Can I avoid local DMEs and go online?

[rjjayrt]

First of all its your insurance's decision on purchaseing or renting. Some rent for 30 to 90 days prior to purchasing. All moneys paid by the patient while in rental go's towards the purchase.

[mattman]

Thanks for the kind words RG.

I'm not sure where anyone would get that I've been run off, or that I try "spoutin stuff" or that I have a beef with anyone. I don't In fact I even suggested the OP buy his equipment online!

As far as anything I've suggested in the vein of how insurance companies work - anyone is obviously free to disagree! It's what makes this a great country!
mattman

[zgeggy2k]

Thanks everyone for the help!

Cheers,

-- Greg

[SleeplessInSpokane]

Check out the prices at CPAP-Supply.com.You may find that they have the best price.
It turned out that they are in the same city as me, Spokane, Wa., so I was able to pick up my purchase and save the shipping, as well as saving about $50 on the purchase of a smartcard reader. It also gave me the opportunity to meet them (actually the owner). After talking to Mike, the owner, for about 2 hours, and shbsequently browsing their web page write-ups, I have faith that they are in the business for more than just profit.

[georgepds]

FWIIW, I started with a DME and then bought a unit on cpapauction. The only "trick" was learning the secret handshake to code in the pressure . This support group gave me the answer

[JoyD.]

.
Since almost all online companies selling CPAP machines and supplies will NOT bill Medicare or Private Insurance, I thought I'd comment.

I have been ordering by phone from the Mayo Clinic Store which I found online. It is the medical supply store at the famous Mayo Clinic. ALL THEIR PROFITS GO TO MEDICAL RESEARCH AT MAYO. They bill Medicare for me with no problem, and they also bill Private Insurance. The customer service is wonderful, and I have been so pleased with their fast delivery. Their catalog includes the major XPAPS & Masks as well as other supplies such as filters and pillows. They even sell the AEIOMED Headrest Mask !

Click here to see their catalog & information on ordering including phone: http://www.mayoclinic.org/mcitems/mc120 ... 234-60.pdf

Hope this is helpful to many of you in the USA, especially those who are on insurance or Medicare

Joy

[JohnBFisher]

Joy, that's great to know. It provides another option ... and who knows, my insurance company might accept something from them. Thanks for the pointer.