[Diabetes-talk] Anyone Else Having Problems Ordering TestingSupplies Through Medicare Approved Providers?

Wed Mar 26 17:47:51 UTC 2014

I wouldn't tell them specifically what the problem is unless they ask; I'd merely describe what's happening and let them take it from there. On the face of it, though, if they ask, I'd say the problem from your perspective was the unresponsiveness/inefficiency of the Medicare provider and you're wondering, among other things, if there's a problem preventing the provider from giving good service. But that's the bottom line.

I've also heard in some quarters the accusation that most providers aren't truly interested in the medicare business. But I can't verify this for myself.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of eileen scrivani
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 10:15 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Anyone Else Having Problems Ordering TestingSupplies Through Medicare Approved Providers?

Mike,

I have been considering doing this, and with all seriousness, what dhould I tell them my problem is?  Is it customer service, or badly run companies, because they have not told me outright that they will not take Medicare coverage for the number of test strips I require.

Eileen

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Freeman
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 1:08 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Anyone Else Having Problems Ordering TestingSupplies Through Medicare Approved Providers?

I suggest calling the local offices of your Federal representative (membrer of Congress) and Federal Senator. This sort of thing is right up their alleys. If they refuse to ehlp or don't have any viable alternative suggestions, please let me know and perhaps we can put a bit of pressure on through our Governmental Affairs people. But it strikes me at the moment that your senators and representative making a judicious inquiry would get faster action.

Mike Freeman

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tara M. Carty
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 10:00 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Anyone Else Having Problems Ordering Testing Supplies Through Medicare Approved Providers?

I am having the exact problem with the paperwork. I also recently moved and every time I call A-1, they still have my old address. I have been on the phone with my doctor's office while they faxed the form and got confirmation and A-1 still has not received it. I also test six times a day and am insulin dependent. The phone system is horrible for A-1 as well. They put you on hold for twenty minutes, then ask you to leave a voice mail but never call you back. I spent almost four hours on the phone on Monday trying to figure out the paperwork and order my supplies.
I am so frustrated and am afraid if I go to another company, I'll find the same thing.

Tara
----- Original Message -----
From: "eileen scrivani" <etscrivani at verizon.net>
To: "NFB Diabetes Talk" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 9:58 AM
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Anyone Else Having Problems Ordering Testing Supplies Through Medicare Approved Providers?

Hi,

I am curious if any one else who uses Medicare Part B for testing supplies, 
insulin dependent and testing more than 3 times per day is having a 
difficult time having their orders filled through Medicare providers?

I was using A1 Diabetes at first and was testing 6 times per day.  Each time 
my doc faxed back their form, they kept telling me they never got it.
Finally had to physically make a trip to my doctors office, pick up the form 
and snail mail it into A1 Diabetes.  Now am increasing the number of times 
per day I test to 8 and need to have the script updated.  Again, they are 
claiming that they are not getting the fax back from my doctor who is very 
clearly sending it back in.

So I had enough with A1 Diabetes and am now trying to get set up with Ariva 
medical, another Medicare approved provider.  Again, my doctor is getting 
their faxes, sending them back and then when I call to check on the order am 
told by Ariva that they never got the fax back from the doctors office!!

I’m trying not to get upset over this, but it takes about 10 days for 
supplies to get sent through mail, and its taking days for this paperwork 
nightmare to get straightened out.  I called the Medicare 1-800 number and 
they cannot take complaints against these companies except in the case where 
insurance is not being accepted.  Is this an underhanded way of perhaps 
rejecting the insurance?
My suspicion is that for diabetics testing above the Medicare allotted 
amount of 3 times per day for an insulin dependent diabetic, they may not 
for some reason want to take these orders.  Any ideas on this?  Are others 
having this much trouble with these places?

Thanks.

Eileen

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