DME gave me a gift... I think.

I switched DMEs well over a year ago when my "local" office stopped stocking CPAP supplies and switched to mail-order from their warehouse in another state. I figured if I could no longer just pop in for supplies, I might as well go with an online supplier that doesn't charge the co-pay. And I did.

Today, with no contact at all, a package arrived on my porch. Filters, hose, and complete mask. All from my FORMER DME! With a packing slip, but no co-pay bill or accounting of any kind (They DID list the mask as individual pieces, of course, even tho it's factory-packaged as a complete mask. )

Should I call and tell them I didn't order/authorize it and I'll be glad to put it on the porch so they can have someone pick it up (and remind them if they put in an insurance claim for something I didn't authorize, that's fraud!) They still have a local office, so they very well might have them pick it up, for all I know.
Should I call and thank them for the "gift"?
Should I do nothing until they send a bill, then have the above discussion.

I don't know where I am in my mask eligibility "cycle", so my ins MIGHT deny the mask charges.

Definitely call them right away.

But no matter what they say, write them a letter that you send through the mail. You might need to get a delivery receipt from the Post office. That way, when the send you a bill for $300 you can produce your copy of the letter and delivery receipt.

Good call on the paper trail, John... thanks

Link,

Is you DME on the island or in Jax?

amos

They have a branch here on the Island. They MIGHT also have one in Jax...not sure. But they no longer stock CPAP stuff here. I have to call Tifton, GA and they ship it. I USED to just drop by and pick up what I needed.

I just finished drafting a letter to the Tifton office. Probably mail it--registered--tomorrow.

Link,

My situation is much like yours. There is a local office not too far away if I want the hassle of traffic. I find it easier to call the 800 number in Winston-Salem, NC. My name and info pops up on their computer. They say, "Yes sir, Mr. Amos, would you like filters with that?" Then I receive it in a few days. It's actually quicker than dealing with the local folk.

But, I've never had package just show up on the door step.

amos

Should I call and tell them I didn't order/authorize it and I'll be glad to put it on the porch so they can have someone pick it up (and remind them if they put in an insurance claim for something I didn't authorize, that's fraud!)

Yes, you should contact them by phone and IN WRITING by certified mail. Be sure to keep a copy of anything you send them and notes on any phone call you make (day, date, time, who you spoke to and what they said).

And, contact your insurance company to let them know you did not request or authorize these supplies.

You don't have to send it back at your expense, IMHO. You should offer to let them come and pick it up or give you a code for postage paid return. If they don't it's their loss--the law allows you to keep unsolicited mail if it's addressed to you.

" Package, what package. No one sent me a package"

kempo wrote:" Package, what package. No one sent me a package"

Unfortunately, that may end up with the delivery people no longer being willing to leave stuff at your door if you're not home or don't answer the door immediately.

I'm joking Angle. I hope you don't think I was serious. Lighten up a little, it's Friday!