whoa, did I ever upset my DME

[SaltLakeJan]

By all the good ideas I have learned here on CpapTalk.com.
I Went to the DME for a mask, a chin strap and a check-up for my humidifier. As I unpacked, the DME noticed a piece of string in the mushroom part of the pillow. What's that? I explained it was to stop rainout. If I had said "It's a part of the spell I cast every night, I use string, snakes & toadstools," he couldn't have been more repulsed. That is, until he noticed a small blob on the pillow & looked at me like he was afraid to ask. I explained it was a drop of Mack's Silicone Earplug Wax, that I use to stabilize the pillows. Then he noticed the elastic I had attached to the back of the headgear, he didn't say anything, but acted like I had lost most of my marbles.

Next, he plugged in my CPAP unit & asked, "What's happened here, your pressure isn't what it should be." I told him, since it had been temporarily lowered in January, I had been increasing it .02 weekly. He acted shocked and told me that my Dr. wasn't going to like that. I explained that when I talked with her nurse, I mentioned I had been increasing the pressure. He shook his head, I was too much for a DME to stand so early on a Monday Morning.

Then, he got too much for me. My Dr had called in a prescription for a chinstrap. He brought it out wrapped in plastic. I asked to try it on and he told me that if I agreed to buy it, I could try it on, but otherwise I could not try it on. Is this usual for DME's?

Next, I wanted to try on masks. He brought in one, an Optilife with saddle. He told me the saddle is a new feature, it's like a cup that surrounds the nose. The medium saddle was too big, I asked to try a small. He answered that If I was going to buy the mask, they would order small or petite, not both. (Later, I checked on the internet and a large, med, small & petite come with the mask.)

I've started Medicare now, & I got my apnea equipment December 31, 2008, but due to problems with the DME giving me a pillows mask that was a mile to big, I didn't start CPAP until Jan. 16, 2009. Am I tied to that DME entil the end of the year? What else can I do? I feel trapped to a skinflint organization.

I don't know what I would have done without this group, I have learned to adapt my attitude, myself and my equipment. My thanks and appreciation to all the members who post & willingly share help & ideas.. Jan

[jules]

There are DME's where you open, you buy. Sounds like you found one.

Also the optilife mask comes with nasal pillows all sizes if you buy online. However, the cradle cushion is an add on and you have to pay for each piece. I assume this is the saddle you mentioned.

Also beware a DME will charge for every part they can. If you got the optilife with all 4 sizes of nasal pillows, they will charge you for 4 sets of pillows, a mask and headgear. Medicare won't pay for another set of pillows for millenniums.

[SaltLakeJan]

Hi Jules, I did not know that if I got the Optilife, they would charge me for all 4 sets of pillows. Can I accept the mask and refuse the other three sets of pillows/saddles? I got three sizes with my Mirage Swift, and can only use small. Does that mean I can't get another pillow for 9 months?

Thanks for the information. Apparently we need it to keep ahead of the DME. Jan

[jules]

you got to ask them - sometimes they will allow the first mask with all the parts

some DME's wont stock extra pillows - medicare is supposedly a set every month

again beware and be assertive

my millennium was probably a tad too long

[nobody]

With Medicare you can switch if you want, but I think the rental starts over. Since you're early in it, I'd switch now if you want to.

[Slinky]

You GOT your Resmed S8 II Elite on 08 Dec 08. WHEN did you START on Medicare, your effective date? IF you got your Elite PRIOR to starting Medicare did you have previous insurance? Did that previous insurance make ANY payments on your Elite? If so did you keep your copy of the EOB showing the payment(s)? Medicare requires a 13 month capped rental before the CPAP reverts to your sole ownership. Did your previous insurance pay for the Humidiaire 3i or 4i integrated humidifier, mask, headgear, hose, filter, etc.? Have you signed up at mymedicare.gov? If not you really should!

[Guest]

SaltLake:
It's a shame you have to deal with such a moron DME. I have a suggestion though. Instead of coming on here and having everyone bash the situation, etc., and get nowhere whatsoever....why not just go BACK to the DME. Say or write this exactly: "I know for a fact that OptiLife model 1036801 comes pre-packed with numerous-sized pillow cushions and cradle cushions. This is so patients can try multiple sizes and get the right fit they need. Specifically, this model comes with Petite, Small and Medium pillows cushions as well as Small and Medium Cradle Cushions. I would like all 5 interfaces please or I'd like to know why you're denying them to me. If you're not prepared to give me all 5, I will simply report you by name to Philips Respironics as well as probably purchase this product, in its entire, proper form, online from an internet vendor who's NOT trying to be dishonest and rip me off."

