How Hard To Fire Your DME

I have had my Respironics since March and all is working great, but my DME is having a problem getting any supplies to me. Numerous broken promises and I just tired of it. I'm about ready to fire them go with another, but with Medicare involved I don't want to make any comments to them until I know my options.

Any expertise here? I am financially able to just buy one and file a claim with Medicare, but I don't want to if there is a better way. I can get an updated Rx from my Dr also.

Any ideas or guidance out there? Thanks in advance.

edatlanta wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 4:14 pm

but with Medicare involved I don't want to make any comments to them until I know my options.

https://www.medicare.gov/supplierdirectory/search.html

You can go to any DME that accepts Medicare. You just need a copy of your sleep study and prescription.

Also, compare prices on ebay/amazon for the supplies, sometimes buying direct is cheaper than any copay.

Until you complete the compliance period, it would be very hard.

D.H. wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:12 pm

Until you complete the compliance period, it would be very hard.

Why?

Just because you got a machine from one DME doesn't mean you need to buy the masks and stuff from them? I ditched my first DME before compliance finished. I simply stopped ordering from them and started ordering from somebody else.

zoocrewphoto wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:32 pm

D.H. wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:12 pm

Until you complete the compliance period, it would be very hard.

Why?

Just because you got a machine from one DME doesn't mean you need to buy the masks and stuff from them? I ditched my first DME before compliance finished. I simply stopped ordering from them and started ordering from somebody else.

By default, they provide the supplies. I guess you can order from any other DME on your insurance and they will bill the insurance. If you're a first time it can be daunting though. If you're a long-term user, you'll find it simpler. However, there's something a little bit off to this arrangement. I just can't put my finger on it.

D.H. wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 9:01 pm

zoocrewphoto wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:32 pm

D.H. wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 8:12 pm

Until you complete the compliance period, it would be very hard.

Why?

Just because you got a machine from one DME doesn't mean you need to buy the masks and stuff from them? I ditched my first DME before compliance finished. I simply stopped ordering from them and started ordering from somebody else.

By default, they provide the supplies. I guess you can order from any other DME on your insurance and they will bill the insurance. If you're a first time it can be daunting though. If you're a long-term user, you'll find it simpler. However, there's something a little bit off to this arrangement. I just can't put my finger on it.

You can change the default any time you want.

For example, in 2012, I was diagnosed and got my first machine and mask from a place nearby. A month later, I asked about a different mask and got that too. A week after that, I asked to get smaller headgear for the first mask. They said it did not come in a size small. I sent them a link for the headgear on cpap.com as well as a link from Resmed. They said they couldn't order it. I called another DME and had the headgear a few days later.

I never contacted the first DME again. They left a message once. They probably assume I quit using cpap. I had met compliance about the same time as the headgear request. They got paid.

There is no requirement to stay with one DME. You can go anywhere your insurance covers, or anywhere you want to pay. These days. I buy replacement parts via ebay and craigslist. I got lucky awhile back and got some brand new masks from a sleep lab going out of business. My mom and I use the same mask, and we got several brand new ones. I have a ton of filters, a backup hose and water tank. I also have a full backup/travel machine. I haven't used a DME in years.

you guys are right, change dme's as often as you want. you don't have to tell them you quit. just move on to the new one. if the old one calls, simply tell them you are no longer their customer. this has nothing to do with your contract to pay for your machine. you would obviously keep paying the original dme for that.

palerider wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 01, 2018 5:30 pm

Also, compare prices on ebay/amazon for the supplies, sometimes buying direct is cheaper than any copay.

With my supplement my copay is $0.00.

Based on what you all have said my best option seems to be let the original DME finish out their deal and when it is paid by Medicare they are done. I will start getting my supplies from others after shopping around a bit. The original DME seems at this point to want new machine placements only and after the sale.......they don't care. Typical of a lot of businesses now days.

Thanks all.

edatlanta wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 02, 2018 4:32 am

Based on what you all have said my best option seems to be let the original DME finish out their deal and when it is paid by Medicare they are done. I will start getting my supplies from others after shopping around a bit. The original DME seems at this point to want new machine placements only and after the sale.......they don't care. Typical of a lot of businesses now days.

Thanks all.

Very foolish business model, but rather prevalent.

They can only sell a machine to a given patient once every five years (and in reality probably longer). Meanwhile, during that time how many masks, filters, hoses, reservoirs, and other supplies can they sell over those years? I would say supplies totaling at least the value of a new machine over the life of the machine. Also, a satisfied customer is likely to buy a replacement machine from them when them time comes. Note also it's good for the DME if you're "compliant," and bad for them if you're not!

D.H. wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 02, 2018 8:43 am

edatlanta wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 02, 2018 4:32 am

Based on what you all have said my best option seems to be let the original DME finish out their deal and when it is paid by Medicare they are done. I will start getting my supplies from others after shopping around a bit. The original DME seems at this point to want new machine placements only and after the sale.......they don't care. Typical of a lot of businesses now days.

Thanks all.

Very foolish business model, but rather prevalent.

They can only sell a machine to a given patient once every five years (and in reality probably longer). Meanwhile, during that time how many masks, filters, hoses, reservoirs, and other supplies can they sell over those years? I would say supplies totaling at least the value of a new machine over the life of the machine. Also, a satisfied customer is likely to buy a replacement machine from them when them time comes. Note also it's good for the DME if you're "compliant," and bad for them if you're not!

I am 99% compliant since day one back in February so they should be happy about that. The machine is working extremely well for me and I even nap with it. The plan is working.