DME Couldn't Get M Series Pro Until Asked for Rx Transfer Rx

Following advice from people on this forum, this first-time CPAPer asked the DME to provide the M Series Pro machine instead of the Plus. They said they would check on this and called back 2 days later and said they could not get the Pro machine. I found another DME who does carry it (Apria) and asked the first DME to transfer my prescription to Apria. Then, the first DME said they would get the Pro for me by Monday (today is Thursday).

ericlhyman wrote:Following advice from people on this forum, this first-time CPAPer asked the DME to provide the M Series Pro machine instead of the Plus. They said they would check on this and called back 2 days later and said they could not get the Pro machine. I found another DME who does carry it (Apria) and asked the first DME to transfer my prescription to Apria. Then, the first DME said they would get the Pro for me by Monday (today is Thursday).

They would have lost my business anyway (####ing liars...).

Sometimes I feel "fortunate" that I'm paying for all this out of my own pocket...

Eric, Just a suggestion... You might have a heart-to-heart with your DME about their change of heart. I would call them on this with something like "'I know that that if you can get it now you could have gotten it before, so why didn't you?". Then tell them you don't appreciate dishonesty and you won't hesitate to switch providers in the future if they are not forthright and honest with you.

When I interviewed DME's after a similar experience, I told them I was switching because the current DME was not honest with me, and that is do not tolerate being treated like a fool. I think it builds a better business relationship to discuss mutual expectations up front.

Some patients (most) may only "need" a Plus model. Not everyone needs or wants to monitor their therapy like you guys.

However, there is NO REASON that a DME would tell you they "can't" get the Pro. That is BS. Any DME in the country has access to exactly the same product availability list from Philips Respironics and can order anything. Also, there's a negligible difference between the price of a Plus and Pro to the DME.

The patient should TELL the DME up-front what model they want. Not after they get another one. I know, easier said than done.

Eric - I would switch NOW before it's too late. A leopard never changes...
You will have no one else to blame when it happens again and it will.

Also Posted As:(thedean) wrote:Some patients (most) may only "need" a Plus model. Not everyone needs or wants to monitor their therapy like you guys.

However, there is NO REASON that a DME would tell you they "can't" get the Pro. That is BS. Any DME in the country has access to exactly the same product availability list from Philips Respironics and can order anything. Also, there's a negligible difference between the price of a Plus and Pro to the DME.

AMEN

Also Posted As:(thedean) wrote:The patient should TELL the DME up-front what model they want. Not after they get another one. I know, easier said than done.

There is absolutely NO reason for the DME not to ask "How may 'I' help you".
I know it's a fantasy but it IS good business practice too.

Guest wrote:Some patients (most) may only "need" a Plus model. Not everyone needs or wants to monitor their therapy like you guys.

I'm going to disagree here. Without a model that records more than just compliance, but that also lists AHI, Leaks and other pretty vital information to be able to track the patient's progress (maybe not by the patient, but certainly by the docs...) HOW can the doctor or patient know that the treatment is effective? My doctor insists on a data capable machine, because he NEEDS to see the full data to determine how the patient is doing and if adjustments need to be made. He read hubby's data last week and made adjustments.

I compare it to diabetes. If you have diabetes, do you just go along and assume the meds are working properly, that your blood glucose levels are stable and not fluctuating? OR do you get a machine (glucose monitor) that records the data on a regular basis allowing you and the doctor to see the trends in your glucose levels and if your meds need to be adjusted? Hmmm...let me think.

We're talking about 2 different medical conditions that if they are not properly controlled can cause severe health complications that can lead to heart problems, strokes, and a host of other life threatening conditions. Why would you not want or NEED to monitor the efficacy of your treatment on one of them?

GumbyCT wrote:There is absolutely NO reason for the DME not to ask "How may 'I' help you".
I know it's a fantasy but it IS good business practice too.

It is not a fantasy. It does happen. My DME is proof. She explains, she offers assistance, she knows and thinks it's great that I read our data. She's swapping my machine out next week so hubby and I can have the same models, and I only have to deal with one card reader and software (among other reasons, all primarily dealing with my preference and the simple statement that I like his machine better.) She has brought me 5 different masks and is bringing me one more next week. BTW my 30 days was up in mid January, and my insurance is not going to pay for more than one mask. She wants her patients and clients comfortable and compliant with their therapy, and encourages us to become partners in that therapy, as does our sleep doc. She will bring the stuff to me, I don't have to go to her. There ARE good DME's out there who actually care about their patients.

If you have a crappy DME, get a list of providers from your insurance company and find a good one.