Switching DME's after 7 weeks

Shimoda · Post by **Shimoda** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 12:59 pm

Hi All (Thanks to all on this board for the insights I've gained over the past 3 months.)

Will there be a lag without a machine by switching DMEs after 7 weeks.

Reasons, if you care...
My main health care clinic will do a better job and I've met an associate there who will help me with getting my specific machine wants met.

DME where I am at is too dismissive of my questions. Promising a new replacement mask and giving me a used one. Allowing me to continue to use the machine I want but it's used and she can't tell me how many hours are on it. Giving me a vebal satisfaction survey whenever I see or talk with them.

Anyway, BCBS insurance. Do I just take the machine back to the old place and have an appointment ready at the new place? Will there be downtime without a machine due to paperwork? Anyone with experience in this area?

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:20 pm

Shimoda, I returned a machine to my DME a couple of years ago, but not until I had the replacement in hand. I paid cash for the replacement through our hosts, however.

I don't think your BCBS would allow you to have 2 machines at the same time, but what you may want to do is to get with your new provider and make absolutely certain that the machine and mask you want are ready for immediate pickup, then coordinate with your insurance folks and your new provider so that you return the first machine, get a receipt that you returned it (VERY IMPORTANT!!), maybe fax the receipt to BCBS after calling them to let them know it is on its way, then pick up new machine and have your new provider contact BCBS to make sure everything is in order.

Yeah, a pain and a lot of steps, but it's been my experience that being over-cautious when dealing with insurance companies can avoid some major headaches down the road.

Anywho, congrats on finding a good supplier!

Kajun

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:57 pm

They are going to charge by the month so return it on the day you got it X months ago and try to have the other one lined up so you can pick it up on the same day. There is no advantage to return it at 6 or 7 weeks. That is what I did on mine.

Jerry

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:51 pm

I returned my original cpap at the 2 week mark AFTER I had talked with my doctor and insurance company. I was given the wrong machine from my original DME and they refused to deal with it -- until after I threatened and did return the cpap to them. I returned it at approximately 4 p.m. one evening (after I got off from work) and had to sign some forms -- do NOT let them bully you into signing anything you do NOT want to sign. They told me I had to either have a script saying I was refusing treatment or sign a statement that I was refusing treatment and there noncompliant. I WOULD NOT sign their statements. I did get the receipt where I returned their machine.

I went directly to the other DME and in a short time they had me set up with the correct machine with the right pressure. It helped that I already had it preapproved by the insurance company and doctor. No lapse in treatment. The next morning I called the insurance company and gave them the heads up that I had changed machines and companies.