Lincare: You signed it, so we can charge you whatever you owe..

[justMongo]

I've read through this thread; and find, in my opinion, that Lincare's actions are criminal fraud.

[quiescence at last]

I have not being extremely ill-treated by my current DME (the A store), but am not impressed by their manners. I think my insurance company is keeping them in check. I have PRS1 and I did have to pay for humidifier separately, but only paid the co-pay. My co-pay is pretty small. I will not buy extra stuff I don't need, though when I did order replacement parts for mask they came the next day, even though they advertised approx. 2 day delivery. I won't ask for advice from them, and luckily really like the mask I have, so do not need to go for a visit. Hoping never to be put in a position where I would experience their "dark side".

QAL

[Sleeprider]

I have not being extremely ill-treated by my current DME (the A store), but am not impressed by their manners. I think my insurance company is keeping them in check. I have PRS1 and I did have to pay for humidifier separately, but only paid the co-pay. My co-pay is pretty small. I will not buy extra stuff I don't need, though when I did order replacement parts for mask they came the next day, even though they advertised approx. 2 day delivery. I won't ask for advice from them, and luckily really like the mask I have, so do not need to go for a visit. Hoping never to be put in a position where I would experience their "dark side".

QAL

QAL, the difference being, your humidifier is a separate item. I can see where Resmed's move to integrate the humidifier and CPAP is inconsistent with U.S. insurance billing at this time, since those items are itemized for insurance purposes. Of course it makes the consumer feel cheated when they get a separate bill based on insurance allowable charges, and in this case, the billing incorrectly was assessed against the patient for the full amount. Lincare needs to owe up to this mistake and issue a refund, then invoice insurance for the amount, less deductible and copay.

[Homerec130]

If Lincare refuses to pony up the funds they essentially stole from you, it may be time to take them to small claims court. You were charged for an item that does not exist - humidifier - and they refuse to refund you the monies paid. If the court issues a judgement in your favor and they still refuse... oh boy, this could be interesting.

Went through the small claims deal a few years ago and they refused to pay even after the judgement in my favor. They eventually paid and were assessed interest and penalties until they did and I also received the amounts from them.


Homer

[quiescence at last]

QAL, the difference being, your humidifier is a separate item.

quite true, and I was not intending to say that "L" store was right, just that somehow I dodged the bullet with the "A" store, and have no idea how I got so lucky.

[DariaVader]

I am betting that the reason my DME only offered the S9 Autoset and not any of the 10s is because of this billing issue. The 1 piece unit probably costs them as much as the 2 separate pieces of the S9 together. and they probably have agreements with the Insurance companies to bill as if they were still 2, but its confusing and maddening to the customer

regardless, in the case of the OP, she was told one thing and charged another. That is classic bait and switch and they should own up and pay up.

[heyheyrayray]

I just talked to lincare, told them to come pick up their machine. What a pain and a waste of money! LESSON LEARNED!

I don't think the humidifier can be removed from the machine you have can it? Either way, they should reimburse you for the humidifier they are taking back. IF you don't have copies of all the paperwork from Lincare, get it from them. Every piece of paper they made you sign, your prescription, your sleep study if they have it....everything.

This is why I don't like all in ones. Worse than that, I cannot stand unethical practices and I cannot stand a company (or anyone) that lies. If they lie, they will do anything IMHO.

I'm new to this but isn't the humdifier the water chamber thing? lol If so yes it can be removed, if not then no it can't.

I agree with you about the unethical practices. I filed a complaint with the Attorney General consumer protection division they said Lincare committed multiple violations and they sent them a complaint.

We will see how that goes!

[DeepBreathing]

I'm new to this but isn't the humdifier the water chamber thing? lol If so yes it can be removed, if not then no it can't.

The water chamber is just part of the humidifier - the heater plate, circuitry etc is all built into the A10 chassis. On the previous model S9 and the PRS machines the humidifier is a separate unit which clips onto the side of the blower unit. See the picture at the top of this page: http://www.resmed.com/au/en/commercial-p...ation.html

[Sleeprider]

At Supplier #1, a replacement Standard Water Chamber for AirSense™ 10 and AirCurve™ 10 Humidair™ costs $22.95. An upgrade Heated Humidifier Dishwasher Safe Water Chamber for AirSense™ 10 and AirCurve™ 10 HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier costs $32.95.

[heyheyrayray]

you guys are right... on my EOB from my insurance they charged me for the heated humdifier and the water chamber. So this does seem like they are scamming lots of people. Lucky for me I work at a law firm, I'm going to see if anyone thinks this is a legal battle.