HELP with DME

Good point, Pugsy. I guess I could add my own statement that I'm returning it to refuse business, not as AMA. If I buy online, it will essentially be out of pocket, because I have a $1000 out of network deductible, so ins isn't really an issue. But I will have my receipts and my data if anyone ever accuses me of truly being AMA.

ScrappinMom wrote:I asked what I would have to do to bring it back, and she said I could bring it back, get my RX (I did keep a copy, though!) and sign an "against medical advice" waiver. I have no problem with that; I know they are just covering their backside.

I wouldn't sign it until I amended it to read that I was returning the machine because I'm taking my business elsewhere, specifying that I'm NOT discontinuing my therapy. If you agree to the "against medical advice," you'll likely have a problem with insurance coverage. Of course, if you choose to go outside your insurance and purchase whatever you want, the insurance provider will have no interest in your therapy or equipment.

If I were you, I'd sign the amended waiver, buy the machine I wanted elsewhere, and continue to get my usual insurance-covered replacement supplies through the DME.

I really think I want to discontinue my association with them. Want to take full control of my health myself! Thoughts on dumping the DME ??

I think most here will reply with a "Bravo!" to that plan. I'd dump mine if I could.

Scappinmom

I am sorry to hear about your dilemma
The lady who came to my home and set my cpap up for me explained to
me the benefits of a Auto Cpap. I was told to use the the present machine for a month
then go to my doc and get a prescription for Auto machine. The one listed below
is the one she suggested . The DME gave it to me without hesitation. This way the Dme thinks
the Dr prescribed a new machine for better therapy. Both the insurance and Dme are happy.
When I got that prescription I also had the Dr write one for the Clinician manual
so my Dme could talk to me about pressure rises. Etc. They are just DME's following their
policies and limitations.
I don't believe for a moment that is the only machine your Dr suggests .It may be the
the starter but is really the finale one for the best therapy.
My Dr was very ready to help me get the best therapy. He told me just to tell what I needed and he would write the script. But then my is a GP not a Sleep Dr.
I am sorry this rather lengthly but sometimes jumping through all the hoops has it's
own benefits

Pugsy wrote

I fired my first DME also but before I even got a machine from them. I told them I would not accept what they were going to supply. They asked if I was "refusing treatment", I said "no, but I am refusing to do business with you".. There is a big difference.

I like your thought process and resulting comments re DMEs, Insurance, and the like when they are mistreating, abusing, deceiving, confusing, scamming, overcharging, and/or lying to someone, especially a newbie.

When I see your posts in any thread, I read them. Way to go!

Make sure you retain a receipt showing where they took the machine back. Date, time and legible signature,
just so they don't try to bill you down the road for it. Unlikely, but I read just such a horror story on another CPAP forum.

I don't know what your co-pays for in network stuff would have added up to if you had wanted to stay with the DME.
You might find out that what actually leaves your pocketbook even out of network, won't be that far off from what you would have paid doing the DME rental thing at greatly inflated prices.

I bought my machine from Craigslist individual. I can still get a machine through my insurance if I wish. My out of pocket would be pretty much a wash. The fact that I got a machine that I wanted without having to deal with the DME was well worth every penny to me.

cinco777 wrote:Pugsy wrote

I fired my first DME also but before I even got a machine from them. I told them I would not accept what they were going to supply. They asked if I was "refusing treatment", I said "no, but I am refusing to do business with you".. There is a big difference.



I like your thought process and resulting comments re DMEs, Insurance, and the like when they are mistreating, abusing, deceiving, confusing, scamming, overcharging, and/or lying to someone, especially a newbie.

Thanks. My husband will tell you that I am the only person on the face of this earth that he fears. 5 foot tall and I don't take any crap from anyone. I am sure that there are some good DME facilities out there. Just not where I live. Small town, rural area. The day that I fired that DME I spotted the machine I now have (brand new) on craigslist one hour drive from where I live. I didn't bother to shop around any further until I decided I did want to have a DME to get supplies from. So I found another DME who were more than happy to supply my mask needs. I drive 12 miles now. No big deal. I figured from the onset that this was my body, my treatment and my money..... hence it would be "my way" or no way.

All of the things you are saying about the DME are my experience as well. In the 5 short days since dealing with them, I get ignorant lies, misrepresentations, and belittleing. Based on this admittedly anecdotal evidence, I don't think they are ignorant.

A couple of days looking at things online has made me seem like a master of knowledge, because the DME does nothing except play dumb. How is it that they know so little, or can be so wrong? They do this for a living. I have looked into this for a few days. How is it I know vastly more than they do? And proof can be so easily submitted!

This is like getting health care from a care salesman. We are in big trouble, folks.

snyderm wrote:A couple of days looking at things online has made me seem like a master of knowledge, because the DME does nothing except play dumb. How is it that they know so little, or can be so wrong? They do this for a living. I have looked into this for a few days. How is it I know vastly more than they do? And proof can be so easily submitted!

Because most people who end up at the DME don't think to question. They trust too easily. My own step-sister has been a faithful CPAP user for at least 4 years. Never entered her mind to question anything. When her nose gets too sore from the nasal mask she goes without the CPAP until the nose heals. She admits that while using the machine she sees a dramatic difference in how she feels. She had no clue that there was even such a thing as little nasal pillows that could be used much less any way to actually monitor the effectiveness of her therapy.

Most people don't question the DME people. Most people don't push or are afraid to. They would if they were educated. These same people wouldn't be so quick to use one single dose of insulin that was prescribed if they were diabetic. Public awareness of actively monitoring your blood glucose levels is well accepted. Unfortunately the sleep apnea professionals choose to keep the public uneducated in this area. Until enough sleep apnea patients want and demand the knowledge, the majority of DME's will continue to take the easy and cheap way out.

The DME where I get my mask supplies from told me that no one ever ask him about data. I asked him if he ever volunteered that it was even an option?? Hmmm No, he never did. He is not an uncaring monster but he never thought to give people just a little more education as to what choices were out there. He now wants to have an AWAKE meeting. Does he really want me and my big mouth there????

Pugsy wrote: He now wants to have an AWAKE meeting. Does he really want me and my big mouth there????

Seeing that might just be worth the trip.