Return CPAP to Apria?

[fols]

Does anyone know if it is possible to stop owning a rental CPAP and return it to Apria? I am going to call Apria today and complain that their RT lied to my face about my machine not being a brick, but since I have Cigna I have no other options other than possibly dealing with the brick or simply returning the machine back to them. I have a standby S8 Elite that I can use until I can purchase my own machine, but I am wondering if anyone knows their return policy.

Thanks.

[fols]

Also, the machine is < 2 months old. Forgot to say that.

[GumbyCT]

Evven w/Cigna/Apria you can have your doc write a machine make/model specific prescription.

[greatunclebill]

apria......yuck....to me, the worst dme on the planet. i have 7 or 8 years of horror stories before i took the brave leap and dropped them, not knowing if i was supposed to. 3 days with the same will return at 2pm sign in the front door at all hours was the final straw. as it turned out, unknown to me my doc had completely stopped referring patients to them. i had heard from the new dme that medicare had also quit dealing with the local apria office. the doc simply faxed a prescription to a new dme and all was fine.

your rental is just that. a rental. talk to your doc first and make sure he will write a prescription for an auto machine, tell him why you want to switch dme's, generally get him on your side. then call the insurance and tell them the doc wants to put you on apap, that you want a new machine and will turn in the old one and at the same time are going to a new dme and specifically why. feedback from patients about dme's in very important to the process. should be easy.

[fols]

No no no, I don't want to go on APAP.. I was told the machine was data capable when it really was not. I figured I'd deal with it (as I am looking to switch jobs, and therefore ins companies very soon) for a little while, but then I realized what I was doing and I want to either return it and buy my own, or get them to right their wrong (flat out lying to my face and telling me what they were giving me was data capable). I am going to give the Apria branch manager a call today on my lunch break and tell them what went on, and how upset I am with how I was treated, and hope they can right their wrong.. but if not, is it possible to simply stop treatment (according to them/insurance) and return the rental? Like I said earlier, I have a spare S8 sitting in my bedroom for travel, and I can use it until I purchase a new unit.

I didn't realize you can't even see leak rates with a brick! how ridiculous!

[fols]

Also, I will speak with my doctor regarding getting a more explicit Rx, but I don't actually have a sleep dr just a general dr, so I'm going to wait until I need to go in next and speak with them then.

[Janknitz]

Yes, you may return the machine Prepare to have Crapria give you a very hard time, and expect a billing nightmare.

They may try to get you to sign a document claiming you "refuse treatment" but don't agree to sign that. You can sign a document saying you are returning the machine but nothing that says you refuse treatment. If necessary, cross out that statement and write that you are unhappy with the way Crapria does business. Initial and date it.

ANY doctor can write the RX. Make it as specific as possible.

[nanwilson]

Also, I will speak with my doctor regarding getting a more explicit Rx, but I don't actually have a sleep dr just a general dr, so I'm going to wait until I need to go in next and speak with them then.

It does not have to be your sleep doc that writes the rx, your regular family doc can do it, as can your dentist.
Have him/her write EXACTLY what you want......such as " Resmed S9 Auto with aflex". If you have an auto, it can also be set to straight cpap mode...best of both worlds. When you return the present machine make sure they sign a receipt for it so that you are not stuck still paying your monthly rental when they tell insurance that you didn't return it .
Good luck
Nan

[fols]

Just got off the phone with a supervisor and RT from the local Apria branch... explained to them that I was upset I was lied to about the DS250 being a comparable machine to my previous S9 Elite, and the RT said they would speak with the branch manager and see if they can do a swap. If not, I am going to return it and just purchase a S9 Elite on my own (as I already have the humidifier). Sucks that I would have to do it considering my insurance pays 100% of CPAP cost, but better than nothing.

Thanks everyone.

[fols]

Just got off the phone, they are exchanging my DS250 with the same CPAP I had before: S9 Elite.

Next time I am at the doctor, I will get them to write a new rx for a data capable machine (possibly S9 Elite or comparable).

Thanks for the advice guys.