BillMyInsurance - getting machine serviced

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 12:52 pm

I was recently diagnosed with moderate OSA. I am considering ordering my equipment from BillMyInsurance so I can get something better than the bottom of the line that my local DME wants to provide.

Anybody out there ordered from them? What happens when you need to have your machine serviced? They publish their policy for defective materials and workmanship, but isn't some regular maintenance required (every 5 years???)?

Also, anybody ordered from them and confirmed that they are in the Blue Cross PPO preferred provider network?

Thanks, I've learned tons just from reading posts from you all.
-- Elaine

Sleeper · Post by **Sleeper** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:54 pm

Ahh.... You took the next question right out of my mouth. I was wondering *exactly* the same thing. And I was planning to call and speak with BMI again today as they are finally opened back up again after Rita...

There's no question in my mind -- based on what I've read in the forum -- that if you're paying out of pocket CPAP.COM is the way to go.

BillMyInsurance, however, charges similar rates to insurance companies as the other major DMEs like Apria, Lincare, etc., so if you're going through insurance and you have a low deductible or (in my case) an annual out-of-pocket limit, BMI might not be any cheaper.

So then the question remains, is it better?

Has anyone had any experience with returns/exchanges through BillMyInsurance of masks and machines?

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:30 pm

I think its generally agreed by most people, and even insurance companies, that your machine should be REPLACED at least every 5 years. Not serviced at that interval. I don't think there is much service that can be done to a machine.

Now warranty work or repair is a darn good question.

But to put it in perspective, I sent back a 2 year old Remstar, after much "discussion" on WARRANTY through my DME. They definitely dragged their feet about being willing to do it at all. That was a month and a half ago. I will be pleasantly suprised if I EVER see it again. Luckily I bought a new machine to use "in the meantime" and in fact the Remstar, if I ever get it back, will just be my backup machine.

So I am not sure how much of a step down you are taking from a "full service DME" if Billmyinsurance did nothing, much less if they give you ANY support for warranty or repair.

Colorado Jan · Post by **Colorado Jan** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 8:16 pm

Oh, those sneaky DME's. I asked mine how long a CPAP machine was supposed to last and she said oh at least 20 years!

I did think that was a little odd since CPAP machines were only INVENTED in 1981! Which is....ahhh....about 25 years ago???? So do we really think there is somebody out there using a machine from the 1980's????? Well, actually, maybe so. Their DME probably has been telling them there have been no advances made in the design of XPAP machines, lol.

Man. I wonder is they have to practice in front of a mirror for hours before they can deliver those answers with a straight face!

Jan in Colo.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:39 pm

Their DME probably has been telling them there have been no advances made in the design of XPAP machines, lol.

LOL, you're probably right about that, Jan!!

Man. I wonder is they have to practice in front of a mirror for hours before they can deliver those answers with a straight face!

The scariest thing is...most of them probably really, truly, DO believe the things they tell people!

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 5:44 am

I don't believe everything a DME says.

I know how much these machines sell for and they are not that expensive.

That is if you have the out of pocket money to pay for one.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:48 am

Thanks everybody for your comments. You have confirmed my suspicions... they provide service that is *at least* as responsive as many local DME's. My order from BMI is ready to ship as soon as the Dr.'s office sends the info they need. The insurance confirmation is done. I'm eager to get started. I figure the sooner I start using my machine, the sooner I'll feel awake, even if it takes a few months.

-- Elaine

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 9:57 am

I don't believe everything a DME says.

Sorry, I was unclear when I wrote "most of them".

I meant "most of the DME's probably do believe what they themselves (the DME's) are saying to people."

In other words, many of the DME's are misinformed or clueless themselves. They pass the misinformation on to the hapless patients.

You're right, Severeena - best we weigh what they (the DME's) say and be our own advocates.

Mask