[SharkBait]

SaltLake:
It's a shame you have to deal with such a moron DME. I have a suggestion though. Instead of coming on here and having everyone bash the situation, etc., and get nowhere whatsoever....why not just go BACK to the DME. Say or write this exactly: "I know for a fact that OptiLife model 1036801 comes pre-packed with numerous-sized pillow cushions and cradle cushions. This is so patients can try multiple sizes and get the right fit they need. Specifically, this model comes with Petite, Small and Medium pillows cushions as well as Small and Medium Cradle Cushions. I would like all 5 interfaces please or I'd like to know why you're denying them to me. If you're not prepared to give me all 5, I will simply report you by name to Philips Respironics as well as probably purchase this product, in its entire, proper form, online from an internet vendor who's NOT trying to be dishonest and rip me off."

Gotta go with the "find another DME if you can route" if that's possible. Why continue to give this one your business??

[Guest]

Shark - you are missing my point! Unless people rat out these fools for what they are (money-grubbing and not catering to patient needs), the situation isn't going to get better. DMEs like this need to be called out on the carpet. Also, who knows, the dope with whom SaltLake interacted may not necessarily be representing the wishes of the DME owner. Who knows who told her all of that misinformation? Thanks to the emergence of these dopey auction sites online, for all we know there are RTs across the country pocketing these extra cushions, etc., and selling them online to you guys for a dishonest profit!

The DME needs to be called out. Period.

I know for a fact that it's Philips Respironics' wish that every patient receive 100% of what's in the mask bag. Trust me.

[rested gal]

go BACK to the DME. Say or write this exactly: "I know for a fact that OptiLife model 1036801 comes pre-packed with numerous-sized pillow cushions and cradle cushions. This is so patients can try multiple sizes and get the right fit they need. Specifically, this model comes with Petite, Small and Medium pillows cushions as well as Small and Medium Cradle Cushions. I would like all 5 interfaces please or I'd like to know why you're denying them to me. If you're not prepared to give me all 5, I will simply report you by name to Philips Respironics as well as probably purchase this product, in its entire, proper form, online from an internet vendor who's NOT trying to be dishonest and rip me off."

Excellent suggestion.

However, it was precisely by "coming on here and having everyone bash the situation, etc.," that SaltLake was able to see some suggestions on how to deal with it, including your very good suggestion, thedean. Also, many lurk readers who are about to face a DME for the first time can see a possible scenario and how to handle it -- thanks to SaltLake's post and your response, thedean.

When the newly diagnosed who have read this thread go to a DME who behaves like SaltLake's do, they'll be better informed and can do just what you suggested, thedean. And when they go to a DME who does provide them with everything that comes with a mask from the manufacturer, they'll know they're dealing with a "good'un."

It's a shame you have to deal with such a moron DME.

DME-bashing can be contagious, can't it?

[Slinky]

Goshes, thedean, I've gotta agree w/you on this one! The sheisters will keep right on ripping clients off until enough of the clients file complaints about their shoddy business practices. And, it didn't occur to me, but your'e right too, that it "could" be the RT or whoever Jan is working w/at the supplier's who is the sheister and crook, not the DME supplier owner/manager.

[Gale Hawkins]

I just go into a local home health center for mask, straps, etc because they are nice and helpful. If you are in the USA you have options. Thanks for the heads up because these kinds of people can hurt the success rate of CPAP use.

[NeurosurgeryNP]

I guess I am blessed to have an awesome DME wo really cares after reading all of these stories.

[Guest]

yeah, it's pretty easy to figure out what comes in the bag. Go here: http://www.mrl.respironics.com and type the number 1026346 in the Keyword box. Then click on the returned link, then click on the URL beside the PREVIEW word. (No need to add to cart).

[Wulfman]

It's a shame you have to deal with such a moron DME.

DME-bashing can be contagious, can't it?

ROFLMAO!!!!

Good one, Laura.

Like I said yesterday...... (when agreeing with "track" about cheap entertainment on the forum)


Den