37 pm

Hum, looks my problem is my insurance. It pays for everything, but only if I use its vendors. I am thinking of buying what I need on line, and then using it to strangle the "nice people" in the insurance and supplier offices. First I have to purchase the mask I want, to prove to them that the product is available. I seriously don't think it would be advertised on line, if it were not available. I have to wait for Mom to pick her baby, before I can take care of the CPAP thing.

Wish me luck. It was years ago when I saw the doctor, and I don't remember his name, but my insurer has his name in my file. I know they think I am crazy for not just complying with the processing that their vendors do, but they have never gone through the night fighting for air, because a mask won't stay in place. When I read of people having sleep apnea and not complying with therapy, I wonder how in the world they manage?! I don't like waking in a struggle for air throughout the night, and can function the next day.

archangle · Post by **archangle** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:40 pm

Individual parts such as mask cushions, hoses, etc. are often available at really good prices from sellers on ebay. Yes, you do get screwed by your insurance. Sometimes, your price may compare favorably with what you pay for copay with your insurance.

jnk · Post by **jnk** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:09 pm

Re: Walmart and personal control

I have found that I have no personal control when I walk into a Wal-Mart, myself.

But sometimes I think those cameras in the ceiling are watching me and trying to read my mind.

Uncle_Bob · Post by **Uncle_Bob** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:26 pm

Ahhh Walmart

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

Slartybartfast · Post by **Slartybartfast** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:33 pm

It shows to go you the difference between businesses that operate in a socialist vs. capitalist mindset. One is responsive to the "system," the other to the customer.

imsleepynomore · Post by **imsleepynomore** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:20 am

Seems like you have forgotten one thing it is your responsibility to clean your equipment if you do this you will not get sick from clean worn out equipment . Also it is your doctor and you don't remember his name? Unbeliveable . If this is true you call your provider and request or demand copy of prescription. I sympathize with crappy DME providers and have delt with them in the past and changed when unhappy lucky for me didn't experience your problems Good Luck

cowlypso · Post by **cowlypso** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:30 am

I would much rather work with my DME than with Walmart. My DME knows me by name, answers questions over the phone any time, and gets me whatever I need. They listened to the problems I was having with my first mask and found one that fit all of my needs. I have yet to find a major brand that they don't carry. They have gone out of their way to be helpful, including faxing my file over to another branch when I was out of town so I could get service there.

Walmart, on the other hand... Every time I go in there, I get employees chasing me around and harassing me because of my service dog. My dog has been physically grabbed by store employees more than once, who said they were "just checking" to make sure he's really a service dog. I have been followed through the entire store by an employee on a walkie talkie trying to verify that he's a service dog (apparently the vest reading "service dog" didn't tip them off). The store is loud, bright, and I can never find what I'm looking for. And good luck trying to get an employee to help you find something!

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:31 am

Slartybartfast wrote:It shows to go you the difference between businesses that operate in a socialist vs. capitalist mindset. One is responsive to the "system," the other to the customer.

What? That is the most bizarre mis understanding of those terms I have yet seen.

beckah · Post by **beckah** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:58 am

You might get your wish that Walmart will sell Cpap items and accessories. Looks like they already have some Cpap pillows and one mask for sell.

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng ... nstraint=0

You can also go to this page and under the heading "Walmart Stores", choose "Comments for Walmart Corporate Headquarters", let them know that you would like for them to carry non RX Cpap supplies. You never know, if there's a market, they might jump on board.

http://www.walmart.com/cservice/cu_comm ... _heading=8

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:07 am

What world, country, state, city are you in???? I've never heard of such before this post!! Is your insurance some HMO?

Prior to this I've been aware that most insurances provide benefits only w/"in network" suppliers so one calls one's insurance, asks which local DME suppliers they are contracted with and then "shop" one of those suppliers. Some insurances even offer "out of network" benefits at a lower reimbursement rate and you can then use suppliers other than those they are contracted with at a higher copay.

A CPAP script is good "for life" w/online DME suppliers and is good for CPAP and all accessories requiring a script (such as masks). Locally most DME suppliers require a fresh, new script once a year.

I even switched local DME suppliers for my accessories during my "rent to own" period for my CPAP because the original supplier was such a sheister. I have Medicare as my primary and a BC/BS administered group insurance as my secondary.

Something just "ain't" kosher w/this situation!!! Unless your insurance is some HMO.

CSwriter1 · Post by **CSwriter1** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:16 am

I tend to agree with those who hold the opinion that socialism is not a good thing, because the folks are working for the system, not the customer. I think that is exactly what the problem is. As one service provider bluntly said, "We don't deal with the public". What an ass. If I owned the business, the young man would be out looking for a job. I have a fantasy of winning the lottery and becoming a supplier, giving all my customers the kind of service I want.

I thought may be the problem was just me, but a neighbor walked into a supplier to ask a question and was treated so badly she swears she would never go in there again. Where I live, all the suppliers are working for the system, not the customer. They really do not work with the public, unless it is through the system.

Walmart has gone down hill, since the old man died. Capitalism can be just as bad as socialism. When the old man died, the top management decided to squeeze more profit out of Walmart and this resulted in cutting back on personnel and reducing the opportunity for advancement. The employees are overwhelmed and have less hope of getting into a better position. I can see them chasing a dog around the store, with a desperate to feel important and accomplished, because their work environment does not normally not meeting these needs.

There is no substitute for good values, and only when good values are taught, are they learned, and since replacing liberal education with education for technology, education in the US no longer focuses on good citizenship and shared values. I am sure a big part of my problem is remembering old fashioned good customer service. For employees to have the right spirit for giving good customer service, they need to be treated well by their employer. Today, people might be technologically correct, but when it comes to something like good customer service, they are failing, regardless of being socialistic or capitalistic.

I say too much- but buying on-line, using my own money, was so easy! The representative who took my order wanted my business, and acted as though she knew getting my business depended on her good service.

SRSDDS · Post by **SRSDDS** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:29 am

This is a good preview of how Obamacare will be working. Just replace insurance company bureaucrats, who have only a small accountability to the public they serve (because of government interference), with government bureaucrats who have zero accountability. This, I think, is what slimbartyfast was referring to.

I have no desire to deal with either situation, so I buy my cpap supplies from our host and pay for it myself. I get what I want, when I want, and control the costs by my own responsibility for the equipment. Really, in the scheme of things, it's not that expensive. Why have we become a nation of entitlement and letting "someone else pay for my well being"?

Honestly, we need to take control of our own well being. Let market forces work to force suppliers be supplicant to consumers. The more we allow someone else to take care of us, the less control we have over how we are taken care of. People, WAKE UP!!!!

Stephen