Stuck with DME Supplier?

I'm trying to use up some end-of-year med benefits. I can't get my DME supplier to let me try on masks before the end of the year, so I called another supplier. I was told by the second company that I could not use my insurance with them because I'm "under contract" with the first company. I never heard of this, but I suppose I could fire the first company.

Does this sound familiar to anyone, and if so, is there any way to keep from being tied to a single provider?

I don't think you can be stuck with your supplier, unless your insurance company will only deal with one. I have fired two DME's so far and had no problems switching. I have had to keep the machine I got from the second one because it's on a rent-to-buy type which I guess could be considered a contract. But I don't think there's any way you can be under contract for supplies....

Sorry you're having trouble. Hang in there.

Ask your insurance company who they are contracted with in your area. I have changed DMEs and was able to do so -- but I contacted my insurance company first.

They can help guide you in this.

If you are using a flex plan instead it shouldn't matter what DME you use.

It's possible that the DME's have some type of "agreement" with each other. Are there other DME's in your area you could try?

Thanks for the suggestions. As soon as the second company told me I was "under contract" with the first company, I called my insurance company. Their recorded messages says they are gone "for the holidays." Not sure whether that's Hannakuh, Christmas, Kwaanza, New Year's, what. It seems like an unprofessional message not to specify the exact day you'll be answering phones again. Oh, well.

I guess I will try another approach. I'm not sure I can find another DME that has CPAP masks in stock in the area on short notice, but I'll look. I am pretty sure my insurance company deals with all of them, as my sleep doctor suggested a couple of them to me.