Strange Lincare Experience

[atab]

I had a strange experience with Lincare. Asking if any of you had the same.

I called them to order CPAP supplies. After locating me by name, Birthday, address they told me what my supplies will contain. That list contained everything (heated hose, water chamber, ...). I told them that I do not need those but only ordering cushions and filters for CPAP. The line got cut-off. I called again. Same sequence. The line got cut-off exactly at the same place. I will try again later. Just want to know if any others have experienced this.

I live in Connecticut.

Thanks, atab

[chunkyfrog]

Obviously, they want to sell you the "works"--or nothing at all.
Or their phone menu is effed up--find another supplier.
Those of us on Medicare can specify only what we request,
because Medicare will not authorize automatic orders.
Are you unable to confront the DME in person?

[LSAT]

They will try to send you everything your insurance will pay for whether you need it or not. That's one reason our insurance costs are so high,.

[chunkyfrog]

I am leaning toward a funky voicemail system.
Skip voicemail--or go somewhere else.

[atab]

Thanks for responses. I was calling the main Lincare number. My Medicare Advantage Plan lists some local Lincare branches. I will call them tomorrow and see how it goes. I am wondering whether there is a state health/medicare authority to complain. As LSAT says this practice increases healthcare cost to everybody.

[Grumpy48]

My DME in MA used to do that with their online ordering system. I would just need filters, but there was checkbox checked for a mask and headgear that I couldn't uncheck, so for just filters I had to get extras I didn't need at the time. I won't be needing masks and headgear for a while. My DME did recently change their online order system to a 3rd party and with the change I can just order filters without the extras. Does Lincare have an online order system that you might be able to pick and choose only needed items?

[SleepGeek]

I had a strange experience with Lincare. Asking if any of you had the same.

I called them to order CPAP supplies. After locating me by name, Birthday, address they told me what my supplies will contain. That list contained everything (heated hose, water chamber, ...). I told them that I do not need those but only ordering cushions and filters for CPAP. The line got cut-off. I called again. Same sequence. The line got cut-off exactly at the same place. I will try again later. Just want to know if any others have experienced this.

I live in Connecticut.

Thanks, atab

One of these places may be able to help you.

Good Luck

https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Complaint-Cen ... int-Center

https://portal.ct.gov/CID/Consumer-Affa ... -Question

[RoundKid]

Lincare has been difficult for me, too. I initially received the wrong size mask - understandable - and been unable to exchange for the right one, after multiple calls.
My local Lincare office has gone "fully remote", so can't go there in person, and doesn't return all calls.

Tried to get on their alleged patient portal, so that I could try to order just what I need, in writing. Needed a password reset - that should be easy? Got message that I had to phone for a reset, finally got a person, she said they'd "opened a ticket and Billy would call me back, within a week". Still waiting.

I figure in three months when I'm "due" for supplies, I'll hear from them again.

I'm locked into paying off the machine, but I'll get the rest of my supplies elsewhere from now on. Thanks for the complaint links.

[atab]

RoundKid,
The portal does not work for me either. Initially it was asking the account number. I called and got the account number. Now all info filled and submit, it goes back to the blank form.

[chunkyfrog]

Call Medicare.
File a formal complaint.
Start a paper trail.
That might get their attention.
Any attempt to sell excess supplies could be ILLEGAL

[atab]

I will initiate a Medicare fraud report.

[SleepGeek]

When any DME treats you poorly contact your insurance and find out who else is in network for them - just stop feeding the poor performers.

When you have Medicare I think there are more DME's who take Medicare. If you don't need mask fittings, etc. even better cuz you can find mail order places to order just what you need or want.

There have been many discussions in this forum about mail order DMEs so searching here may be helpful.

Here's one ... https://verushealthcare.com/insurance/