How much does DME get paid?

When I have to replace my CPAP machine, which hopefully won't be for a long time since it is about a month old, I will NOT purchase from a DME. Now that I know something about my treatment, I can make a better and I am sure less expensive purchase online on my own. I was a raw newbie a month ago but thanks to this forum, I sure am NOT now!!

Thank you everyone!!

blarg wrote:
I think people feel like because it's health equipment that the DME is somehow supposed to bend over backwards for them and not make any profit.

Truer words were never spoken, my friend.
I suppose it is an issue that some people have regarding people making money based on someone's compromised health. Some people feel that this is morally wrong. Usually a discussion on physician salaries is tacked on there somewhere too (i.e. "They're overpaid")

I've noticed that a fair amount of bitterness directed towards DME's is based on how much they charge for a PAP setup VS. what you can buy A LOT cheaper on Cpap.com. OK, correct me if I'm wrong (I'm still wearing my newbie hat here on the forum) but if the same equipment is charged on your insurance through billmyinsurance.com, the prices for the exact same equipment rise substantially (?) Much closer to the prices you see from a DME for a setup. More towards an apples to apples thing than the proverbial oranges. I know at my DME if a customer wants to do a cash sale, the overall price is much lower.

Now then, the 'service after the sale'. I know for a fact that it is quite abyssmal from a fair number of DME's. Whether it's greed or ignorance can only be conjectured but the point remains that the customer's needs are not being taken care of. I've encountered a number of patients who are with other DME's and a VERY common line is "Well, they never told me that" regarding most things PAP. Ever seen the white pollen filter on the back of a REMTank that hasn't been changed since they got it 8 months earlier? Yuck! These things piss me off to the point of almost driving to the DMEs and asking what the hell their problem is. Let's hook them up to this equipment for a night and see how they like it. But, anyway, I digress (deep breath). Just to say that it seems to be the default setting for a lot of DME's.

It's really good to see people take control of their care. You oweit to yourself to educate yourself to the hilt about the condition and the equipment to ensure that the DME horror stories are kept to a minimum. Whether the bad things happen from their end based on either greed or ignorance (on their part), remember it takes YOUR ignorance for them to get away with it.

Thank you, Brian.

Well, since I have Medicare and a good secondary insurance (at least for now - knock, Knock, KNOCK that it stays that way!) my gripe w/my xPAP DME has NOTHING to do w/prices and EVERYTHING to do w/lack of service, feet dragging and evasiveness on replacement parts, what I strongly believe is DELIBERATE misinformation, ...... the list could go on ad infinitm; just plain "sh*tty service, information and assistance.

We went out to dinner last night to celebrate that yesterday I found out that I don't need to have any further contact w/them until my capped rental is completed. I found out that I can get my masks and other xPAP supplies from my 02 DME who has been GREAT w/my 02 supplies and service!!! A cause DEFINITELY worth celebrating!

To be truthful, after thinking it over, I probably do resent their prices since those prices reflect the supposition that they also provide service - IF they provided the service, support and encouragment, as my 02 DME does, I wouldn't begrudge them their profit.

Good point! I would expect the service to be implied also. We have a number of patients who are 'supplies only' since they got their machine somewhere else but get no supplies. At least we can help them somehow. In those situations, it would seem the almighty dollar is their guiding force and not patient care.

Well, it is DME RTs such as yourself who remind those of us w/LOUSY xPAP DMEs that there are some good ones out there who DO care. And frankly, I think it helps to hear "your" side of the story and appreciate those of you who sift thru "our" side of the story and share w/us. Thanks, BrianRT.

I learn just as much from you guys as (hopefully) vice versa. I've just went into home care after 10 years at a large teaching hospital (Adult Critical Care was my forte ) I suppose I'm just used to a higher standard of care. Listening to your side of the story only helps me deal with current and future patients. I consider you guys a whetstone that keeps me sharp!!