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Re: DME Complaining to Patient

Posted by Frank on March 11, 2001 at 08:40:04:

In Reply to: DME Complaining to Patient posted by Debbie on March 10, 2001 at 19:45:59:

I had something similiar. When I needed a new machine, my sleep doc thought he could get it faster through a local dme, one who did a lot of business with his hospital, so he thought he could cut through the red tape. And he tried real hard. So, I'm expecting later on that day. As days pass, I finally get through to the dme, and they will deliver it within a few days if I sign an agreement that I will personally guarantee them $950/mo if the insurance doesen't cover it. But, they explained it was 'only a formality' as they knew my plan would cover it and I would have no out of pocket cost. Yeah right, I sure did jump at that opportunity. A day or three later, they called and said I was approved, so all they had to do was schedule a tech to deliver it. I suggested they merely had to ship it, but they choked on that one. Finally, the week came to the end, but the local tech had the day off or something, so they assigned it to a tech from halfway across the state. Well, she left late, got stuck in traffic, and had an obligation later on in the evening that she could not keep if she spent 2 hours in traffic getting to me. So, Monday, She and it showed up. She was there for 5 minutes, and did make a followup phone call a few days later. The good thing of it all, is I learned what kind of machine not to buy. Somehow or other, I don't think this process was faster than uncle Joe and Fedex.

But to your case, You have to be concerned about their problems with the insurance company, and their stupid business practices? You do not say that thay sent you a bill. Maybe they would like you to print one up for them. They are looking for sympathy, which I hope you do not have for them.

According to the fair credit reporting act, which applys to anybody who sends an invoice to anybody, you have the right to dispute the bill. Also, you have the right not to be contacted by phone at home or work. A telephone response will hold them off for 7 or 10 days. A letter stating 'do not contact me about this matter again' will hold them off forever. Their only choice after that is to engage another collection agency, which you get rid of the same way, or to sue. They would be laughed out of court.

Also, you have the right to an original invoice, and they cannot use a collection agency as a primary means or billing. You see, a collection agency saying you owe something is meaningless. You must have an original invoice if you are to be able to exercise your fair credit rights. How can you challenge a charge if you dont have a bill? Some low level employee screwed up here, and is doing his worst to get out of trouble. They probably coded the thing wrong.

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