Apria Customer Disservice

[roubai]

Wow, GTOJim! When you complained to your insurance company, what did they say? I would think they would view that as fraud and would be pretty ticked off...

[Kiralynx]

In fairness, I have to say that the RT at the New Orleans Apria office was right on the ball when it came to my complex apnea. I had no idea what kind of machine I needed, except that I needed a bipap because I could not breathe out against the constant pressure. And I knew, from the Forum, that I wanted one which was fully data capable. Neither did the doc who sent me for the sleep study as she is a pain management specialist. But I did throw a bunch of centrals during titration, and my AHI doubled in REM sleep. The RT arranged for me to have a BiPap Auto SV, which has proved to be exactly what I need.

However, I asked for a ten foot hose because of where I needed to place my machine, and they sent me an eight foot one, then sent me the ten foot one I asked for. Guess I'm set up with hose lengths for wherever I may need to set my machine up when traveling.

I've been trying to get some additional masks to try, but the RT doesn't understand why I might want to try something different when I'm doing so well on my CL2. The CL2 works well for me, but all that neoprene on my forehead was hot when it warmed up for a few days, and I don't EVEN want to think about what it will be like come N'Awlins summertime. (But my Padacheek cover arrived today, and I love the way it feels... almost can't wait to try it tonight!)

My PCP wanted me to have additional smartcards to keep data on until I can get the new computer which will let me store data on the computer and recycle the cards. They're balking about providing them. (I've ordered some from CPAP.COM... they'll be here tomorrow, while Apria is still debating about whether I "need" them.)

If I can afford it, and need it quickly, I will buy from CPAP.COM. If I can afford to wait 3-6 weeks to get something, I'll go through Apria. I have already complained to my insurance because the only thing they list on their on-line receipts are "Medical and Surgical Supplies," and I can't tell which item is for what.

[jrt]

I am glad that my insurance company let me select from 3 out of the 4 local providers. Apria was one of the covered ones and was quickly eliminated when they would not give me a price range on what things cost like their competitors did over the phone. Apria told me the charges depend on what the insurance will pay for and they could not tell me the cost without submitting a claim.

[GTOJim]

Wow, GTOJim! When you complained to your insurance company, what did they say? I would think they would view that as fraud and would be pretty ticked off...

My insurance didn't seem surprised, said they would request credit from Apria for the returned items. Also said they get lots of complaints regarding Apria.

[elader]

I just wanted to mention that my experiences at one Apria site have been horrible but I have nothing but terrific things to say about another site about 50 miles from my home. A shocking difference in attitude and knowledge. Anyone in the DC/Baltimore MD area that needs the name of a great respiratory therapist person at an apria around here, let me know.

[bairdbeth]

I went into the local branch today to see if they could get a specific knee walker that I need after my ankle surgery next month.I was pleasantly surprised at the service They didn't have one so she googled it. When she couldn't get the info she needed from the website, she called to get the model number. When she foundthat they were not a vendor for that particular one she asked them to give her the names of DME's that were close by. When those were too far away, she asked them several questions and wrote down notes and gave me a copy of the info on the website. She also copied my prescription as I would have to fax it and that way, I wouldn't have to copy it myself. Maybe there is hope for this branch?!