DME vent

[Elle]

I am frustrated with my sleep tech equipment supplier. I have been pre-approved by my insurer for a new machine and mask. I had just bought a mask last week and paid (will be re-imbursed by insurer) but the company submitted a request for pre-authorization for a mask and machine which messed up the bookkeeping. That will be straightened out.

They sent someone to "check" my machine but she had no idea that they had placed the request for the new machine and she told me my old one was fine. When I explained that I needed an auto she was embarrassed and then acted like I did indeed need a new machine. She had to call the company a couple of times because of conflicting information she and I were given.

Anyway, they are just very sloppy in general and uncommunicative. It is hard to keep things straight with them so now I am worried that they will try to scam me on the machine. My insurer approved $2300. for a machine and $325. for a mask. I paid $175. for the mask and from what they had told me before this process started was that if I wanted a Resmed S9 "autoset" I might have to pay some out of pocket myself.

We all know $2300. should more than cover it but I am worried they will charge the insurer that amount but try to stick me with something of lesser value. When I had asked to try a certain mask she showed up with a different one and said "they are the same"....even though they were made by different companies. I think they assume I am an idiot.

I know it is up to me to speak up for myself but I am too tired to take them on and just wish they could be up front, honest and helpful instead of making me feel like I am playing a chess game.

Thanks for listening.

[fuzzy96]

no need to fight just tell them up front what you need and if they won't help you some other company will. tell them they only get one chance to get it right.
sign nothing untill you are satisfied. period. itsthat simple

[Elle]

I guess I am just tired from fighting with the owner today and sound like a whiner.

I did tell her I won't deal with her any more and she backed off (until she makes the sale....I have a good insurer so she wants to keep me). She was trying to bully me and it bugged me that I had to expend the energy to take her on. She thought she could make me stop asking questions. I think it bothers them that the consumers are being informed.

Thanks to the people here I am more informed than when I got (just blindly accepted) my first machine. I am so grateful to the people here.

[MDALE]

I had similar problems trying to deal with a "reputable" name DME. I think that manipulation by DMEs is typical and a scandel.
Instead of dealing with them and the "rent to own" scheme, I direct purchased a slightly used machine. It's an older model without all the bells and whistles but I'm happy with it.

[Elle]

They should be doing ok business wise since more and more people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea and there aren't that many companies here selling the equipment. I did let them know another company was just down the street but they are all the same so no point in switching really. Foolishly, I expected to have a nice pleasant interaction I was excited about getting (and learning about) the new Resmed S9 but they were not interested in interacting. They just wanted to dictate. Oh well. I am settled down now and will share my excitement when I get my machine with people who are actually interested in this stuff....cpaptalk.

I imagine this is where I will learn to use it as well.

[fuzzy96]

you are not being a whiner.
most of us have had to deal with the dme's bull s^&*. shouldn't happen but they are trying to make a buck too.
i actually think it's a knee jerk reaction that they have to be arsees when faced with someone that actually knows something.
my dme knows me and what i expect even though we've only talked twice.he knows that i'll go elsewhere in a moments notice if i sense attitude.
here's hopin all works out fer ya

[Elle]

Thanks Fuzzy, Although it is my insurance company that is paying for this equipment I am still puzzled by attitude when running a business. Once I have the machine I won't have to deal with them until I need a new mask and then I will just order it shipped. Thanks again for listening.

[archangle]

I had similar problems trying to deal with a "reputable" name DME.

Gee, does such a thing exist?

[chunkyfrog]

Reputable DME: another oxymoron?
Who knew?