Choosing a new DME provider

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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tattooyu
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Choosing a new DME provider

Post by tattooyu » Tue Aug 02, 2022 2:02 pm

Greetings friends,

I don't remember asking this before, and I haven't been on here in a while, so I apologize if this is a repeat. I'm looking for a new DME provider through my insurance, and my choices are:
  • Aerocare
  • Aeroflow
  • Apria
  • Edgepark
  • Lincare/AHP (American Home Patient)
  • Rotech
  • US Med
Anyone have any good experiences with any companies on the above list? I am trying to decide whether or not to go through a DME and get my deductible down for the year, or just buy my own machine from CPAP.com and submit the cost for possible reimbursement (partial or total).

Thanks in advance!
Sleep well and live better!

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Deborah K.
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Deborah K. » Tue Aug 02, 2022 3:09 pm

I started out with a local DME that I did not like. I switched to Aeroflow, and things have gone much better. My insurance company accepts them and all has been well for me.
Machine: Resmed AirSense 10 Autoset For Her
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JimmyStewart
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by JimmyStewart » Tue Aug 02, 2022 4:58 pm

I've had pretty good luck with aeroflow also. I wish they communicated better (!!!), it often takes two or three phone calls or emails to get a question answered, but they do answer.

They take orders pretty efficiently, deal with insurance and ship quickly!

YMMV

Good luck!

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by chunkyfrog » Tue Aug 02, 2022 10:19 pm

I use Edgepark for my CGMs for diabetes.
I wish I had a choice--their operators can barely speak English!

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Sheriff Buford
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Sheriff Buford » Thu Aug 04, 2022 6:40 am

I used Apria (Crapria) for years. They are a bad nightmare. When I went on medicare, I switched to Aeroflow, and I am very pleased with their service.

Sheriff

Janknitz
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Janknitz » Thu Aug 04, 2022 5:50 pm

or just buy my own machine from CPAP.com and submit the cost for possible reimbursement (partial or total).
Unless you can afford NO reimbursement, check with your insurer first to see if that's even in the realm of possibility. Insurers used to work that way, but hardly any do any more, even if it saves THEM money.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

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tattooyu
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by tattooyu » Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:15 am

I went with Aeroflow and have been very pleased with their service so far!
Sleep well and live better!

Janknitz
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Janknitz » Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:29 pm

Make sure you calculate your out-of-pocket costs using insurance vs. not using insurance.

Know your deductibles and co-pays. Do you have to rent a new CPAP or can you buy it outright? If you have to rent, for how long? Does the deductible re-set during the rental period?

While sometimes it seems like a no-brainer to use insurance you've already paid for if you can, under certain circumstances it can wind up costing you more out of pocket, and a lot of hoops to jump through and billing issues to deal with, not to mention dealing with DME's.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

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tattooyu
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by tattooyu » Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:32 pm

Janknitz wrote:
Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:29 pm
Make sure you calculate your out-of-pocket costs using insurance vs. not using insurance.

Know your deductibles and co-pays. Do you have to rent a new CPAP or can you buy it outright? If you have to rent, for how long? Does the deductible re-set during the rental period?

While sometimes it seems like a no-brainer to use insurance you've already paid for if you can, under certain circumstances it can wind up costing you more out of pocket, and a lot of hoops to jump through and billing issues to deal with, not to mention dealing with DME's.
When choosing my health plan, I didn't read it quite right, so my deductible is quite high. I was prepared to buy a new machine from CPAP.com, however, Aeroflow had a patient payment option that was a few hundred dollars less for a brand new machine, new mask, six pillows, and filters. Seemed like a good deal, so I took it. I own the machine outright.
Sleep well and live better!

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booksfan
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by booksfan » Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:33 pm

Another vote for Aeroflow. They have been great to work with so far.

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Janknitz
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Janknitz » Thu Aug 25, 2022 11:40 am

tattooyu wrote:
Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:32 pm
Janknitz wrote:
Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:29 pm
Make sure you calculate your out-of-pocket costs using insurance vs. not using insurance.

Know your deductibles and co-pays. Do you have to rent a new CPAP or can you buy it outright? If you have to rent, for how long? Does the deductible re-set during the rental period?

While sometimes it seems like a no-brainer to use insurance you've already paid for if you can, under certain circumstances it can wind up costing you more out of pocket, and a lot of hoops to jump through and billing issues to deal with, not to mention dealing with DME's.
When choosing my health plan, I didn't read it quite right, so my deductible is quite high. I was prepared to buy a new machine from CPAP.com, however, Aeroflow had a patient payment option that was a few hundred dollars less for a brand new machine, new mask, six pillows, and filters. Seemed like a good deal, so I took it. I own the machine outright.
That's great!
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

lynninnj
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by lynninnj » Tue Aug 30, 2022 3:37 pm

quick question: I see lots of mentions of filters.

I know some masks specifically have filters but i’m asking about the ones for the AS11 machines.

I have no pets. How much does one need to clean it? replace how often? take it out and tap it or wet and dry? once a month? once a quarter?

And how important is it to get precisely name brand? I see $8 for 2 at cpap.com or $20 for 50 on ebay.

will also check some of the other DMEs mentioned here.

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Okie bipap
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Okie bipap » Tue Aug 30, 2022 6:01 pm

I buy my filters on Amazon. The generic filters work just as well as the name brand filters. As long as they are the right size, they will work just fine. I am still using an Air Curve 10 machine, not one of the newer models.

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Dog Slobber
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by Dog Slobber » Tue Aug 30, 2022 6:06 pm

I change mine every six months.

The Air 11 (and Air 10) User Guide states:
Check the air filter and replace it every six months. Replace it more often if there are any holes or blockages by dirt or dust
If you're in a bind and without spares, take it out, note the orientation of it (dusty side out), flick it a few times with your finger and put it back in, ensuring the same side remains on the out side.

The last thing you want to do is blow all the debris that has been collecting on the one side into the machine.

I use authentic ResMed, but not because I am brand loyal, I'm not. I just bought a boat load of them. Many use off-brand and assure they work fine. I accept that.

A used filter actually performs (filters) better than a brand new filter. Changing them too often gets you nothing.

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zonker
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Re: Choosing a new DME provider

Post by zonker » Tue Aug 30, 2022 6:50 pm

Okie bipap wrote:
Tue Aug 30, 2022 6:01 pm
I buy my filters on Amazon. The generic filters work just as well as the name brand filters. As long as they are the right size, they will work just fine. I am still using an Air Curve 10 machine, not one of the newer models.
reminds me, i got to check mine.

oh! yup just replaced.
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
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