Exchanging machines at DME+ Changing DME!!

[jlklinko]

Hi there
With all I have read on here I am requesting my S9 Escape Auto go back to the DME and I can get an S9 Autoset. I have to

1)Get a new prescription from my Doctor for the Autoset.
2)Fax to Apria.
3)Apria will rebill my insurance since I have had it only one week.
4)Return the Escape Auto to American Home Patient since AHP stated they do not have access to the Autoset.

HARD TO WAIT!!!!! (sigh)

[Tino2You]

Hang in there. I just got my s9 Autoset from Apria. To make things go smooth, gt your doctor to prescribe *exactly* what you want. One thing that the autoset will need on the script is the ramp pressure as well as the max. Without it, Apria will not honor the script (LFMF).

[sleeptimeinNY]

Good for you! I also was given an S9 Escape because I knew NOTHING about what I should have until I discovered this site. It took 2 tries at getting the prescription right. I now have the Autoset, but the rep for the DME did not take out my card from the Escape to record the data! Hopefully my insurance company will not penalize me for that.
Make sure the script is exact... Can't say "CPAP" - must have a range for pressure (since I only was given one setting, I actually told the doc what to write on the script!)

Good luck!

[squid13]

American Home Patient is feeding you a line of crap. I got my machine from American Home Patient and had no problem. They had them in stock. I guess it depends on the branch your dealing with and therapist that dispenses the machine. My therapist has been on CPAP for about 13 years so I guess that helps. I order my supplies from them and have no problems.

[jlklinko]

I asked American Home Patient if I got a new script could they order me one.....nope. It did sound like they were covering.

[-tim]

They are a licensed dealer or they aren't. If they are a dealer, they can get anything. If they aren't a dealer, did the things fall off the back of a truck? I think you should call resmed's 1-800 number and report suspicious activity. After all their Aussie web site says theier are knockoffs of their stuff.

[Janknitz]

There's a difference between ability to order the machine you want and desire to order the machine you want. They don't want to order the machine you want because it means less profit for them. That's their prerogative, but you don't have to do business with them--that's your perogative.

So vote with your feet and find a DME who wants your business. If more CPAP users were educated enough to do that, your current DME might get the message that there's not going to be much of a profit margin at all if they don't pay attention to the needs of CPAP users.

Unfortunately that's not going to happen--too many shell-shocked naive suckers out there for them to take advantage of. Meanwhile, you don't have to be one of them. So good for you for finding a better DME.

[jlklinko]

Hi there
1) I think once I get this resolved I will call ResMed and report them.
2)Still waiting for the doc to fax the prescription and sleep study to my new (hopefully permanant) DME- Apria.
3)Don't want to rock the boat yet.

[jlklinko]

Hi There
1) Doctor faxed prescriptions and sleep study to my new DME- Apria- this morning. Seemed like it took forever when in fact it was 48 hours since I requested them be faxed.
2) Prescription says Autoset according to doc's office with correct wording.
3) Waiting for Apria to call back. Hard to wait.
4) While waiting for Apria my old DME called- American Home Patient- to give me a one week follow-up phone call.
5) I told her what was happening like it is and that I would be dropping off machine asap once I hear from Apria since she couldn't get me an autoset.
6) Now she's all flustered and is going to talk to her supervisor about me.
7) Maybe they can get the machine afterall! (ha!)

[Janknitz]

While waiting for Apria my old DME called- American Home Patient- to give me a one week follow-up phone call.
5) I told her what was happening like it is and that I would be dropping off machine asap once I hear from Apria since she couldn't get me an autoset.
6) Now she's all flustered and is going to talk to her supervisor about me.
7) Maybe they can get the machine afterall! (ha!)

OK, we've seen this before.

Soon you will get a call back telling you that they are happy to provide you the auto machine you want, as long as you are willing to pay $250 -$350 more out of pocket. Don't let them pull this on you. Thank them for their efforts but let them know that Apria will supply it with no upcharge. If they would like to keep you as a customer (if you even want to stay with them), they will have to swap out machines with no upcharge. Period. Otherwise you'll see them when you return the machine. Stay polite and firm.

[jlklinko]

Janknitz,
1) Thanks for the heads up! Not paying one thin dime to them.
2) I really want to change anyway- she talks down to me. like I am trash.

[jlklinko]

Hi there
1) Just wanted to let you all know I go tomorrow- Tues at 10:00 am to Apria to pick up my new S9 Autoset machine and supplies!
2) Then I will be taking back the old machine asap to American Home Patient.
3) I am so happy it is all working out!
4) Would you all recommend Sleepyhead or ResScan software?

[Janknitz]

I am so happy it is all working out!

Sounds good, but wait until the S9 Autoset is in your hands before starting to celebrate.

[Pugsy]

4) Would you all recommend Sleepyhead or ResScan software?

I would suggest that you give both a try and see if you have a preference.
I personally like SleepyHead best but then I used it with my PR S1 machine for a long time before I got my S9 machine so that is sort of to be expected. There are pros and cons for each.

[jlklinko]

Hi there
1) Got my new machine -S9 Autoset- today from Apria! Returning the S9 Escape Auto to American Home Patient Friday 5/25.
2) Downloaded Sleepyhead software. Will let you know if I have any questions. THANKS! YIPEE