Any suggestions on finding a new local DME providerDallasTX

I need to replace my machine, and there are several relatively local providers to choose from. The only two I've worked with in the past have been bad and worse.

actual location Lewisville, Flower Mound Insurance is Medicare

Liz H wrote:I need to replace my machine, and there are several relatively local providers to choose from. The only two I've worked with in the past have been bad and worse.

Start with your insurance to find out who is in network and how they pay if you buy online.

If you felt comfortable enough sharing your (rough) location, somebody on the board might be willing to recommend a decent DME in your area.

For me? I found my rather excellent DME by doing a web search for "CPAP equipment Buffalo, NY" and then making a fair number of phone calls to conduct the initial interview with the DMEs.

If the old machine is still good enough to work for a while, and you know how to set it up yourself, you can do good through craigslist. I watched for 3 months and got a good PRS1 Auto machine and humidifier for under $300.

and, if you have a lifetime prescription (hopefully you do) you can fax it to cpap.com (our forum host company) and get whatever you want. So, if you know which machine you want they are an option. Of course it might be cheaper through an in-network DME provider through your insurance.

Local DMEs: I would find out which DMEs in your area are in-network for your insurance. Then drive around to as many as you can tolerate and see their actual office, speak to the front desk person, the office manager, and sleep therapist if they have one. Develop your preference from there. You may ask each the same question and see how each responds, such as: "I have a prescription and I'm going to DMEs in the area to see which I want to use. If I come here with this prescription can I get XXX machine?" If yes, "Do you have it in stock?" You get the idea.

Do not let some person walk in the back with your prescription or copy it. Only release the prescription once you have decided which DME to use.!

Gasp! So good to see you drop in and share. Its been a while. Its always a pleasure to see your avatar, I so like it - and you, of course.

Thanks everyone. My insurance is Medicare, and I'm in Flower Mound, Denton County which is near Dallas, TX.

My preference is to have someone within a 20 minute drive from my home, which may not be realistic. (I don't drive, so depend on others) I'm starting to think that mail-order might not be too bad, especially if they have knowledgeable staff I could speak with on the phone. I wasn't overly impressed with the staff at my last two providers, either with their knowledge or customer service.

One even sent my $40 bill to a collection agency. The bill was 9 months past due, but they'd only sent it to me a week before! This was typical of their paperwork handling.

Here's a reliable Company. I deal with one in San Antonio. http://www.providacare.com/locateus.asp

Slinky wrote:Gasp! So good to see you drop in and share. Its been a while. Its always a pleasure to see your avatar, I so like it - and you, of course.

My life is like a rollercoaster. It's either chugging up for the next dive (I have time to post in this phase) or rushing toward earth (no time : ) I'm expecting the next 3 months to be chugging!

Sounds familiar, Gasp. I remember those days. Fortunately, since retirement they come less often. But I also seem less able to handle them well.

CraigsList is a great idea, especially now that I can find some information on the various machines. I'm pretty sure that Medicare will only pay for a new one, but I will check. I don't like spending more of my money than I have to, so why should I spend more of the taxpayers' money than needed?