Well, it is time to gear up and take my battle station, AGAIN!

Pete (Batch) has been warning us about what the government is doing to oxygen usage, in Medicare.  I was worried that it would trickle down to the private companies, like mine, Blue Cross/Blue Shield.  Well, it has, but much quicker than I thought it would.

When I get oxygen, I get four "M" tanks and eight "E" tanks.  Depending on how the beast is behaving (or NOT behaving) those tanks last me anywhere from one week to one month.  Of late, it has been between one and two weeks that they last me.

I got a call from my oxygen provider, yesterday.  They told me that my usage has gone up, and BC/BS has told them that I am now only allowed, either four "M" tanks and two "E" tanks, or two "M" tanks and 6 "E" tanks per month!

WTF ?? ?? ??

I guess, until I get them to back off, and give me what I need, I will be paying for a LOT of oxygen out of my own pocket!

GAWD do I hate insurance companies and their bean counting geeks!

MY doctor has talked to me, prodded me, probed me, tested me, and decided on a treatment plan.  Now I have some pencil pushing nerd, who probably doesn't even know my name (only my policy number), and for sure has never talked, looked or examined me, decides that HE/SHE knows better than my doctor?

Sorry, I have to leave now, before I say something REALLY vile and disgusting about what I really think of these turds!

Pissed Off Chuck

Let er rip Chuck. This just pisses me off to no end. >:(

Damn, Chuck.  Sorry to hear that.  

And the real killer is that it probably only saves them $5 or $10 per month in oxygen cost and delivery.  

:(

tell 'em you'll come by and either only hit them upside the head with a hammer 8 times a day and a shovel 4 times a day, or a hammer 5 times a day, and a shovel 7 times a day.

tell them THEN they can decide how much o2 you need.

Nuke em' Chuck.

Nothing like leaving ourselves to the tender mercies of evil insurance companies.

Something I haven't posted but have been ready to do so: 8-)

In their efforts to avoid “medical losses,” the industry term for paying medical bills, insurers spend much of the money taken in through premiums not on medical treatment, but on “underwriting” — screening out people likely to make insurance claims. In the individual insurance market, where people buy insurance directly rather than getting it through their employers, so much money goes into underwriting and other expenses that only around 70 cents of each premium dollar actually goes to care.

Fits  right in......

Charlie

  Go for it kid. Fight the good fight etc... Oh fuck it ya want my cattle prod that I soldered the larger capacitor in? I've always found it to be a good teaching aid. I have the Hotshot model with the wide prongs, so it doesn't matter if they get wet or if they have their clothes on. Or tied in a chair with their feet in a bucket of Salt water with lots of ice cubes.
[smiley=smokin.gif]

Whine Whine Whine -- that's all I EVER hear from you....

It's all in your head anyhow -- take a couple of aspirin and lay down -- I had one of those one time.... :-X

Ok, this old broad is hiding out now :-[

Hugs BD :-*

BarbaraD wrote on Aug 1^st, 2009 at 9:03am:

It's all in your head anyhow -- take a couple of aspirin and lay down -- I had one of those one time.... :-X

Yow!....that was FUNNY!!!!

How much would it cost if you were to take up welding?

ARRRRGGGGGG!!!!
When the shit hits the fan, BOY does it hit the fan!

I got my delivery of my allotment, 2 "M" and 6 "E" tanks, on Thursday.  I had 2 "E" tanks left over, so I had a total of 8 "E" tanks.

Last night I switched over to the second "M" tank, and discovered that the tank was EMPTY!! (it has happened a few times in the past)

OK, I thought, at least I have the 8 "E" tanks to get me through till Monday.   WRONG!!!  I found, not one, but TWO "E" tanks that have defective valves on them, and you cannot open them!  They just spin, without opening!

I used 4 "E" tanks last night and so far this morning.  That leaves me with only 2 "E" tanks until Monday!!!  NO FUCKING WAY is that going to last me!

I called the oxygen company's emergency line, and told them of my plight.  They said they would try to get someone to deliver me oxygen.  TRY ?? ?? ??

I am SO fucking pissed right now, I am afraid of what will happen if they come here with one or two "E" tanks to get me through!  Hell, the way I have been, I would be lucky if one "M" tank would get me through till Monday!  And THEN I have to go and pay for more (out of pocket) in order to get more tanks on Monday!

I am sitting here just STEAMING, I am so pissed!

Sorry for the vent, I rarely do it, but had to let off some steam!

Chuck

Chuck I am SO sorry you are going through this.   :'(  

I will NEVER understand how the insurance companies can dictate what a person needs for a condititon.  If they only knew what pain you go through.   >:(

It's a BUNCH of bullshit!!!!    >:(

Next time, make the delivery driver stay there with you while you test each and every tank. I understand that means moving your regulator from one tank to the next. He does too.

THEN sign the receipt.

You won't have to do it more than a couple of times before they ensure full and fully functional tanks before they come.

Ya know... this is just a thought... but with the huge numbers of clusterheads in this group and in OUCH... I wonder if collectively we could develop a sort of O2 co-op at a minimal cost with one of the O2 providers?

