DME & Sleep Clinics determine what brand of product a patient will use. The doctors and executives of these groups know they are going to be wined & dined by Resumed in return for pushing Resumed products. I know enough doctors personally to know that many "Medical Recertifications" meetings aren't what they seem. A corporation associated with the medical profession holds their "Recertification Meetings" or Executive Training Seminars, in exotic locales. A shopping paradise like Hong Kong or spending a few days extolling the beauty of the Taj Mahol is an expense-free, luxury, vacation for the Doctors & Executives & their wives. Their attendance at a few early morning meetings also qualifies it as a tax-free, all-expense paid luxury vacation in a four-star hotel.jnk wrote: We (ResMed) market our products primarily to home healthcare dealers and to sleep clinics that diagnose OSA and other sleep disorders. We believe that home healthcare dealers and sleep clinics play a significant role in determining which brand of product a patient will use. "
Resumed & similar corporations have obligations to keep other groups happy. After the doctor indicated which brand the patient can have & the DME completes the sale, The third party groups are important players - they can provide or deny funds for the purchases.
jnk wrote: Domestic third-party payers include Medicare, Medicaid and corporate health insurance plans. These payers may deny reimbursement if they determine that a device is not used in accordance with cost-effective treatment methods, or is experimental,
The Government Officials and Insurance Executives get their share of entertainment. Dinner at nice hotels, and suitable paybacks so the VIP's feel appreciated & amply rewarded.
Lest we forget, Resumed, etc. has additional parties to satisfy.
I don't know how these people are rewarded by Resumed. I do know it includes Elected Officials, (Senators, etc.) Their Administrative Assistants, FDA Officials and any minor offical who can wiggle their way in.jnk wrote:for products sold in the United States, we are still subject to laws and regulations relating to governmental programs, and any violation of these laws and regulations could result in civil and criminal penalties. . . . FDA is authorized to establish special controls . . . Non-compliance can result in import detentions, fines, civil penalties, injunctions, suspensions or losses of regulatory approvals,
Who picks up the bill for all this largesse. It isn't ResMed. No, it is any person who pays an inflated price for a plastic box with a hose attached. Or buys a hunk of silicone formed into a mask, or other sleep apnea equipment at the exoribant price necessary to pay for all the vacations and perks ResMed provides for their "Very Important People". . . In addition ResMed received $835.04 Million in Revenue in 2008. &82/color]
This is a cynical review of a situation we are seemingly powerless to change - However, I do see a bright spot in all this mess.
The bright spot is Johnny Goodman and the forum he created in Cpaptalk.com. We have a forum where we can speak our diverse opinions without fear. It is his Internet sales that offer fair prices. There are important issues that should unit us. It is important to contact ResMed. We should complain to our elected officials regarding the unfair treatment sleep apnea patients get compared to diabetic monitering.
But the issue The issue that should have our foremost attention is, whenever possible, tounite our buying power where it will help us the most. Help the person and the company who helps us. Unite our Internet buying power with Johnny Goodman.
Jan
