Mom has problems getting the right DME

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2013

Has she ever received a full, correct order? Do you have a copy of the orders, or can you request one? Perhaps if you ask the DME to fax over a copy of what they have on file as the standing order you can reconcile it against what mom orders versus what is actually used on a monthly basis. Also, the DME can give you an idea regarding the insurance monthly supply maximums which may allow for fewer orders (and mistakes) and greater access to supplies.

I ordered supplies with the day nurse. She used more of them, so her input was important, and I knew what I needed when she wasn't there so my input was important. Once you both have an idea of what is necessary, what is ordered, what is covered; you can make a computer spreadsheet and use it to track usage versus supply. That should make monthly orders much simplier. You'll just go down the spreadsheet, see that you only have 3 chux (item #XXXXX) left and know you need to order the full 30 (or 27 as the case may be) and read it off to the DME as reconciled and written. Personally, we always ordered the max (per the RN case manager) because you never know when an emergency may strike and those extra supplies will be needed. That also simplifies things. :up:

PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN · Apr 10, 2013

That is a helpful starting point. Thanks.

ventmommy · Apr 18, 2013

I did all my own ordering. I had a beautiful spreadsheet with the Mfg Item#, the DME stock#, a description, how it was packaged (1/unit, 2/pack, 40/case, etc.) and how many I wanted with a HUGE note at the bottom to call with any questions, shortages or outages.

It's quite possible that her DME hires idiots off the street to pick the items. They may know nothing about the items they are picking and packing so it's possible that they don't know that if they are packing for a vent patient that they might have the wrong HMEs, etc.

systoly · Jul 19, 2013

some things that may help:

a list or spreadsheet with item ref. # is a must (i crs and the order takers seem to receive no training)

do you and the DME Co. have orders for everything you need?

as said above, know what, how much and how often you can order

if possible, fax

talk to an intake supervisor to identify problems and device a plan

perhaps have an assigned contact at the DME Co.

SDALPN · Jul 22, 2013

I did all my own ordering. I had a beautiful spreadsheet with the Mfg Item#, the DME stock#, a description, how it was packaged (1/unit, 2/pack, 40/case, etc.) and how many I wanted with a HUGE note at the bottom to call with any questions, shortages or outages.
It's quite possible that her DME hires idiots off the street to pick the items. They may know nothing about the items they are picking and packing so it's possible that they don't know that if they are packing for a vent patient that they might have the wrong HMEs, etc.

I used to work for a DME company. They do hire right off the street for warehouse and driver. They are the ones filling the orders. The driver is required to have a CDL due to transporting oxygen. Other than that, no education is necessary. They get trained and you hope for the best. The good ones ask questions and try to learn. The rest were just getting their hours in to collect a check.

ventmommy · Jul 24, 2013

That's sad SDALPN! If you have a family that doesn't have a stash, they can be really hurting by getting wrong order after wrong order!

SDALPN · Jul 25, 2013

Some were almost as good as the ones of us that were licensed working there. The rest were the reason for the majority of my phone calls. Even worse was being on call and having to fix their screw ups. The most accurate supply company here is run by a local, but well known hospital. There is one national supply company that never gets it right and all of the families I work with that use them end up switching companies. Not sure if I can mention either company on here though.