Many of us rely on O2 as an abortive to lead a somewhat normal existence. What the insurance companies are doing in this case is inhumane, it diminishes our quality of life and it boarders on abuse. A few class action lawsuits might be in order.

The fact that you received faulty tanks is a blatant sign that your provider is lacking in quality control. The tanks and valves should be inspected at the factory. Perhaps if your lawyer were to call your provider and hint at a pain and suffering suit you may not have the problem again.

Sorry to hear that you're suffering needlessly... but happy that you posted this... my blood needed to boil today.

with warm regards,
Tony

Sorry Chuck, it sounds an absolute crap sandwich... >:(

I hope you get enough 02 to last till Monday..

Lefty...!

More fuel for the already blazing fire ...

I got a call from the twit that has to go in to get the oxygen.  He told me that I HAVE to go and pick it up, because he is not suppose to work on Saturdays.  (I know that they always have someone on call for Saturdays)  I told him that I had not been out of the house all week, and needed him to deliver it.  He told me he would meet me at their office.  If I wanted oxygen, I could come and get it.  If I didn't come and get it, I obviously don't need it that much!

He THEN called back, a few minutes later, and started to ream my ass, because I should plan better, and not need a weekend delivery!  He said that this is not the first time this has happened!  Yeah, there was ONE other time, due to poor planning on my part, I needed a Saturday delivery.  

ONE other time, in five years of dealing with this company!  I pointed out, that IF the "M" tank was full, AND the two "E" tanks were right, I would NOT have needed a Saturday delivery.  He said it was still poor planning on my part.

I just got back from picking up my six "E" tanks ... NO "M" tank!  

I think I am going to look for a new company, Monday!

OH, and to top it all off, I got nailed with a humdinger, just as I was leaving their building ...

Tired-of-getting-shit-on Chuck

The company which provides my O2 is Lincare. So far I've never had any problems with them or the amount of O2 I can receive. One issue that I do have is they for some reason refuse to deliver any D size tanks.
I usually get 2 M tanks and 16 e tanks and the need for a refill varies depending on how horny the beast is. All of this is of no cost to me because of my medicare/medicaid. I also have a welders M tank on loan to one of our fellow clusterheads who doesn't live far from me... he was taking up welding as a hobby. ;)

with warm regards,
Tony

Geez Chuck...I ache for you, and I'm getting more steamed by the minute. Your resilience in the face of repeated hits is an inspiration to me...if Chuck can do that...then I can handle my piddling hits….

To be slammed by an arbitrary insurance co "ruling" is incomprehensible and cruel in the face of your needs. Have had my own trials with BC/BS (they never would approve ANY O2 for me)…but, I thought they had seen the light...sigh. Fight the bastards! There’s no valid reason for their action…make ‘em prove the unprovable.

As Tony, I have used Lincare (or a bought out co) since 1985. Some extraordinary experiences (when Seattle was snowed in, they called and almost insisted on delivering, when I have always picked up myself)...and then the nightmare scenario (when they refused to re supply until I got a respiratory test...after 20+ yrs...worked that one out).

What I have realized is that it's NOT the company...it's the manager…
and my current bi..er ...witch is the worst. Bypass the whiny twit and talk to the mgr (hope yours is better). If that don't work...take your business elsewhere.

And while I’m at it…ANY O2 co that makes a Saturday delivery such a pain is run by a different beast…”corporate greed”…This is literally, for many, a life saving service. Do they shut down the ER on weekends?

Sheesh….damn…

Jon

I know I moan and groan but reading this makes me realise how lucky I am.

Yes I have the worse CH attacks ever but I live in the UK where unlimted O2 is free to those who need it (and know how to get it) and will del it next day or within 4 hours in an emergency situation with a fax from a doctor. And that I can pay £28 and get unlimted perscription drugs for three months on the NHS... Why can't the USA government do this? It's ridiculous!

I'm so sorry about your frustrations. I wish there was something I could do.

((HUGS YOU HARD)) X

ClusterChuck wrote on Aug 1^st, 2009 at 3:19pm:

He THEN called back, a few minutes later, and started to ream my ass, because I should plan better, and not need a weekend delivery!  He said that this is not the first time this has happened!

MAY I have their phone number please...and the name of the A$$HOLE you talked to?!   >:(

pretty fucking ridiculous...

Mrs Deej wrote on Aug 3^rd, 2009 at 12:16am:

ClusterChuck wrote on Aug 1st, 2009 at 3:19pm: He THEN called back, a few minutes later, and started to ream my ass, because I should plan better, and not need a weekend delivery!  He said that this is not the first time this has happened! MAY I have their phone number please...and the name of the A$$HOLE you talked to?!   >:( pretty fucking ridiculous...

Rut Roh........gonna suck to be him in the morning.


I've had only a couple of E tanks empty on arrival...it shouldn't be a common thing. I'd sure be going after them first thing Monday. You should "plan" to have half your tanks "EOA"???

