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+--- Thread: Help me find a DME provider (/Thread-Help-me-find-a-DME-provider)
Help me find a DME provider - Always Confused - 09-12-2022
So, I recently moved and changed medical insurance to Atena.
In the past my only choice for cpap supplies was through LinCare. I just paid out of pocket for cpap supplies. It was cheaper, and LinCare billing was questionable at best.
The Atena policy will pay 80% for cpap supplies, leaving me with 20% to pay. I'm hoping this will be cheaper and easier then cruising Amazon, and all the online shops looking for deals and discounts every time I need something. Unfortunately, I'm in a situation where keeping cost down is important.
Atena has a long list of DMEs to choose from, Apria, Aerocare, Rotech, and others. The question is should move my prescription over or just keep doing what I'm doing? Can anyone recommend a DME provider? I will need a new machine in the next few years, I always tweak my settings, my apnea is well controlled, and haven't needed a Dr or DME input for a long time. Thanks
RE: Help me find a DME provider - clownbell - 09-12-2022
After reading many posts about DMEs, I came to the conclusion that it's like with coffee or cars. Each brand has its fans and its detractors. I must use Apria (no other choice in my plan), and had wonderful experiences with them although others report horror stories. Go figure.
RE: Help me find a DME provider - Elgeeone - 09-13-2022
Knock on wood, after many different dme’s, Aerocare has been the most effective, easy to use company. I’ve used all the others you mentioned. The only gripe is that my P10 large pillows seem to be in great demand and and they are back ordered. I can deal with that. Fyi, I use both Medicare and BCBS and after deductibles, pay zip. Zero for my supplies or machine. Good luck!!
RE: Help me find a DME provider - slam7241 - 09-13-2022
Hi ELgeeone, I am glad Aerocare works out for you. I have to work with Apria which turns out ok. Like you, I use the P10 large pillow and it is on back order, but I can deal with that also. The complete set last me for quite a while. Like you Medicare, BCBS pays for everything. It is a joke what they charge Medicare, but Medicare knows how much to pay & so does BCBS. Guess that's how our system works.
RE: Help me find a DME provider - SuperSleeper - 09-13-2022
I currently use Lincare. Initially, they were a royal pain to get set up (could have been due to the stubborn staff of the local Lincare office), but once the initial hassle was resolved and I was in their system, regular monthly supplies have been coming just fine with no problem.