07-05-2019, 10:19 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-05-2019, 10:20 AM by MyronH.)
CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
I wear ResMed AirTouch F20, that has a memory foam cushion that can't be cleaned. It lasts at most 30 days before it starts leaking or is dirty.
I use my sleep doctors equipment provider that is next door to his office to get supplies. They don't offer automatic renewal of supplies each month. I always have to call them every 30 days to get a new cushion. So I call before 30 days, but they say they need to wait exactly 30 days to submit to insurance for new supplies and insurance has them wait until the 30th day to submit for new supplies. This delays me getting a new cushion/mask each month by a couple of weeks by the time they get approval and ship it out to me.
So I've only been able to get a new mask every 6 weeks at the earliest. This is unacceptable. I should be able to get a new mask every 30 days on the dot delivered to me. Anyone else have issues with their provider?
ResMed AirCurve 10 vAuto
Pressure EPAP min 4.4, IPAP 8.4, IPAP Max 18, PS 4.
RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
Firstly, I could be completely wrong about this because I have never attempted it, but couldn't foam be cleaned in warm sudsy ammonia if left to soak for maybe ten minutes, rinsed several times (squeezing it dry each time), and then set in front of a fan or left outdoors under the eaves, but in moving air? Or, tri-sodium phosphate, done precisely the same way?
Secondly, acquire two or more cushions now, and keep one for tweeny times when you have to wait. If you get resistance, you get another provider.....period.
07-05-2019, 01:28 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-05-2019, 01:29 PM by Mosquitobait.
Edit Reason: missing word
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RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
Due to Medicare rules, my guess is that your provider decided to completely do away with automatic calling and confirming. Get a reminder on your computer or phone to call a day later. In the meantime, get a couple of extras through an online retailer (will be way less cheaper).
RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
(07-05-2019, 10:19 AM)MyronH Wrote: I wear ResMed AirTouch F20, that has a memory foam cushion that can't be cleaned. It lasts at most 30 days before it starts leaking or is dirty.
I use my sleep doctors equipment provider that is next door to his office to get supplies. They don't offer automatic renewal of supplies each month. I always have to call them every 30 days to get a new cushion. So I call before 30 days, but they say they need to wait exactly 30 days to submit to insurance for new supplies and insurance has them wait until the 30th day to submit for new supplies. This delays me getting a new cushion/mask each month by a couple of weeks by the time they get approval and ship it out to me.
So I've only been able to get a new mask every 6 weeks at the earliest. This is unacceptable. I should be able to get a new mask every 30 days on the dot delivered to me. Anyone else have issues with their provider?
If finances permit, bite the bullet and buy a couple of cushions from a commercial supplier. Then schedule your MEDICARE replacements as normal. It relieves a lot of stress and frustration.
RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
Medicare allows my DME to order and ship on a quarterly basis. You may want to ask the DME if you can go that route.
Homer
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
(07-05-2019, 02:08 PM)Homerec130 Wrote: Medicare allows my DME to order and ship on a quarterly basis. You may want to ask the DME if you can go that route.
I order on a quarterly basis as well and only what I anticipate needing during the next quarter.
RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
I too order quarterly (Medicare), and if I happen to call a day or two too early then the DME schedules it to happen on the right day.
It sounds like someone in your DME office is making up their own rules. I would look for a new DME, if they are unwilling to provide you with 90 days worth of supplies. Verify what they are saying with your insurance, if you are covered.
I would also try washing or wiping the mask, use one of your discarded ones. Mix up a bowl of warm water and a bit of dish detergent and swish it thru the suds. Exactly what happens that makes it unusable in 30 days? Surely you could eek out another week or so.
07-05-2019, 06:45 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-05-2019, 06:46 PM by Big Guy.)
RE: CPAP supplies provider takes over 30 days to ship out a new mask
My DME supplier keeps track of what I'm entitled to according to my insurance coverage. They let me know in advance that I'm due some supplies, what they are, and if I need them.
They never ship me supplies unless I have approved it. They do have a program that ships automatically, but I opted out of that long ago when I first started dealing with them.
For a supplier of DME, I have no regrets as a customer.
