Rule/LAW that says DMEs can't deliver supplies automatically

Any one know of anything that may have changed over the years that would make it so a DME can't automatically send you needed supplies on the normal time lines that they would be covered? My DME keeps telling me that they're not allowed to auto deliver supplies to me but this sounds a bit silly when they have everything they need from both my doctor and my insurance company.

I know in the past (like 5 years ago) I would have supplies just delivered to my house when I was allowed to have them. I didn't have to do anything on my part but pay my deductible and then the supplies would just keep coming like a magazine subscription. But now I get the feeling I'm going to have to make up a CPAP calendar and call them over and over to request every single stitch of kit that I used to just get delivered no questions asked.

I have a strong feeling every time they tell me they can't do it be cause of "finger quotes" some mysterious rule, that really something else is going on.

There surly lots of other companies in the us that don't seem to be operating under these sort of constraints as they will gladly get you setup to have any sort of medical device sent to you on a constant basis and get insurance to pay for it too. If there is some sort of paperwork issue or authorisation needed from my doctor they're happy to get it and take care of it because it means they move more product and therefore make more money.

I've checked with my insurance and they pay based on what is requested not just some monthly fee or lump sum that would be made less if I was to be sent regular supplies.

So what gives, does my DME just not like making money? Is there some other reason for this anoying attitude other then murphy's law?

My DME keeps wanting me to sign up for a program that will automatically send me supplies per the Medicare guidelines!

I keep ignoring them.

My DME recently instituted an automatic calling program that calls when I can order new supplies. I asked them to take me off the calling list, and I will contact them when I need supplies. I keep track of when I received supplies, and know when I can order new if I need them.

Lincare calls me on a schedule that agrees with what my insurance will cover. I have to OK the shipment, but they call automatically and know what I am due for

So it's murphy's law then. I want auto supplies and can't get them, some of you all want to be left alone to order what you need when you want but are being pestered. Figures. Lol

Gryphon wrote:So it's murphy's law then. I want auto supplies and can't get them, some of you all want to be left alone to order what you need when you want but are being pestered. Figures. Lol

Yep. That's about the size of it.

Gryphon wrote:I'm going to have to make up a CPAP calendar and call them over and over to request every single stitch of kit that I used to just get delivered no questions asked.

What the hell are you doing? For me, a mask and hose lasts for years. I change a machine filter about every three months.

Are you one of the millions who is running up insurance premiums?

Naw just the normal stuff every 90 days. Besides I'm stock piling again incase something happens and I have to go another 4 years with no new cpap supplies. I used my last mask for over 2 years so I want to get a nice reserv of backup parts again.

Gryphon wrote:Naw just the normal stuff every 90 days. Besides I'm stock piling again incase something happens and I have to go another 4 years with no new cpap supplies. I used my last mask for over 2 years so I want to get a nice reserv of backup parts again.

*cough*amazon*cough*ebay*cough*

They pestered me for years to auto-send shipments. Now that I'm on Medicare (with my Blue Cross picking up the rest), I say let 'em ship. But I told them the first time I get a bill because they sent too soon, I would promptly return it and that would be the last time I bought anything from them.

So far it's working. But my closet is filling up... I may have to open my own DME!

LinkC wrote:They pestered me for years to auto-send shipments. Now that I'm on Medicare (with my Blue Cross picking up the rest), I say let 'em ship. But I told them the first time I get a bill because they sent too soon, I would promptly return it and that would be the last time I bought anything from them.

So far it's working. But my closet is filling up... I may have to open my own DME!

Medicare does not allow auto shipments...DMEs can be dropped from the Medicare directory if caught ...Thanks for helping to increase insurance premiums for everyone Link.

Recently (last couple of years, I don't know), Medicare put rules in place to try to prevent providers from shipping and receiving payment for supplies that weren't needed. Apparently, it didn't work in Amelia Island.
As with others, my DME now calls me monthly to see if I need supplies. Usually, I don't answer.

I go to the DME once a month to pick up supplies.
Thinking of changing to once every six weeks, on the same weekday.
That works with how often I need filters and pillows.
Might confuse the heck out of the folks there, but I know they can handle it.

90 Days? Lots of the stuff I have hasn't worn out in 90 MONTHS. (that's 7 1/2 years)
Masks, headgear, cushions/seals, hoses, filters, etc., etc........they all last for "years".


Den

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My internist insists that she can only write a "dispense one" prescription for masks and supplies. So our host kindly sells replacement parts for the same cost as a mask. My one and only mask is three years old and my hose is too. All I've needed is filters and husbands masks.

Tomorrow I meet a new sleep doc so I'll see how that goes. I've hit my OOP maximum so everything is free through a DME now. Haven't seen a sleep doc in three years and have no access to data so it will be interesting to see what my AHI has been averaging.