Who Like's their DME?

Beulah · Post by **Beulah** » Tue May 13, 2008 10:19 am

I like mine, very much. We haven't always been on the same page, but that's been quickly cured with a bit of communication. I couldn't ask for a more gracious, open-minded, helpful group of folks to be dealing with. I'm lucky to have them and I know it.

Paula

Needsdecaf · Post by **Needsdecaf** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:20 pm

stevoreno wrote:My local Apria Healthcare branch has provided me with very good service so far but based upon what others have posted here about Apria Healthcare my opinion could change if I begin to experience problems with them but so far so good.

I would agree with this.

I have had no problems with Apria. The first DME the sleep lab tried to send me to was a total POS.

Apria has required a little coaxing to get the right unit, but nothing out of line.

Claire · Post by **Claire** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:06 pm

I have a great DME. He's also an RT and has 18 years' experience. He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Tue May 13, 2008 4:13 pm

I really really really DO NOT like mine.

I have Cigna Insurance and APRIA is their only contract provider.

I dislike them SO MUCH... I paid out of pocket for my APA machine.

I recently tried to order some filters and other suupplies as well as a new mask. ( It's been 2 years for my old one.)

They said I needed a new Rx for the filters and I could only get a new mask every 5 years... AND.... I had to take whatever mask they "Had in Stock".

APRIA is the very reason people call them "EVIL DME's".

Tim

3isles · Post by **3isles** » Tue May 13, 2008 6:12 pm

I like my DME. Its are my dd's as well, and it may be that they are nice to me because she has such big ticket rentals and will have for the forseeable future. Its a multistate company, but it is friendly and uses local offices so we actually get to talk to the same people all the time and keep the same RT and imho what makes or breaks the DME is the RT, and our RT is the BEST. He is a bipap user, he understands the problems, he tries the masks so I get first hand descriptions. of course everyone is different, but a person's personal experience is way better than the description on the box.

Previously I had a DME that was masterful at evading questions and giving misleading information...but since I kicked them to the curb I have been a happy papper. (...but don't think for a minute that means I "like" using hose....I just NEED to breathe while sleeping so I use it.)

Needsdecaf · Post by **Needsdecaf** » Tue May 13, 2008 7:26 pm

[quote="pratzert"]I really really really DO NOT like mine.

I have Cigna Insurance and APRIA is their only contract provider.

I dislike them SO MUCH... I paid out of pocket for my APA machine.

I recently tried to order some filters and other suupplies as well as a new mask. ( It's been 2 years for my old one.)

They said I needed a new Rx for the filters and I could only get a new mask every 5 years... AND.... I had to take whatever mask they "Had in Stock".

APRIA is the very reason people call them "EVIL DME's".

Tim

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Tue May 13, 2008 9:57 pm

I am so glad my DME didn't try to mess with me when I got my machine. My pulmonologist prescribed my Resmed S8 Vantage because I refused a second sleep study for titration. I went directly the the DME, and they ordered my machine, and gave me one to use until mine came in. My DME is Breathing Disorder Services. They aren't in very many places.

After coming to this site, I can say they didn't tell me everything I needed, but they are very good with my requests. They didn't give me the card which goes with my machine. I called them up and requested it. I forgot to go pick it up, and 4 months later when I went to inquire about new masks they may carry, the secretary reminded me about my card. She gave it to me.

I filled out a survey and got free filters too. I don't have any complaints.

Machine