Is DME like AVIS?

[drdigital1]

I am with Medicare so there is no shortage of DMEs. The "risk" I am concerned about is that Medicare might not approve the cancellation/return and switch of DMEs.

[Pugsy]

No...there's no risk that Medicare will be a problem.
You are free to use whomever you want as a supplier and Medicare won't care. People change suppliers all the time.
The DME might do you like my first one did me (I fired them before I accepted the machine because they lied to me) when I told them I wasn't going to accept the machine. "So you are refusing therapy?"....I just smiled and said "No, not at all. I am just refusing to do business with you and have chosen to go somewhere else"...and then I saw a little shock on their face and I laughed and left.

[archangle]

Complain to Medicare if you are "offered" a used machine.
Their rates are based on a NEW machine, and there is NO discount for used equipment.

Do you have a reference for that statement? Medicare usually requires "rent to own," which sort of implies that you may get a previously rented machine.

[LSAT]

I am with Medicare so there is no shortage of DMEs. The "risk" I am concerned about is that Medicare might not approve the cancellation/return and switch of DMEs.

YES....With Medicare, there is!

[StuUnderPressure]

Complain to Medicare if you are "offered" a used machine.
Their rates are based on a NEW machine, and there is NO discount for used equipment.

Do you have a reference for that statement? Medicare usually requires "rent to own," which sort of implies that you may get a previously rented machine.

I agree that Medicare does not give a crap about him getting a used machine.

But, if someone is given a used machine, at the end of the Medicare "rent to own" period, he will still have a Used machine.

NO one should ever accept a used machine - Period.
Whether it is the Medicare "rent to own" or any private insurance "rent to own".

I will add however, that it is always harder to UNdo something that has already been done - not impossible, but harder.

Had the Run Hours been checked while still at the DME, him just walking out & going to another DME would have been much simpler. I'll bet the DME trying to foist a used machine on him would have gladly given him a new machine had he started to walk out.

[NateS]

I am with Medicare so there is no shortage of DMEs. The "risk" I am concerned about is that Medicare might not approve the cancellation/return and switch of DMEs.

Medicare does not supply equipment.
Medicare does not pick your doctor.
Medicare does not prevent you from switching doctors.
Medicare does not pick your DME.
Medicare does not prevent you from switching DMEs.

This is just a test of assertiveness on your part and a game of "blink" on the DME's part.
You should not be waiting to see what this lying DME does next - they have already lied to you twice.
March into their store/office with the machine and with a companion videotaping the encounter - tell them you are returning the machine because they lied to you and you do not want to do business with them and they have not given you the machine your doctor and you want and/or you refuse to rent a used machine and walk out.

Regards, Nate

[drdigital1]

Here’s an update:
After hearing from me that I’m returning the machine unless I get a new current model (760), the DME promised to do just that and the next day, they gave me a 760 machine! However, I went into the clinician mode right away and discovered that this one was used as well (660 hours). The DME took it back (the office blamed a technician error). Today, I received a brand new (zero hours) 760. Obviously the DME tried to unload their used machines but, faced with perspective of losing a customer, they provided a new one in the end.
My doctor, having never heard of DME providing used machines, has changed their process and is indicating NEW MACHINE on all their future prescriptions.
Lesson: make sure the doctor specifies new machine and confirm that it is unused before taking possession (learn the clinician mode beforehand).
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom!

[bwexler]

Pugsy thanks.
The one I got is 750, which is System ONE BiPAP Auto Bi-Flex. It is indeed an obsolete model and mine is also a used one. Is there any risk in insisting that they take it back if they can't provide what I am requesting i.e., an unused current model (760)?

There is a very big risk that you might get exactly what you want.

Update on my mask that can't be added to the system.

It has been added and assigned a Crapria M number, and has been ordered.
The only remaining fib is that Circadiance can't drop ship it directly to me. They already told me they could.

[StuUnderPressure]

Here’s an update:
After hearing from me that I’m returning the machine unless I get a new current model (760), the DME promised to do just that and the next day, they gave me a 760 machine! However, I went into the clinician mode right away and discovered that this one was used as well (660 hours). The DME took it back (the office blamed a technician error). Today, I received a brand new (zero hours) 760. Obviously the DME tried to unload their used machines but, faced with perspective of losing a customer, they provided a new one in the end.
My doctor, having never heard of DME providing used machines, has changed their process and is indicating NEW MACHINE on all their future prescriptions.
Lesson: make sure the doctor specifies new machine and confirm that it is unused before taking possession (learn the clinician mode beforehand).
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom!

Technician error, my #%$^%

They just had the balls to try to foist another used machine on you.

Unfortunately, DMEs get away with their practices way too often because their customers just don't know any better.

So, even when one of their customers does know better, they just can't seem to get out of that rut.

What internal Software Version did you end up with?

[drdigital1]

What internal Software Version did you end up with?

On the bottom is says 3.XX
Is there a better way to find out?

[drdigital1]

What internal Software Version did you end up with?

It's V3.04 (had to unplug and plug again to have this info displayed)

[Pugsy]

It's V3.04 (had to unplug and plug again to have this info displayed)

That's probably about right. Mine is V3.03.
Manufacture date is on the bottom of the machine on the same sticker as the model number. Manufacture date is an 8 digit number and the code is year/month/day format.
Tiny numbers lower right of that sticker.

[NateS]

Here’s an update:
After hearing from me that I’m returning the machine unless I get a new current model (760), the DME promised to do just that and the next day, they gave me a 760 machine! However, I went into the clinician mode right away and discovered that this one was used as well (660 hours). The DME took it back (the office blamed a technician error). Today, I received a brand new (zero hours) 760. Obviously the DME tried to unload their used machines but, faced with perspective of losing a customer, they provided a new one in the end.
My doctor, having never heard of DME providing used machines, has changed their process and is indicating NEW MACHINE on all their future prescriptions.
Lesson: make sure the doctor specifies new machine and confirm that it is unused before taking possession (learn the clinician mode beforehand).
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom!

Congratulations! Be proud and remain vigilant! It is a crying shame that there are so many thieves in that industry, and that they take advantage of so many innocent, trusting people in need of medicare care!

Best wishes, Nate

[drdigital1]

Manufacture date is on the bottom of the machine on the same sticker as the model number. Manufacture date is an 8 digit number and the code is year/month/day format.
Tiny numbers lower right of that sticker.

It is Aug 16, 2013

[Pugsy]

Do you have the special clinical manual for the 760? If not you can request it here
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual
down near the bottom are instructions for how to request the provider/clinical manual
Make sure you request this model
Respironics PR System One 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

If you run into trouble getting it ...I have one but would need your private email addy to send it to you as attachment...just send me a private message if you want/need it.
Also you can use SleepyHead software if you wish..links and info in my signature area.
Send me a private message if you want Encore and if you do please include what Windows version is on your computer.

EncoreGuide link this will show you examples of what you will see. For a different machine than yours but the basics are the same.
http://www.healthcare.philips.com/pwc_h ... _Guide.pdf