DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

timbalionguy · Post by **timbalionguy** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:44 pm

Patrick A has a really good reason to call Apria, 'Apria Ripoff', because that is what they are. I wonder how many unknowing people they have fleeced over the years, who never bothered to check into these things. Most people put too much trust into their health care providers because they see them as 'god'. The people here see them as 'gold'-- that is, they have too much gold.

Elg5cats, you are a dyed-in-the-wool 'cat person'. Use your 'cat' ('leopard', preferably)when dealing with these greedy and abusive people, and don't let them intimidate you! Getting your State's health care agency involved is a good thing.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:54 pm

LSAT wrote:Patrick..HERE'S AN IDEA.......STOP GOING TO APRIA. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!

I have not been to APRIA RIPOFF since 2005 and I will not go back. I already found another preffered provider.

SnoozyWoozyCat · Post by **SnoozyWoozyCat** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:57 pm

I've actually had better luck with Apria than the other DME my pulmonologist recommended. My PCP had Apria deliver both a pulse oximeter and an oxygen concentrator and the customer service has been excellent -- they've been very pleasant to deal with. The mom and pop DME that I'm currently dealing with has been one problem after another. I have caught them in a number of lies and deceptions and once I've paid off the machine at the end of this year, I'll go elsewhere.

elg5cats · Post by **elg5cats** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:08 pm

I recieved a voice mail from the Robbers, they will no longer prusue additonal payment for me! The message came after I put the insurance computer print out, overpayment and letter in the mail.....can you imagine the DME robber's inability to cope with reimbursement. They are such idgets!!!!

elg5cats

elg5cats · Post by **elg5cats** » Fri Dec 25, 2009 1:56 pm

DME left a voice mail message stating they would not be charging me additionally...on the same day, I put my documents and check in the mail.........I checked my account today, to find the check has cleared the account.............does this mean I'be been robbed again!!!! The next call/letter should be interesting!!!!

elg5cats

The DME I purchased (I mean am being robbed by) my ResMed AutoSet II from is robbing me and earns co-ownership of worse service award. Initially the DME billed my insurance for 11 separate months all at once with dates before I even had my sleep study and diagnosis. Then they somewhat erratically billed me. I kept watch of claims and payments through my insurance on-line and paid accordingly. I have paid in full my portion and continue to be billed for more ( I know that is a surprise for most of you) I spent 2 hours on the phone Friday explaining simple math...my charge, my payment, my owe no more..........only to be told, my computer says you owe, you owe you owe and if you don't pay we are turning you into collections in 10 days..........I GOT NOWHERE!!! even with the "manager." Urg....so tonight I prepared a note.....and am trying to decided how I might relieve myself out this financial hostage situation.

Dear Jack,
Enclosed is a Blue Cross Blue Shield itemized statement specifying my assigned copayment for medical equipment acquired
via DME. Additionally, I have provided the date, check number and amount of all payments made. Although, I no longer
have an outstanding balance, I have enclosed the current billed amount of $28.24 due to the threat of collections. Please correct my
account and refund the outstanding overpayment. Please reframe from additionally billing me for equipment paid in full. Otherwise, it will be necessary to return the equipment to your Home Health Care Center for full reimbursement.

Within the next month, you will be receiving a bill from me for accounting services I have provided to you billing office. Currently,
my professional fees are $500 per hour, with additional charges for research, printing, and consultation. I presume by the time of
resolution, you can expect your bill to accumulate in excess of $1,000. My apologizes in advance for your accumulating bill, but I
can no longer provide pro bono services to you. Please correct my account quickly, reimburse me for my overpayment to prevent
further accumulation of fees for my consultation services. I look forward to collections.

Sincerely,
elg5cats

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 12:14 am

DME left a voice mail message stating they would not be charging me additionally...on the same day, I put my documents and check in the mail.........I checked my account today, to find the check has cleared the account.............does this mean I'be been robbed again!!!! The next call/letter should be interesting!!!!

elg5cats

I think you can kiss that money good bye.

elg5cats · Post by **elg5cats** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 4:09 pm

Patrick A wrote: I think you can kiss that money good bye.

