Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
zapped82
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Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by zapped82 » Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:34 pm

Hey there, I'm recently diagnosed with severe OSA (AHI of 76 and 86 over the two night home sleep study). I have been reading through this forum since before the sleep study and learned quite a bit. Much to my dismay, shortly after returning the Home Sleep Study equipment, I received an automated phone call from Apria saying they received an order and would contact me in the next 5 days. I guess I was silly to think I might give them a shot after what I've read here and elsewhere.

When they finally called me back a week later at 8:30pm, they told me they were getting ready to send my equipment but I just needed to pay $185 and put a CC on file, then it would be $13.25/month for 10 months before I owned the machine. Nothing sounded correct so I asked for details of my order, a breakdown of the cost, names of equipment, what the total being charged to the insurance company was, etc. No solid answers, just would you like to pay or would you like me to suspend your order. I decided to reach out to the insurance company to find out as much as I could from them. They gave me a little bit of insight as to the real cost so after looking for a local DME, I gave Apria a call back. This time I got different numbers, different explanations, etc. It took 58 minutes on the phone with them before I told them they were the worst company I've dealt with, hung up and decided I would go a different direction(seems like this is normal SOP for them :x :x ).

I've been unsuccessful in my brief search for a small/local DME dealing with CPAP equipment in my area (NE Atlanta - Gwinnett County) so while I continue to explore that option and before I just go purchase a machine from an online source and dump the insurance option to the curb, I was wondering if anyone has had a reasonable experience with any of the chain DME's. I have BCBS insurance and really just want to compare the cost going through insurance vs. purchasing outright. I figure I have to pay for it anyway so if it's similar pricing, I would rather have it count towards my in-network deductible.

Any insight would be appreciated. Looking forward to getting this behind me so I can get the machine here, setup and hopefully start posting about ways to improve my therapy.

Zac

LookingUp!
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by LookingUp! » Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:53 pm

Hi, while you were talking to your insurance company, did you ask them which DME companies are in-network? Also you can ask them if they will allow you to directly purchase everything from an online company like CPAP.com then submit it yourself to your insurance for them to reimburse you? If you haven't yet, that's the direction I would start before just deciding to pay full cost online.

Hopefully the next DME company you contact will be a better experience than the first time.

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Okie bipap
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by Okie bipap » Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:55 pm

Check with your insurance company for list of approved DME suppliers. You may have options other than Apria.

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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by chunkyfrog » Fri Jun 22, 2018 4:16 pm

Considering how badly one could get "hosed", a road trip might not be unreasonable.

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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by Goofproof » Fri Jun 22, 2018 4:21 pm

zapped82 wrote:
Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:34 pm
Hey there, I'm recently diagnosed with severe OSA (AHI of 76 and 86 over the two night home sleep study). I have been reading through this forum since before the sleep study and learned quite a bit. Much to my dismay, shortly after returning the Home Sleep Study equipment, I received an automated phone call from Apria saying they received an order and would contact me in the next 5 days. I guess I was silly to think I might give them a shot after what I've read here and elsewhere.

When they finally called me back a week later at 8:30pm, they told me they were getting ready to send my equipment but I just needed to pay $185 and put a CC on file, then it would be $13.25/month for 10 months before I owned the machine. Nothing sounded correct so I asked for details of my order, a breakdown of the cost, names of equipment, what the total being charged to the insurance company was, etc. No solid answers, just would you like to pay or would you like me to suspend your order. I decided to reach out to the insurance company to find out as much as I could from them. They gave me a little bit of insight as to the real cost so after looking for a local DME, I gave Apria a call back. This time I got different numbers, different explanations, etc. It took 58 minutes on the phone with them before I told them they were the worst company I've dealt with, hung up and decided I would go a different direction(seems like this is normal SOP for them :x :x ).

I've been unsuccessful in my brief search for a small/local DME dealing with CPAP equipment in my area (NE Atlanta - Gwinnett County) so while I continue to explore that option and before I just go purchase a machine from an online source and dump the insurance option to the curb, I was wondering if anyone has had a reasonable experience with any of the chain DME's. I have BCBS insurance and really just want to compare the cost going through insurance vs. purchasing outright. I figure I have to pay for it anyway so if it's similar pricing, I would rather have it count towards my in-network deductible.

