Machine replacement: Strike one!

It just breaks my heart when I talk to someone and they confess that their CPAP machine has lain idle for months, or even years. I want to give them the information and motivation to take another run at it. And it enrages me that so many of these poor souls were taken advantage of and then abandoned.

Great story, thanks. I'm curious- does anyone know who oversees, licenses, or accredits the DME companies?

does anyone know who oversees, licenses, or accredits the DME companies?

First and foremost is Medicare. To survive, virtually every brick and mortar (can I use "virtually" and "brick and mortar" together like that ) has to take Medicare patients, since the vast majority of DME users are going to be individuals on Medicare. Medicare has strict guidelines regulating DME providers.

But, Jimplastic is currently employed, so probably Medicare is his insurer--at least not as primary.

Additionally, there should be agencies in every state, both under Medicaid (Medi-Cal) in California and under state health agencies.

There are also business regulatory agencies, state, county, and even city licensure requirements. There are consumer programs like the Better Business Bureau, too. Finally, it's worth filing a formal complaint with the insurer, particularly if it's an insurance that limits what doctors you can see or what DME providers you can use. As insurance becomes more "portable" with the health care reform laws, customer satisfaction is going to become more important (although I heard a chilling NPR report about how it is likely that insurers will deliberately try to dissatisfy customers who are expensive to insure--like us CPAP users!).

The doctor could be reported to the state medical licensing board. A lot of doctors are hopping on the sleep lab bandwagon because it's such a moneymaker. This does not excuse them from providing good medical care, including ensuring that the patient is receiving effective treatment that is appropriate for his needs. Doesn't sound like the doc in Jimplastic's case made any effort to follow-up and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Good information; thank you Janknitz.