Back from the DME and not very happy

laxmom wrote: that was it even if I wanted something else I couldn't get it.

My DME does not stock the Innomed Hybrid that I use. I just told them to order one for me. They did.

Most DMEs buy CPAP equipment from a regional distributor. The distributor probably stocks the mask you want. If not, they can get one in a hurry.

If your DME doesn't get you the mask you want, I hope there is another DME convenient to you.

In the meantime, I would write a damn nasty review of the current DME on Yelp.com.

ChicagoGranny wrote:
If your DME doesn't get you the mask you want, I hope there is another DME convenient to you.

In the meantime, I would write a damn nasty review of the current DME on Yelp.com.

Get 'em, Granny!!! Agree. Rake them over the coals on Yelp AND google reviews. You might save someone in the future from their crappy service.

Mudrock63 wrote:AND google reviews

+1

I finally heard back from the DME, they left me a voice mail saying they only stock the air fit masks as per the doctors request and can not let me get another mask. She looked up my machine data and said it looked like I was doing fine so I don't need another mask anyway. She said I would get use to the mask so just use it.

SO I looked up another DME local provider and had to pay out of pocket for an Amara View mask as I really don't like the FF one up on my nose. Last night I slept better than the first two nights and had less leaks. I hope I have an even better night tonight. Thanks for all your help guys!

laxmom wrote:I finally heard back from the DME, they left me a voice mail saying they only stock the air fit masks as per the doctors request and can not let me get another mask. She looked up my machine data and said it looked like I was doing fine so I don't need another mask anyway. She said I would get use to the mask so just use it.

SO I looked up another DME local provider and had to pay out of pocket for an Amara View mask as I really don't like the FF one up on my nose. Last night I slept better than the first two nights and had less leaks. I hope I have an even better night tonight. Thanks for all your help guys!

be sure and call back the first DME and tell 'em "YOU ASSHOLES ARE FIRED!"

palerider wrote:call back the first DME and tell 'em "YOU ASSHOLES ARE FIRED!"

+1

laxmom wrote:I finally heard back from the DME, they left me a voice mail saying they only stock the air fit masks as per the doctors request and can not let me get another mask. She looked up my machine data and said it looked like I was doing fine so I don't need another mask anyway. She said I would get use to the mask so just use it.

SO I looked up another DME local provider and had to pay out of pocket for an Amara View mask as I really don't like the FF one up on my nose. Last night I slept better than the first two nights and had less leaks. I hope I have an even better night tonight. Thanks for all your help guys!

That's one of the most egregious DME stories I've ever heard and I've heard a few (and experienced some nasty ones) during my 4 years of CPAP endeavor. That's all totally unacceptable. Rip 'em a new one.

ChicagoGranny wrote:

palerider wrote:call back the first DME and tell 'em "YOU ASSHOLES ARE FIRED!"

+1

+2 Do not let them talk down to you. If you have been following this forum for a couple months you most likely know more than them by now.

You need to find out from the doctor is he/she insists on those masks:
1) so that if it is not true the doctor will know about the games the DME plays
2) if it is true, the doctor needs an earful of why that is not acceptable. And you need to consider whether you want to keep this doctor.

I realize that you have gotten multiple replies but I wanted to pass along something I just discovered. I am also dealing with a DME that is specified by the insurance company and there is no choice but to deal with them. HOWEVER, I was recently at my doc and told him I was purchasing various different masks myself because the DME didn't have them in an effort to find one that would work. He looked at me rather quizzically and said... "but if I write the prescription for a mask the DME has to either have it or order it. They don't get the choice, you and I do." I have wasted a significant amount of money buying them myself only to find out it just wouldn't work. Now I am back to square one because the latest doesn't seal, work for a side sleeper, etc etc etc but at least I didn't have to pay for it this time AND the DME has to replace it within 30 days for the next one the doc prescribes.

lynnbartlett wrote:I realize that you have gotten multiple replies but I wanted to pass along something I just discovered. I am also dealing with a DME that is specified by the insurance company and there is no choice but to deal with them. HOWEVER, I was recently at my doc and told him I was purchasing various different masks myself because the DME didn't have them in an effort to find one that would work. He looked at me rather quizzically and said... "but if I write the prescription for a mask the DME has to either have it or order it. They don't get the choice, you and I do." I have wasted a significant amount of money buying them myself only to find out it just wouldn't work. Now I am back to square one because the latest doesn't seal, work for a side sleeper, etc etc etc but at least I didn't have to pay for it this time AND the DME has to replace it within 30 days for the next one the doc prescribes.

Great point and another reason the OP needs to check with the doctor to see if the DME is lying. I would guess tge DME IS lying because presumably the DME receives referrals from more than one doctor or medical practice and to claim they ALL specify that their patients can use ONLY air it masks is preposterous. The only way that's even possible is if they all rely on this DME to recommend masks to their patients and don't know enough to realize how this sets many patients up for failure (very likely). What's more likely is that the DME gets a great volume discount by limiting the available mask models and foists them on everyone because it improves the DMEs profit margin. Since most patients don't have a clue that there are many choices of masks, they don't question the DME. It's time someone did.