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teachcsg wrote:Stu is correct.
Most DMEs deal with one manufacturer due to volume discount. The company I work for deals primarily with Respironics as well. Unfortunately, with lowering reimbursement rates some products are too expensive for the company to provide. It seems like Resmed prices their machines and mask quite high-they know they have a very good product and dont allow for much discount. There was a lawsuit going on recently where a small manufacturer of cpap mask was in a fight with Resmed over their mask and pricing-they priced their mask very low. I did not read too much into the lawsuit but the small company had taken out a full page ad in an industry magazine showng that it typically cost all manufacturers (including resmed and respironics) a very small amount (I forget the figure) to make a mask it seemed like Resmed had a problem with that.
So, all that to say-some DMEs have to be exclusive to stay in business.

You are right!... The first Resmed Quattro mask might cost about $25,000 to build, then the mold goes through 1-2 rounds of refinement. Mask 10 and on is made for $10 each. DME might pay $125...We pay $175 etc...

I called Edge park medical- they only supply accessories now, not the base machine. I called another local DME supplier in FL, much better attitude, told me to call DME #1 back tell them you are going against medical advice and returning the unit. DME #2 will give me S9 autoset if the Rx states it exactly, no upcharge, code E601 etc...thats my ticket!!

I asked the Manager of DME #1, why they fought me tooth and nail, she said, Resmed builds a great machine, buy they are not DME dealer freindly, no price breaks on volume, if we do not upcharge you, we lose $200 getting you an autoset, since we are a Respironics dealer... She said Resmed is the Iphone of the apnea business, Respironics is the droid... Margins very thin with Resmed, pretty good with Respironics....

Vince

It would have been nice if she was honest in the first place instead of playing the "we can only supply it if your insurance authorizes it" game. I want to be able to trust my health care providers, not let them lie through their teeth to my face.

True....

I spoke with Aerocare in FL today, no fighting for S9 autoset, the lady said "What machine would you like?" (Oh My God- those were sweet words after 2-3 week battle)

pad-cheek liner showed, will test out once I get my new S9...

V

vince32837 wrote: She said Resmed is the Iphone of the apnea business, Respironics is the droid... Margins very thin with Resmed, pretty good with Respironics....

That about sums it up perfectly....

I also fought this fight and won but I am not the DME's favorite....I get the eye rolls every time I go. I just asked them if they wanted my business, they'd have to find a way to get the S9. They had a supply of them in another store. I said I could get an S9 online for less than half the price they charge Medicare.

vince32837 wrote: I called Edge park medical- they only supply accessories now, not the base machine. I called another local DME supplier in FL, much better attitude, told me to call DME #1 back tell them you are going against medical advice and returning the unit. DME #2 will give me S9 autoset if the Rx states it exactly, no upcharge, code E601 etc...thats my ticket!!Vince

Great!

Now prepare in advance to be able to determine that:

1. They do NOT give you a USED machine.
2. The S9 AutoSet you receive has the LATEST internal software version.

Mention these 2 items to them in advance - so they will know that you will be on the lookout. Keeps them honest.

But, make sure that YOU can determine these for yourself when you go to pick up the S9 AutoSet.

Whew, just when I think I've heard all the DME horror stories (I'm with Apria) along comes a whole new raft of bad stuff.

vince32837 wrote:I am doing the Aetna 10 month rental into ownership thing-

Please be careful. I found out the hard way that Aetna NEVER buys xPAP equipment (the machine, not the other stuff like tubing or masks). When I got my new machine, I had to give back my old one. I'd wanted to keep it as a backup.

StuUnderPressure wrote:

vince32837 wrote: I called Edge park medical- they only supply accessories now, not the base machine. I called another local DME supplier in FL, much better attitude, told me to call DME #1 back tell them you are going against medical advice and returning the unit. DME #2 will give me S9 autoset if the Rx states it exactly, no upcharge, code E601 etc...thats my ticket!!Vince

Great!

Now prepare in advance to be able to determine that:

1. They do NOT give you a USED machine.
2. The S9 AutoSet you receive has the LATEST internal software version.

Mention these 2 items to them in advance - so they will know that you will be on the lookout. Keeps them honest.

But, make sure that YOU can determine these for yourself when you go to pick up the S9 AutoSet.

Stu- I did not dream about a used model trick! I i will ask tomorrow...

Thanks to all for guidance....

My nose infection finally healed from the Quattro mask... Pad-cheek liner plus new S9 machine need very soon..14 days no cpap, I'm tired....

V