02-17-2018, 04:36 PM
Choosing and working with a DME: A Beginner’s Dilemma
Choosing and working with a DME: A Beginner’s Dilemma
Greetings, and thanks from a Beginner to all of you who have developed and contributed to this Forum – it’s a wonderful resource! I think that I now have a reasonably good handle on selecting a device and initial mask. My concern – one that seems to be quite common from looking at posts in this Forum and others – is about the challenge of finding a good local DME supplier (or at least one that is passably honest, informative and efficient).
After 10 days of diligent online research, I’ve concluded that:
(1) the prospect of reliably identifying a good local provider is a needle-in-haystack task – especially if you have limited time to call/visit and methodically compare a number of them;
(2) though it’s possible that some insurance plans will provide some reimbursement for online purchase of devices/masks, this is not a great idea for a beginner (unless you know an experienced respiratory therapist who can walk you through their appropriate use); and
(3) best way forward is to avoid “making the perfect be the enemy of the good” (i.e., avoid long delay in getting started) - by selecting a DME in your insurance network with a minimum of terrible reviews (e.g., Yelp and BBB) and who does not send up too many red flags in your initial contacts with them.
My impression is that once you have engaged a provider and gotten off the ground, it is possible to make changes later, understanding that this will entail some additional expense and hassle. Am I on-track with this approach? I would appreciate any thoughts from those of you who have negotiated this process!
My particulars: I’m a guy in his mid-60s living in Metro Atlanta and recently diagnosed with uncomplicated moderate-severe OSA. I was prescribed PAP following a home sleep study (Rx: Autopap one device/ sig: use at bedtime autopap w/heated humidifier, supplies, mask patient choice. 4-20cm/h2o. length 99 months. dx g47.33).
My specialist’s practice is not affiliated with a lab or supplier and the Rx was faxed to a DME in my area. The staff told me to expect that I should hear from the DME in 1-2 weeks, after they had run through insurance information, etc… . When I determined that the DME initially chosen by the medical practice was “out of network” I asked the office for the names of any others who they thought might be reasonable. The one that they named (without great enthusiasm) is in my preferred network, and the Rx was sent to them as well (I am currently waiting to hear from them).
Greetings, and thanks from a Beginner to all of you who have developed and contributed to this Forum – it’s a wonderful resource! I think that I now have a reasonably good handle on selecting a device and initial mask. My concern – one that seems to be quite common from looking at posts in this Forum and others – is about the challenge of finding a good local DME supplier (or at least one that is passably honest, informative and efficient).
After 10 days of diligent online research, I’ve concluded that:
(1) the prospect of reliably identifying a good local provider is a needle-in-haystack task – especially if you have limited time to call/visit and methodically compare a number of them;
(2) though it’s possible that some insurance plans will provide some reimbursement for online purchase of devices/masks, this is not a great idea for a beginner (unless you know an experienced respiratory therapist who can walk you through their appropriate use); and
(3) best way forward is to avoid “making the perfect be the enemy of the good” (i.e., avoid long delay in getting started) - by selecting a DME in your insurance network with a minimum of terrible reviews (e.g., Yelp and BBB) and who does not send up too many red flags in your initial contacts with them.
My impression is that once you have engaged a provider and gotten off the ground, it is possible to make changes later, understanding that this will entail some additional expense and hassle. Am I on-track with this approach? I would appreciate any thoughts from those of you who have negotiated this process!
My particulars: I’m a guy in his mid-60s living in Metro Atlanta and recently diagnosed with uncomplicated moderate-severe OSA. I was prescribed PAP following a home sleep study (Rx: Autopap one device/ sig: use at bedtime autopap w/heated humidifier, supplies, mask patient choice. 4-20cm/h2o. length 99 months. dx g47.33).
My specialist’s practice is not affiliated with a lab or supplier and the Rx was faxed to a DME in my area. The staff told me to expect that I should hear from the DME in 1-2 weeks, after they had run through insurance information, etc… . When I determined that the DME initially chosen by the medical practice was “out of network” I asked the office for the names of any others who they thought might be reasonable. The one that they named (without great enthusiasm) is in my preferred network, and the Rx was sent to them as well (I am currently waiting to hear from them).
