Kroger brand CPAP?

I was reading an article in the latest Home Medical Equipment magazine. They were talking about Philips Respironics selling CPAP supplies at Kroger pharmacies. I think it was just a trial, but it may be a new twist in the market.

Here is the link to an article about the DME response to Kroger selling CPAP supplies. http://www.hmenews.com/article/provider ... -help-them

What do you think?

Karen

I think the way people do business is in for some really big changes over the next few years.

However, I also think that the current corporate fascist system of business we have today is on the verge of total collapse ... so what do I know?

I'm skeptical that any grocery store CPAP parts seller will do a "good" job.

However, I think most 7-11 clerks with a few days training could do a better job than many DMEs do. Maybe the grocery store CPAP parts seller may feel less "imperial" than many DMEs do and actually serve the customer a little better.

DreamStalker wrote:However, I also think that the current corporate fascist system of business we have today is on the verge of total collapse ... so what do I know?

Me, I'm just hoping the infrastructure of western society doesn't collapse completely before I die.

Karen, I think it's a fantastic idea. All pharmacies (in grocery stores or not) should be able to sell masks, mask parts, tubing, etc. And I believe it especially fits with larger pharmacies that also have a section for medical equipment/supply purchases and rentals for home health care (canes, walkers, compression stockings, scooters, oxygen tanks, etc., etc.). Of course DMEs don't like it; it's competition. I'm sure they don't like their online competition either. The more competition, of course, the harder you have to work to stay in business. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Maybe the DME's could offer classes, paid for by insurance, that is, IF they have anything to offer!

Maybe if the DME staff were required to actually be successfully self-treated sleep apnea patients themselves ... that might give the brick and mortar DMEs and edge.

DreamStalker wrote:Maybe if the DME staff were required to actually be successfully self-treated sleep apnea patients themselves ... that might give the brick and mortar DMEs and edge.

I doubt that. The gal who gave me my cpap stated she was a user. I still got just a fast babble and lousy mask fitting. But she was good with filling out the forms and taking a cheque.

BlackSpinner wrote:

DreamStalker wrote:Maybe if the DME staff were required to actually be successfully self-treated sleep apnea patients themselves ... that might give the brick and mortar DMEs and edge.

I doubt that. The gal who gave me my cpap stated she was a user. I still got just a fast babble and lousy mask fitting. But she was good with filling out the forms and taking a cheque.

I suppose I did leave off a couple of the more important requirements - knowledge and honesty.

archangle wrote:I'm skeptical that any grocery store CPAP parts seller will do a "good" job.

So you spit at mention of cpap.com, the sponsor of the forum in which you make such pronouncements?

DreamStalker wrote:Maybe if the DME staff were required to actually be successfully self-treated sleep apnea patients themselves ... that might give the brick and mortar DMEs and edge.

The guy who handles CPAP supplies at my walk-in DME is just that!

I can see Wal Mart selling supplies; maybe Sam's club for machines (Korean make only)
Where do their hearing aids come from?

ChicagoGranny wrote:. . . mention of cpap.com . . .

I'm perty sure Johnny don't work at a grocery. But I could be wrong. Never actually been there to say howdy, myself.

And Chunky, I've asked that question before, but no one seemed to hear me.

Custom hose length, while you wait.

jnk wrote:

ChicagoGranny wrote:. . . mention of cpap.com . . .

I'm perty sure Johnny don't work at a grocery. But I could be wrong. Never actually been there to say howdy, myself.

And Chunky, I've asked that question before, but no one seemed to hear me.

ChicagoGranny wrote:

archangle wrote:I'm skeptical that any grocery store CPAP parts seller will do a "good" job.

So you spit at mention of cpap.com, the sponsor of the forum in which you make such pronouncements?

Yes, at first glance I also thought, "Big deal, it's just another outlet."

But then I read the full article and it looks like this will be a first for selling supplies at a "non-government-approved" (non-DME) supplier. Yes?

This could be a big deal because it might drive the DMEs out of the business and I agree with the guy in the article who said it would lead to insurers not covering supplies. I think the insurers are headed this way already.

Anyway, it's past time to open up the market and let anyone who wants to sell CPAP machines and supplies.