DMEs in Northern VA area OTHER than Apria?

[nightveil]

Hey Folks...

I've been going round and round with the oh-so-competent folks at Apria, because that's apparently who my insurance wants me to deal with (Aetna).

My doctor wants me on an ASV machine because of a lot of Central Apneas, and my PSG showed no responsiveness to plain CPAP or BiPAP.

Here's where the fun comes in. Apria doesn't have the faintest CLUE what the hell one of these things are, and I've been tangling with them for going on two weeks now. Finally they've decided to order a Respironics BiPAP Auto-SV for me, since they no longer deal with Resmed and refuse to order the VPAP ASV, which I hear is the best thing out there. They originally ordered me a (shocker to all here, I'm sure) Remstar M Series with Auto Cflex... they honestly had no clue what to even get. How can this kind of incompetence be allowed? *sigh*

I talked to them yesterday and they have no idea when the order will come in, or whether it has even been placed. To put it mildly I'm beyond furious with them.

Does anyone have any suggestions for an alternate DME in the Northern VA/DC area? The level of incompetence that is being shown by these guys has me seriously concerned, and after reading all the posts on ASV here about the level of knowledge required by the DME to make sure this this is set up right, has the right mask, etc... I'm really quite concerned. The so-called "therapist" I talked to was not even familiar with ASV - and that scared me to death. I've read about the Apria/Cigna thing, does anyone know if Aetna is the same way with these guys?

Can anyone help out?

Thanks,
Joe

[Wulfman...]

I think I'd be calling the manufacturers and contacting my insurance and letting everybody know what kind of less-than-intelligent folks you're dealing with....and ask THEM what you should do.
These manufacturers NEED to know these types of things.

Den

[oceanpearl]

Better check your insurance first thing. I have Cigna and they will only allow me to use Apria.

[Guest]

I use Lincare in Centreville and am very happy with them. 7-3-222-3090

[Guest]

I use Lincare in Winchester and they have been fine. I looked at my prescription which has a list of DME's that Georgetown has on their prescription form:

Lincare - 1-877-283-8925
Neighborcare - 1-800-272-4463
Baystate - 1-866-883-9770
America's Healthcare - 1-800-545-6026
MidAtlantic - 1-800-946-9943
Respira Medical - 1-866-373-7747
Roberts 1-800-807-7290

This list is from early 2006 (Apria was on it as well). Also, not sure which ones other than Lincare serve NoVa in looking at it some may be geared for the Balto area as there are some local 410 numbers listed next to the 800 numbers. The other thing you may want to check is the phone book under medical suppliers or call you ins co to see who is on their list. Hope this helps.

TM

[Guest]

Forgot to mention that I think Lincare has an office in Chantilly and that they usually can get the Resmed product line easily (they gave me a resmed at first but then were able to order me the respironics apap without a problem once my dr specified a respironics machine).

TM

[BGman]

I use the Lincare in Lorton. They were very helpful when I got my Respironics unit and all my supplies have been sent on time. No complaints at all.

Bill

[dmstangu]

Have you tried these ones? They are on Aetna's list.

http://www.airproductshealthcare.com/lo ... lantic.htm

[Lee Lee]

I use Lincare in Chantilly.
I have had issues with them, but they do try to get it right.
The manager there is Reggis, and he is nothing short of awesome, always tries to please.
If your insurance will allow it, call Reggie and tell him Lee Ann sent you.