Is it hard to change DME's?

I'd like to get my xpap from the closest DME -- but if I find them hard to work with, is it hard to change to another DME?

No way. Just get a prescription for your xPAP therapy, signed by your Dr (in writing and in hand) and take it to the DME of your choice. Probably a good idea to check with your insurance before you choose so that you aren't 'out-of-network'.

lanndi wrote:I'd like to get my xpap from the closest DME -- but if I find them hard to work with, is it hard to change to another DME?

The answer might depend on when you make the change. If you can tell right from the start that you are going to find it hard to work with a DME, it would not be hard to switch up front.

But if you start working with a DME, sign an agreement, take possession of the equipment, make a copay, etc, it seems like it could get complicated to switch.

For example, my share of the costs for my equipment was $625 up front. If I decided I wanted to change DMEs, I suspect it might be hard to get a refund from my current DME.

If your CPAP is in the process of being purchased thru your insurance, it's probably a good idea just to stick with that company. However, you could get your Dr. to write a prescription for CPAP supplies and use new DME company for that. Check with your "new" DME company to make sure you can do that and also be aware some insurance companies will replace a cpap machine after so many years. After this time lapse...Make the switch. Hope this help you.

Your question needs to be answered in two ways.

No, it is not at all hard to change DME's

Yes, it might be hard to deal with insurance paying if you wait too long to switch DMEs.

It is about dollars, not the actual act of switching.

With insurance involved the first step is to call and ask them what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one. It is then up to you to visit each one, talk to them and decide which one you think you will be most comfortable working with.

Usually you've got a 30 day window of compliance and billing cycle in which to switch. Most likely if you had to pay the copay upfront you would keep all equipment except the CPAP and carrying case. The humidifier is a paid up front cost so you wouldn't return that. But then that leaves you w/no option on switching BRAND of CPAP as they integrated humidifers are NOT inter-brand compatable. Some DME suppliers have preference on which brand they work with and provide most of.