Issues with Medical Supply Orders: Delays and Errors

I have a problem getting supplies. When I order and the order goes to the doctor's office and is sent back, there is always something wrong with the form. Last month, it took three weeks to get my supplies. This month, I ordered on 26 Sept and still don't have them. I have ordered from eBay and paid for them myself. Are some companies better than others?

Been using Byram for the year that I've had my ostomy and haven't had any problems getting my order. Usually get them in about 3 maybe 4 days.

I use Edgepark Medical Supplies.

Usually, it takes 5 to 6 days. I can't vouch for the prices, though, as my insurance pays.

Daniel

Like Daniel, I use Edgepark. No problems getting my orders. They text me when it's time for me to reorder, based on my insurance interval.

Wow. Sounds like the US has a very different way of handling supplies. In Ontario, and I think Canada, we get government assistance of about $900 a year. Then we purchase from whomever we like and just pay for it. If one has insurance, that covers the remaining cost. No doctors have to approve our orders.

Good day, guys. In Australia, we have an organization called "Ostomy Association Melbourne" and they have a very large warehouse that carries all makes of ostomy supplies. We order on the computer and when the order is ready, they will either post it out or I just go and pick it up. There is no cost at all and no limit as to what you can order. You guys should push for this, get together, and form a group to approach the government.

I order mine through a local pharmacy and it takes a few days. I don't pay anything for mine.

Here in the States, we are at the mercy of the insurance cartels. Heaven knows that we can't have any of that evil socialist crap in THIS country. 😤

Daniel

Hi Harry, why do you go through your doctor for each order? My doctor does a prescription once a year, and I deal with my supplier each time I need supplies and get them the same day or so. Call the maker of your supplies to see if they can set up a distributor for you, or contact a local ostomy nurse, and they may be able to help.

My insurance has changed numerous times in the last couple of years.
I had a similar issue earlier this year, but mine was a doc/insurance communication problem. My ostomy nurse got it all figured out, and I've been fine since.

As of October 1st, I now have Medicare A & B but no D yet. I have to sign up for that, luckily I just got a shipment before this latest change.

Don't let that Medicare Part D go too long before you get it. The longer you wait to get it, the higher the penalty you'll pay each month.

Best thing about Medicare for me so far... All the seminars my wife and I are invited to. Usually includes free lunch or dinner. After munching, we listen to a presentation about Advantage plans and the complicated mess called Medicare. This is now open enrollment time. So I get two or three mail adverts a day, plus texts and emails. Who knew I was so popular? Funny thing is: I'm still working. Working for the benefits.

You don't pay anything? Wow, in Ontario we pay about half. Last year my overall costs for supplies was $3,206. The government covered $975. I paid $2,231! I did claim on private insurance, but they do not cover it all.

Nope, I don't pay anything unless I want something extra. For example: I get adhesive remover wipes or adhesive remover spray. If I want both on my monthly order, I have to pay for one of them. So, I just order the spray once in a while from Amazon and 2-3 cans will last a year and it's about $50. I have a colostomy and my regular monthly prescription is 10 drainable bags, 10 barrier rings, 50 adhesive remover wipes, and 50 lubricant/deodorant packets. Once in a while, I'll add in stoma powder and a box of barrier wipes just to keep some on hand because I very rarely ever use the barrier wipes. I also got the flange extender things to have on hand but really never use them.

I use Byram and had issues with the other, but I found that if you add something new, an item you had not ordered in the past, that can cause a problem for some reason. I had issues with my skin, so I needed to try a different skin-prep that caused issues. So far, none of the suppliers have good ordering sites; their forms are complicated, and it's hard to save your cart and come back, and their item numbers and descriptions don't match the suppliers, so it gets frustrating.

How do you get your supplies from the pharmacy? What is the process, etc.? I think I would like this method.