[Equipment] DME run around...4 mo and still no mask, what to do?!

[mdhampton]

In Ohio, DMEs are regulated by a board, see if there is one in your state and write them a letter. Years ago I had an issue with my mail medicines, and a simple letter to board of pharmacy made the supplier call me within several days.

Also, if you are on Medicare, they have their own location to file complaints against DMEs.

[OpalRose]

I can request another(duplicate) prescription from my Dr, but normaly (the Dr said) the DME supplies the mask and then they inform the Dr to request/approve the prescription.

It sounds like your doctor has it backwards. DME’s in most cases will not supply you with a mask or any supplies without having a prescription from your doctor first.

Someone is dropping the ball on this...probably both the DME and doctor. You will need to be more proactive to get this solved, as 4 months is unacceptable.

Also, you will need to obtain a copy of your script and sleep study for your records.

You can print a copy of a sample script and take it to your doctor to fill out.  Then get confirmation that the doctor’s office actually faxed it to the DME.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...escription

[Sleeprider]

BCBS lists in-network providers on their website, or you can request a list. The simple solution is to fire your unresponsive DME and move on to new one.

[Azscooterbird]

I checked and I don't see something specifically for DME's, but maybe the BBB is a first step?

[mdhampton]

In Arizona it appears that the state board of pharmacies controls DMEs.

[Azscooterbird]

Pharmacy Board...check!   Would not have guessed that one to be the DME regulator. THANK YOU

[Azscooterbird]

Thank you for this board, I am feeling informed and empowered now!
I just read the FAQ's -  wow, sooooo much I took for granted.
Thanks for your advice. I very much appreciate everyone's willingness to help.. I am humbled

[ShaunBlake]

Thank you for this board, I am feeling informed and empowered now!
I just read the FAQ's -  wow, sooooo much I took for granted.
Thanks for your advice. I very much appreciate everyone's willingness to help.. I am humbled

Don't be humbled, be empowered!  Fortunately there are good DME providers in this country — and even the good ones sometimes need to be taken behind the woodshed, so to speak.

Please do try to locate another provider — and keep in mind they they typically use FedEx, UPS, or USPS to fulfill, and it usually often sometimes is pretty fast — much better than a one- to two-hour commute as is typical around here (Atlanta).
And please keep us updated on your progress… while we can't make them treat you properly, we can at least join your outrage.  

[mesenteria]

I'm going to go off on a tangent, so bear with me...

What is the practical utility in complaining to the BBB these days?  Many years ago that sort of thing gave purveyors of poor service or product some pause.  Nowadays nobody seems to want to deal constructively with bad suppliers of anything beyond serving themselves.  I do NOT mean this as a thinly veiled criticism of any one individual, but just wondering how such entities as the BBB get sidelined and why people slowly move to looking after their own interests without taking extra steps to make those who screw us 'pay'...somehow.  A DME that has such a solid and intractable reputation for being horrible about their business shouldn't BE IN business.

[Tinman53]

I'm going to go off on a tangent, so bear with me...

.  A DME that has such a solid and intractable reputation for being horrible about their business shouldn't BE IN business.

Think I will ride along with you on that tangent, if you don't mind.

These companies seem to forgot that they are ultimately working for us.  If not the DME provider, than the insurance company.  We pay money to our insurance companies and have the ultimate ability to "vote with our feet" if we do not receive the level of service we are entitled to.  For me, that is even more of an option now that I am no longer part of an employer insurance plan.  When I hit 64 years and 8 months old the letters and calls begging for my Medicare Advantage insurance business came pouring in.  I am sure I could find someone else who is willing to take my money and provide an acceptable level of service. 

I worked my entire career in a public service industry and have learned how to reach people who can hold some influence over these businesses.  It is now my time to be the squeaky wheel.

Good luck and hope you find the answers/service you need.