Ok, it's Monday -- what's the verdict??? Did you get some more O2? Did the guy that chewed you out get canned?  Are you OK?  

REPORT time you old goat!!!!

Hugs BD :-*

BarbaraD wrote on Aug 3^rd, 2009 at 1:34pm:

Ok, it's Monday -- what's the verdict??? Did you get some more O2? Did the guy that chewed you out get canned?  Are you OK?   REPORT time you old goat!!!! Hugs BD :-*

Put a sock in it, ya cranky old broad!

They DID deliver oxygen today ... Yup!  ONE "M" and TWO "E" tanks!  Ain't that generous of them?

I also spoke to the branch manager about how I was talked to, and he basically went along with the $hithead's comments, but he DID say that he could have been more diplomatic about it.  After all, it DOES cost a lot for Saturday deliveries!  

When I told him that it wasn't my fault, he said I should check each tank, before signing the delivery slip.  I told him that they should check tanks before they load up, so that they know when they get to a patient's location they are delivering what they are suppose to.  He said that that is a waste of time, because they pick up full tanks, not empty ones.

We "discussed" it back and forth, but in the end, he still put the blame on me for not checking the tanks.

Needless to say, I am on the phone trying to get a new vendor.

Apria told me that they do not bill insurance companies, because insurance companies do not pay for oxygen for "mere" headaches.  I explained that there is a HUGE difference between "mere" headaches and cluster headaches.  She informed me that she has been in the business for many years, and KNOWS what cluster headaches are, so I don't need to lecture her on them.

About this time, I hung up ... BUT ... It is possible that a few of my words slipped out before the phone disconnected ... And I don't think it would be very nice to post what words might have come out of my mouth ...

I just keep telling myself the old adage that the Man upstairs does not give you more than what you can handle ... I think He over estimated my strength, at this time ...

I have stopped calling anyone ... for the day, at least ... I might not be too polite if I have to speak to one more fucking idiot ...


<sigh>

(Take a DEEP cleansing breath ...)

Gee, it sure looks like a nice day out, doesn't it?  Great sun, and not too hot ...

Chuck

Does that mean you're not going to check each tank while the driver waits and observes because, even though it might be their fuck-up, you're the one who's going to suffer the consequences?

Mrs Deej wrote on Aug 3^rd, 2009 at 12:16am:

ClusterChuck wrote on Aug 1st, 2009 at 3:19pm: He THEN called back, a few minutes later, and started to ream my ass, because I should plan better, and not need a weekend delivery!  He said that this is not the first time this has happened! MAY I have their phone number please...and the name of the A$$HOLE you talked to?!   >:( pretty fucking ridiculous...

Send me the phone number too please. :)  Maybe they can be (politely) retrained/educated by some clusterheads.

So sorry you are going through this Chuck.

Hugs,
Beth

ClusterChuck wrote on Aug 3^rd, 2009 at 3:39pm:

Apria told me that they do not bill insurance companies, because insurance companies do not pay for oxygen for "mere" headaches.

I've used Apria for years and haven't had a problem with them billing insurance.  Just don't figure, Chuck.

Chuck,

Shoot me a PM or email with your home oxygen provider info...  I've got a contact at the American Association for Homecare that might like to know about your problem.  They're the largest home care lobby force in town so may have some pull...

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Kevin_M wrote on Aug 3^rd, 2009 at 5:31pm:

ClusterChuck wrote on Aug 3rd, 2009 at 3:39pm: Apria told me that they do not bill insurance companies, because insurance companies do not pay for oxygen for "mere" headaches.   I've used Apria for years and haven't had a problem with them billing insurance.  Just don't figure, Chuck.

Been 4 months that I've been with Apria - no problems with them billing BCBS for meee either!!  ::)
Someone's talking out their - erm nm  :-X

Chuckles my dear -- am I gonna have to come to NC and kick some butt Texas style for you?  That's totally unacceptable what they're doing to you and it's got my blood pressure up sky high.

Hang in there sweetie (Geezz! am I saying nice things to that old goat?)  Ya knows I luvs ya....  :-* :-* :-*

The lady from Apria obviously doesn't know her A$$ from a hole in the ground. I had my O2 paid for by 2 separate insurance co's with Apria for over 12 years.

They were not mistake free though. At first they said I could only have E-tanks, then later said I had to pay for NRB masks, then several years later refunded what I paid for the masks.

I'm curious if maybe someone mis-coded your billing at the present supplier?? Or is Blue Cross taking advantage of the current HC debate?

Or more like the exec's and administrators need a bigger bonus.

Soory this is happening to you Chuck, someone in the situation need's slapped and it's not you.

Don

Hell, none of my insurance will cover o2, and Medicare will NOT pay for o2 if it is 'headache related' no matter what.

So, Praxair just kept delivering and delivering without a statement or anything... til I got a bill for 1'300 dollars!!!

Been fighting the logistics, and right now paying 150 bucks a month under a 'hardship' clause due to my income, but apparently the billing department didn't get the fucking memo.

Latest bill: 1'578.00 dollars.
PRAXAIR & MEDICARE SUCK!!!!