Apria?

Kharris · Post by **Kharris** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:15 am

O.K.
My doc has all my reports, and is going to schedule me to go get my
gear next week. I have Cigna insurance, and Cigna ONLY deals with
Apria.
There is a branch about 30 minutes from home, so I can actually go
in and test-drive masks. That should make it easier to change equipment.

But when I read threads......Apria has left bad feelings with a bunch of
folks.

If you have dealt with them, give me some ideas of good and bad things to watch out for. All opinions are welcome.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:25 am

There ARE some good local Apria offices. So don't go in assuming the worst. If you go in w/a negative attitude you'll likely get a less than ideal response and service. Go in w/an open mind and hope for the best. Try to be diplomatic if they seem to be less than friendly and cooperative. You can catch more flies w/honey than w/vinegar.

If you can convince your doctor to specify on his equipment order "fully data capable" xPAP so much the better. Also "mask of patient's choice". If you had pretty good success and comfort w/the mask you used during your titration study be sure doctor or tech tells you the brand and name of it as that is one mask you will want to try, but not necessarily be forced to accept. You can compare the others to it.

If you can't get in to see or to talk to the doctor on the phone FAX him that request. Who cares if he/she knows or understands what a fully data capable xPAP is as long as it is specified on your equipment order?

oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:28 am

I just found that you have to contact Cigna's customer service center and have them to order a mask, which Apria will provide you. This whole process takes about three weeks and two phone calls.

Kharris · Post by **Kharris** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:55 am

Thanks Slinkey,

I didn't know to ask for specific things. There is a learning curve to all of
this. That's why I am asking for help and ideas. I like to research things,
but there is nothing like getting advice from some one who has already
done this before.

I'm not pre-judging Apria, I'm a CSR, and belive me I know that there are
good and bad people in all industries. I don't mind educating customers
but it sure is nice to deal with folks that now what they need, or least
know the right questions to ask.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 8:05 am

I sure can't argue w/you on that!!! Nor would I want to argue against the truth of the matter anyway. You're right on.

By the way, BrianRT, who often visits this forum is in TN somewhere if I remember correctly. I don't know where or what company he is with.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 10:19 am

First make sure that your insurance is good enough to make going to a local DME the thing to do. If your copay is more than 30% or you have yet to meet a deductable, run the numbers. If you would end up paying more to use a local DME consider buying cash online.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 10:25 am

[quote="snoregirl"]First make sure that your insurance is good enough to make going to a local DME the thing to do. If your copay is more than 30% or you have yet to meet a deductable, run the numbers. If you would end up paying more to use a local DME consider buying cash online.

fidget · Post by **fidget** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 4:42 pm

Here's the thing with Cigna. And part of the exclusive contract with Cigna, means that we Apria employees have to have Cigna as well.

Cigna dictates to US what we give to YOU. Everything goes through the Cigna referral center, they issue the orders. I couldn't even get a mask for myself without going through Cigna's referral center. If I have a patient in the office, I still have to call the referral center before I can take care of him. Or they don't pay.

And the Cigna reimbursement is barely enough to cover the cost of the basic equipment.

I'm sure in exchange for that, they gave corporate a huge break on their share of our insurance.

It's a real win/win for Apria headmen/Cigna money. It's a real lose/lose for the rest of us.

Captain_Midnight · Post by **Captain_Midnight** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 5:08 pm

If you have dealt with them [Apria], give me some ideas of good and bad things to watch out for.

Hello K - -

My experience with Sacramento Apria over the past 2 years has been quite good (although I gather I may be in somewhat of a select sub-group). They have given me excellent advice, prompt service, and they have never ignored my few requests and have never been rude (all negatives that I have read about them in other threads and forums.)

About a year ago, I was in the Apria office (they had gotten me a new hose (free) as my then current one had been contaminated with broken glass). While I was seated in the waiting area (maybe 15 minutes) I was quite annoyed by rude, petulant, and demanding behavior from an apneic patient; and, I was impressed with the tact and diplomacy the Apria folks showed toward this remarkably self-centered individual. (I'm sure that if someone were to ask her (the patient), she would complain about them.)

So, your experience may vary. I have no complaints.