Difficulty ordering new mask/headgear

[letchworth]

Recently moved to Akron, Ohio area and trying to set up with local DME. My insurance will cover what I need, but DME says they are not permitted by "corporate" to order the Respironics Comfort Gel Blue, "Because the price is too high".
They deal with all brands- so it is not a problem with sourcing the mask/headgear-- I would appreciate any suggestions you might share.
Is there a similar mask you could recommend?
They have gotten sleep study & doctor just faxed script-- I was so taken aback, that I asked if I did not find a compatible [to me] mask, could I have my script & sleep study to take somewhere else--- they said, "No problem, you can have all paperwork".
I know they like to make largest profit margin possible- but never expected they would not order what I wanted.
letchworth

[Sclark08]

So find another DME!

[chunkyfrog]

You can use my Medicare link to find Medicare approved dealers in your area.
--someplace to start . . .

[letchworth]

Thank you to both of you--- the list will be helpful if I go in that direction. And it does make sense to pass on the one DME-- but I did wonder if others had been prior users of Comfort Gel or Comfort Gel Blue, and have "discovered" a mask they like even better.

I always say, "I am a C-PAP user in search of the perfect mask". Have used OptiLife nose cushions and Mirage HX in the past- but keep coming back to Comfort Gel, and since its demise the Comfort Gel Blue----- so, just wondered what others have found.

Again, I do appreciate your insights
letchworth

[JDS74]

Having your own copies of your sleep study and prescription enables you to move from DME to DME easily.
You have found a mask that works for you. The DME should get it for you or you should move on to one who will.

Does your insurance allow you to purchase separately and then submit the invoice so you get paid directly?
Some do and that makes it very simple to get exactly what you want and need.

[LSAT]

If you get your doctor to write a prescription for that specific mask, the DME is obligated to get it. Just like a pharmacy they must fill the prescription as written or not at all.

[jencat824]

In theory I agree with LSAT, he is correct, the DME must comply with a Dr's order. But for the sake of practicality, I would find another DME, one that could start off on the right foot with you, their customer. I would not want to jump thru hoops & force them to comply every time they wanted to supply you with something that they made a higher profit margin on. Just my 2 cents.

Jen

[Stevoreno_55]

If you get your doctor to write a prescription for that specific mask, the DME is obligated to get it. Just like a pharmacy they must fill the prescription as written or not at all.

DME's in my area are not obligated to do anything even if the doctor orders a specific branded item on the Rx and the doctor also signs on the line on the Rx "dispense as written". DME's here can choose not to fill a Rx if they consider the item to be too expensive to acquire; ( i.e. no profit would be made). I'd look for another DME.


Stevoreno_55
MS Gulf Coast
05/03/14

[chunkyfrog]

I found the Comfortgel full face the best-fitting full face mask for my unique mug.
The deep cushion allows for a larger variety of face shapes than every other ff mask I've tried.
It was the only full face mask that I could get to stop leaking.