Choose DME provider?

[fritopie]

I currently have Apria, and am NOT impressed. Their customer service is a joke. My RT is not snotty, but would be if The snotty tone of voice was added. Very unresponsive, puts me off. Their billing department is deplorable. I am up to date with no balance, and pay the RT the day I get equipment. I get a bill in the mail that says I'm "over 30 days" with balance.
So, have any of you changed DME providers? Anyone use, or hear of Lincare? Would it be worth my while to change? I don't need more of the same aggravation.

[archangle]

Search for lincare on this board and "lincare complaints" on Google.

[Paper_Nanny]

Search for lincare on this board and "lincare complaints" on Google.

Keep in mind that while some problems may be related to company wide issues, such as general policy and procedure, it is more likely that results will vary by individual office and who is working at that particular office. If you are in a large enough metropolitin area, you could try doing a Google search on Lincare in your area.

Deborah

[Gaga58]

I don't know what area you are in, but Lincare was my first choice to get me started on therapy...I haven't started it yet!! Read my post "the proof is in the pudding" and you will see the conversation between myself and them! That doesn't mean all Lincares will be this way, but after reading numerous accounts on this forum of various DME's, I was not surprised at the response I got. My thoughts on all this is: it's MY money and I'm paying THEM to provide ME with what I WANT...there is no reason whatsoever to put up with that type of treatment when you and your insurance are paying for and should get better!! Good luck!

[beanfruit]

I use Lincare and have not been impressed for the most part, though the majority of my issues are probably with the staff at my local office. When I went to get set up the very first time, the DME spent less than 30 minutes with me and most of that time was having me sign paperwork. I didn't get to try on any masks - she just asked what I used when I had my titration and that's what she gave me. Didn't do any measuring, didn't have me lie down to check fit (or to properly demonstrate how it should fit), etc. Another woman at the same office was much more helpful though when I went back a week later to get a different mask.

I'm curious - I know Lincare and I believe Apria are national DME's...which is why I chose Lincare. I figured if I was traveling and needed something that would be my best option. However, my insurance would also cover 2-3 local DME's. Wonder if I would have been better off with someone local (i.e., smaller).

So maybe it would be worth exploring some local DME's if your insurance allows you to do that. (I'm off to read the same posts you were directed to about Lincare. I so wish I had done more reading before I started working with someone!)

[Otter]

Wonder if I would have been better off with someone local (i.e., smaller).

As a general rule, I find that small, locally owned businesses give better service than the local outpost of a big corporation.

[cowlypso]

I chose a local DME that has offices throughout the state. They had offices in my old city, and I knew that they had an office in the city I just moved to, as well as the city halfway in between where I stay regularly.

They have been very good to me. Spent plenty of time answering my questions before I even had my prescription. The initial set-up appointment took about 45 minutes and the guy went over everything with me. Had me try out the mask with the machine and showed me how to adjust the C-flex and other settings. Had no problems with switching out masks within the first 30 days. Then, when I had a mask issue after the 30 days, they gave me a free mask to use. They have been very generous with making sure I have everything I need.

[archangle]

It's good to realize that just because it's a corporate organization, they're not necessarily evil.

Well, at least not yet.

[fiberfan]

I have used 2 local DMEs and been happy with both, the only reason I am not still using the first DME is an insurance change. The only thing I don't like about the current DME is they don't accept co-pays when I pick up equipment but that is a minor issue. The current DME is open on Saturday which is very nice.

[Slinky]

My first local DME provider covers about 3 states. They were terrible - so I switched. My second and current local DME provider covers about 1/3 to 1/2 of the state. They have been great. Of course, they were aware when I switched to them that I had switched to them due to dissatisfaction w/my first DME which may have inspired them to do well by me.

When I travel depending on my mode of transportation, how long I will be staying where, they have provided travel equipment as needed or made arrangements w/an unaffiliated DME provider in the area I will be visiting for any equipment I need (I am on oxygen as well as PAP). When my original 02 concentrator died late on a Friday night and I called their 800 number a new concentrator was delivered to my house w/in a 1/2 hour despite I've been provided w/8 E tanks for emergencies!!!!

Sheldon Medical Supply (Michigan) has been great to work with. I have no complaints.