Apria switched CPAP

[Elton525]

My medical provider referred me to Apria for my CPAP. I signed a SSRE with Apria to receive a ResMed 11. But when the equipment arrived, I discovered Apria switched the CPAP to a different machine and sent to a Luna G3. Included with the machine was a letter explaining that due to the 2021 Phillips recall that there was a shortage of CPAPs. In 2024.

It appears like Apria substituted a lower cost machine and is billing for the higher cost machine… and pocketing the difference.

The Luna G3 does not offer the same user interface for accessing reports and data as the ResMed. My partner has a ResMed. The data interface is far superior.

Has anyone else had this experience? I didn’t contract for the Luna G3 and feel like Apria did a bait and switch that is unfair and unethical.

Photo attachment: Luna G3 requires that you scan a QR code to access report. Oops. QR link doesn’t work. Ridiculous.


Suggestions?

[Nightynite]

Don’t settle for that , return it immediately. Apria has failed many others. They even had a 40 million dollar lawsuit against them in 2020 for shady billing practices.

[Elton525]

I received the machine on Saturday and plan to call today. I checked online and the ResMed 11 seems to be available. Apria’s claim that the substitution is due to shortages rings hollow and deceptive. Thanks for your reply.

[Nightynite]

The airsense 10 is also a proven machine with great track history and many people prefer that over the 11. Same algorithm, bigger motor than the 11 and some say less problems with water chamber. Do a little research and get what you want. Good luck!

[OpalRose]

Agree, return the machine.  You don't have to deal with Apria.  I hope you didn't leave any credit card information with them.  

Call your insurance and ask for a list of DME's in your area that they are contracted with.
Then start calling them to get a feel for how they do business.

Next, call your doctor.  Ask him for a script stating the machine by name.
You want either a Resmed Airsense 10 AutoSet[/b or b]Resmed AirSense 11 AutoSet. Be sure your doctor writes this on the script.

Don't accept anything less. That's providing you weren't prescribed a BiLevel.
In that case, you'll want an AirCurve 10 VAuto.

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...6_Medicare

[Elton525]

Thank you. I double checked Apria’s packing slip and it wrongly stated that they shipped a Resmed Airsense 10.

[SarcasticDave94]

Agreed, return it. Dunno but it kinda smells like bait and switch, they're just hoping you wouldn't notice or care about the substitute. I wouldn't put it past Apria. Regardless just say no to anything other than ResMed.

[paulag1955]

Depending on insurance, you might have to deal with Apria. Our Kaiser plan doesn't offer a choice.

[SarcasticDave94]

Apria is likely just as bad as some other DMEs. Review everything before signing or agreeing. Common sense due diligence. I've had to deal with them before, locally not utterly terrible, corporate was absolutely terrible though. To me, it doesn't matter what name the DME is called, read the details, fine print, all thoroughly.

A great bit of from Opal Rose on getting your doctor to modify the script to specify the machine. I'll include this bit, ask doc to put D.A.W. on it. DAW equals supplies Dispense As Written. This means no substitute permitted.

PS "DAW 1" may technically be the entire phrase required. DAW 1 is expected to equal "Substitution Not Allowed by Prescriber"

[Deborah K.]

You don't have to stay with a DME that your doctor set you up with or recommended, nor do you have to use a local DME.  I get everything through a supplier I found online who carries what I want and who is nice to deal with.  Everything is shipped to my door.