Think I got snookered !

howkim wrote:

rosiefrosie wrote:I Think it is written somewhere (depending where you live). hhhmmmmm let me see, oh yes, the bill of rights.

Yes, it is written somewhere, but not the Bill of Rights. It's HIPAA. The DME will (or SHOULD) know about it.

HIPPA is for privacy and how providers are to keep your information private.

Knowledge is power.
As long as they have it and you do not; they have all the power.
Know this: You NEED a machine:
You might be better off buying a data-capable machine from somewhere else.

Ifd you have closed your credit card account how will the DME issue you a credit? Not likely they will give you cash!

scrapper wrote:The machine is not your enemy.........the dme that treated you so poorly is the enemy. Don't stop treatment because you need a new provider.......it will only harm you. Returning the machine does not eliminate OSA. Treatment makes you feel so much better, and extends your life once you make friends with it. This forum is all about helping people.........you won't find encouragement here to quit!

Well if wishes were fishes I would outright purchase something.....but since they are not I would have to use insurance and there are only 2 providers in my area. I chose the best one and found out they are unprofessional crooks. I already know the other one is. So won't waste my time or precious energy there. Not looking here for any quitting encouragement ok?

You can always check Craigslist for masks & machines available in your area. I would still work on getting the prescription in your hand so you can manage you own stuff.

I would keep an future communications with the DME in writting. Like a written request for your medical records. Yes they have copies and are covered by HIPAA. If you have to, hand deliver the documents and get a signature or name of who accepted it. Keep a written log.

Good Luck

adksleepygal wrote:I would have to use insurance and there are only 2 providers in my area. I chose the best one and found out they are unprofessional crooks. I already know the other one is. So won't waste my time or precious energy there.

adksleepygal, you have two providers, both of whom you say are "crooks." It sounds like out of pocket is not an option. What are you going to do?

adksleepygal wrote:Not looking here for any quitting encouragement ok?

Personally, I think your mind is made up. I hope I'm wrong. This diagnosis is scary, frustrating and the treatment can be a PITA. But it works if you give it a chance.

Linda

aguest wrote:Ifd you have closed your credit card account how will the DME issue you a credit? Not likely they will give you cash!

The credit will be issued to my account which has just been closed to them - ie. they will not be able to access the number for any type of billing. I talked to the VISA people about what to do and the credit will still come through to my account - its just being held and will be re-issued with a new number - same account - I have done this before when I had to because of card compromise warnings. The credit was issued (so they say) while I had them on the phone this morning - I would not hang up until they had heard me out and it was done. I have the name of the girl who did this and the address of course but do not look forward to a 75 mile (one-way) drive if not necessary.
I cannot even access my own account yet - 48 hours and then I will know.

rosiefrosie wrote:

howkim wrote:

rosiefrosie wrote:I Think it is written somewhere (depending where you live). hhhmmmmm let me see, oh yes, the bill of rights.

Yes, it is written somewhere, but not the Bill of Rights. It's HIPAA. The DME will (or SHOULD) know about it.

HIPPA is for privacy and how providers are to keep your information private.

Yes, it is. However, there's also a part of it that says that can have a copy of your records. The doc can charge a "reasonable" (whatever that is) fee for copying them for you. But the magic word is "HIPAA."