Apria v. Lincare: please chime in

[pootsie]

Apria and Lincare are my two alternatives for DME suppliers in-network.

Does anyone have experience with both of them that they can share to help me choose?

I noticed that Apria's website at least lists some of what is available, while Lincare gives the consumer nothing but a link to give them money.

Thanks

[chunkyfrog]

All DME's should post what they sell (IMHO); I'm actually surprised you found one that does.

[LSAT]

I believe you will hear lots of bad things about both. I had a short experience with Apria. I had no problem with the local office but the billing and shipping was horrendous.

[chunkyfrog]

And another member prefers their online to their local office. At least it gives you another "option".
Also, when you are considering in-network suppliers, you can widen your search radius.
With the money involved, I would seriously consider a road trip to get exactly what I need.
(Texas, here I come!)

[pootsie]

This is the Apria listing:

http://www.apria.com/wps/portal/apria/h ... ea-devices

With all that is out there, I find this a very limited list. But at least it is listed.

That alone makes me lean towards Apria, but I know there is more to the story

Thanks for your input, everyone

[Bobby269]

Apria doesn't give you a 30 day mask return after the purchase of a machine and mask. So if you are a new client of Apria but already have your machine no 30 day exchanges of masks.
If you order from the main office they send te order to your branch anyways. The online people are more familiar with mask and machines.

[pootsie]

Thanks, Bobby!

[YogaKitty]

My local Lincare branch was much nicer and more willing to work with me than any other DME's on my approved list. The RT wasn't particularly helpful, but she did get what I wanted - to a point. The supplies people are separate and call to see if I need anything. All in all, I would rate them Ok, but not exciting. Local Apria wasn't helpful at all when I called them. Call each of your local offices and ask to speak to their RT. Ask them questions, tell them what you want, get a feel for the office. Each one is different. Some are nice and helpful, some not so much

[jencat824]

My experience with Apria has not been positive (I've not used them personally, I use them for my brother-in-laws oxygen). I've never used Lincare, so can't comment on them. Apria is hard to deal with in terms of billing. Apria did replace a defective o2 concentrator, they found it defective on a regular quarterly check.

Good luck, I'm afraid you will probably hear from the folks here about half & half. You might try calling each & starting a basic newbie conversation to see which seems more helpful.

Jen

[Denial Dave]

My local APRIA office has signs on the wall stating that they have a 30 day exchange program... You may need to be more forceful with your local rep... I got 3 masks within a 45 days period from APRIA.... I only paid for one of them... the other 2 were processed under their 30 day period.

I got a Quattro FX with my machine... 30 days later, I got a Comfortgel Blue FFM, it didn't work at all for me. I was back in their office in less than a week and got a Quattro FFM...

Dave

Apria doesn't give you a 30 day mask return after the purchase of a machine and mask. So if you are a new client of Apria but already have your machine no 30 day exchanges of masks.
If you order from the main office they send te order to your branch anyways. The online people are more familiar with mask and machines.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I had some billing issues with Lincare, but after a couple of phone calls they cleaned it up. Just know what you are supposed to pay before getting involved with them.

[ansmit3574@gmail.com]

Neither - both specialize in limiting what you can get to make money. I agree that many of the online sources at least allow you to shop and get what's best for your money.

[pootsie]

Thanks all for your input.

I'm going to get in touch with the local folks at both before anything else happens and get a feel.

[mfignewton]

I think it just depends on your person. I have Lincare and so far i really like the guy the runs that route. He calls me back very quickly and brings me what i need and calls and make sure everything is good.

[STL Mark]

That is like giving you the choice between the Gas Chamber or the Electric Chair. Hard to appreciate the offer of a choice when these are your options.