Any insight would be appreciated. Looking forward to getting this behind me so I can get the machine here, setup and hopefully start posting about ways to improve my therapy.

Zac
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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by ChicagoGranny » Fri Jun 22, 2018 4:24 pm

zapped82 wrote:
Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:34 pm
they told me they were getting ready to send my equipment
Important: Regardless of which DME you use, get a list of the equipment - exact name and model number of the machine. Then, post it in this thread. You need to know in advance what you are getting. If you were buying a refrigerator, you would want to know which model.

(Dumping Apria would probably be a good move. Just know who else is in your network.)

zapped82
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by zapped82 » Fri Jun 22, 2018 5:34 pm

When talking to insurance company i did get a list of approved DME. Most are the bigger chains and their local stores like Lincare, Apria, etc. I'm continuing to research and certainly know to get a list of equipment and model numbers. Thankfully my Rx is for an APAP so that limits some of the problems however I've requested the Resmed airsense 10 autoset with climateline hose. Pretty sure I will need to go with a full face mask but haven't narrowed that down yet. Was going to try the F20 and see where it went from there.

I am willing to make a road trip to the right DME if it makes sense. I have to believe there's somewhere in metro Atlanta that goes above and beyond for customer satisfaction.

Thanks for the advice so far. I'll keep y'all up to date.

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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by Cardsfan » Fri Jun 22, 2018 7:39 pm

I use Lincare. The trick is to go to the LOCAL office in person and find someone helpful there to deal with in person. When I first started, I was directed to Apria, but I couldn't even get them to return my phone calls. Good Luck.

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zapped82
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by zapped82 » Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:55 am

Alright, got everything worked out with a different DME and a Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset w/ Climateline hose and F&P Simplus FFM should hopefully be sent out today.

I'm supposed to be getting a backup unit(no idea what) from a relative but was contemplating getting a second one for travel. I travel a bit for work but I would prefer not to take my everyday machine with me. What seems to be the common practice? Small travel machine, a duplicate machine just meant to travel? The common piece of advice I got from some friends/coworkers is make sure to have spare's of everything. Once you start using the machine, you won't want to miss a night so make sure to minimize those possibilities.

Thanks for the help so far.

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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by SewTired » Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:24 am

zapped82 wrote:
Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:55 am
Alright, got everything worked out with a different DME and a Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset w/ Climateline hose and F&P Simplus FFM should hopefully be sent out today.

I'm supposed to be getting a backup unit(no idea what) from a relative but was contemplating getting a second one for travel. I travel a bit for work but I would prefer not to take my everyday machine with me. What seems to be the common practice? Small travel machine, a duplicate machine just meant to travel? The common piece of advice I got from some friends/coworkers is make sure to have spare's of everything. Once you start using the machine, you won't want to miss a night so make sure to minimize those possibilities.

Thanks for the help so far.
Until you've completed compliance, you need to take your insurance paid-for machine with you. I chose to get the exact same machine for out-of-town trips, but I travel mainly by car. If you find you need humidification, you probably will be best off getting a duplicate machine since the small travel machines don't have that.

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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by wallanbrewer » Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:28 am

I had simular call just after I was diagnosed 3 months ago. I contacted Physician's and DME offices to verify phone call. I ignored the call and it never reared its head again.

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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Jun 25, 2018 11:16 am

I take my regular machine on trips. Nice case.
I also pack the backup, because--rest stop naps, forgetful colleagues, etc.
More is never less unless you are cleaning a closet.

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by ChicagoGranny » Mon Jun 25, 2018 1:26 pm

I want the same therapy when traveling as at home. So, two identical machines.

zapped82
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by zapped82 » Fri Jun 29, 2018 4:42 am

Well, got everything squared away with equipment and got my first night under my belt last night. I'm a bit surprised with the results, they seem somewhat boring (which I suppose is a good thing). We'll see how I feel as the day goes on.
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Re: Recently Diagnosed - Initial Order Sent to Apria

Post by prodigyplace » Fri Jun 29, 2018 5:36 am

That looks good to my inexperienced eye, especially if the numbers stay that low and you feel rested.

After a little over a year and a half, I wish my numbers were that good. I have occasionally had them that low, but not for a while.

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