Patrick, you may be correct, that money may very well be gone...and it won't surprise me at all to receive another billing statement next month demanding more! This hospital associated DME has a letter of appreciation from a patient whom received 02 services posted to their website.....interesting, that letter of recognition contains the name and address for the hospital CEO,............uhm, think I found something. When the next statement comes, I'll share all my info with the CEO and watch to see my letter of robbery recognition be posted!!!! Interesting, a threat of collections as a way to secure overpayment..begs the question for scamming!!!

elg5cats

elg5cats · Post by **elg5cats** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:28 pm

Patrick A wrote:
I think you can kiss that money good bye.

The Robbers paid a visit via my mailbox!!!!! Went through yesterday's mail to find a real surprise. The DME decided to refund the amount paid $28.24 paid during a threat of turning me into collections should I not make this overpayment. They held my money hostage 6 weeks before returning.......umm, interesting to see what is next.........It's hard to believe I can be DONE with them financially, but I sure hope so.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:46 pm

Good for you!! Glad to hear it's been resolved.

Phillysnooze · Post by **Phillysnooze** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:31 pm

My horror story concerning APRIA is a simple one:

About 3 months ago I accidentally broke my mask (a clear plastic ComfortGel Nose Mask). Went to the daily "Mask Clinic" at the University Of Pennsylvania Sleep Center to order a new one. The Apria representative put in an order for a new one and said it should arrive in one week. It didn't come in a week. Called APRIA. They told me I have a "$140.00 Co-Pay" What???!!!! I can't afford that, last year I was laid off my job and money is very tight.

A few days later I learned I - and anyone, with or without insurance - could buy one online for about $95.00. I called the Sleep Center and told them my tale of woe ... and you know what they said to me? They said, "Oh! For heaven's sakes! Why don't you just come back to us and we'll sell it to you for $20.00" That's right, the Sleep Center will sell the same mask for twenty bucks. Figure that one out.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:47 pm

rested gal wrote:Good for you!! Glad to hear it's been resolved.

I agree. I still think you should send the letter with all of the info to the CEO of the Hospital. Might help, others from getting riped off.

snnnark · Post by **snnnark** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 1:23 pm

I'm curious, if you did send them your bill and they ignore it, could you take them to small claims court?

elg5cats · Post by **elg5cats** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:38 pm

"Patrick A"
rested gal wrote:Good for you!! Glad to hear it's been resolved.
I agree. I still think you should send the letter with all of the info to the CEO of the Hospital. Might help, others from getting riped off.

Actually, I think a letter about the diaster pick up appointment along with the financial harassment is something to consider. I can't imagine a letter explaining those experiences being posted on their website.

snnnark wrote:I'm curious, if you did send them your bill and they ignore it, could you take them to small claims court?

Since they have reimbursed me, I don't think there are grounds for small claims. I planned a letter to the attorney general office if they kept my money.... I really don't believe I've heard the last from them. It won't surprise me if I get some strange bill in the future. Their history is to have lapses, inconsistent billed amounts. They didn't recognize when insurance began a planned decreased in reimbursement which decreased my coinsurance. If they have really taken me out of their billing system, I'll be amazed. However, if they should turn me into collections, I'll schedule a mtg. with the CEO, write a letter to the attorney general and enlighten them with a letter of legal representation!!!!

Edit: I read your comment again................uhm, Perhaps I should bill them and then turn them into collections for nonpayment..........that actually could be fun!!!!! Of course with their billing system, they might pay the bill!!!!!

elg5cats

DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update: :(

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Re: DME: I'm paying the ROBBERS!!!! Update!!!!

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: , Mirage Micro Nasal, ResMed Airsence 10 for her with heated humifier