Published Respironics MSRPs? My DME seems really overpriced.

I'm trying to be an informed consumer and figuring out if my DME is price gouging me like it seems.

I'm trying to use my CPAP again after years of non-use. I own my old CPAP (the original REMStar Plus), but needed a new mask and supplies so I jumped through the hoops and saw a new doctor (I've moved to a different city since my original study/diagnosis), and went to a local DME so that I could use my insurance. I was very happy with the new mask (a ComfortGel full-face), tank, and hoses and have been sleeping much better. But then I got the bill from the DME. I'm not sure if there are any rules about posting specific prices on these forums, but AFTER insurance, I owe about $150 more than I could have bought everything online for. The mask is being charged in pieces, and as far as I can tell based on Respironics's sales sheets, the mask isn't even available without the gel seal, yet the DME is charging me separately for them. Charging separately for the headgear seems ridiculous, but at least that's an option on the sales sheets. I understand the difference between buying equipment with and without support, but before insurance the mask parts add up to be just short of four times what I could have bought it for online.

When I went in they naturally couldn't tell me what the price would be after insurance, but in my previous experience I owed very little after the insurance (which hasn't changed) so I didn't worry about it too much. I may just be stuck with the bill, but I'm not above arguing it a bit first.When I stopped by there a few weeks ago to question why there were two masks listed on my bill (the second was apparently the gel seal), the manager said she'd work with me but didn't elaborate. I just want to get my research together before I go back.

Did you get an EOB from your insurance company, or can you check your insurance claim on line? Or call the insurance company to find out what your patient responsibility is for your claim.

Insurers, led by Medicare, allow these DME's to part the pieces out in the bill, instead of charging one fair price for the package containing the complete they undoubtedly provided you with.

It's always worth checking out what something is going to cost before you allow a brick and mortar DME to provide it. Often you can save money buying it out of pocket online. If the DME can't tell you what your out of pocket costs will be, then that tells you something right there.

Buyer beware, especially when a brick and mortar DME is involved.