Anyone in the Richmond area use O2 and if so, where do you get it from?  Apria, the fabulous people who delivered a concentrator, says I can have tanks but I have to keep the concentrator, which is an unneccesary expense my insurance company would have to pay since it is completely useless.

I sure don't understand that one. Richmond has more than one medical gas supplier although Apria usually is a good one. Ask to speak to a manager or grab a phone book and give someone else a call.

Some nonsense about how they can only bill for the concentrator or the concentrator and the tanks, not just the tanks separately.  It's "policy".  That's why I'm trying to find someone else!

I'd call BS on that one and as Racer1_NC said, get a hold of someone in their management and flush it out......

I told the lady on the phone that it was ridiculous and she seemed to agree but insisted it was their billing policy and they "couldn't just change their policy because of what my Dr. prescribed".  I said if that was their attitude then that was fine, I would just take my business elsewhere.  Already found another company that is more than happy to help.

Thank goodness you found another provider.....that just sounds stupid!

Joe

I know this is an old post but an update, FWIW.  I am in Richmond, VA and use Apria currently.  They too, mysteriously foisted a concentrator off on me when my doctor had written no such prescription.  But when I called to make them take it back, they didn't put up a fuss.  Thanks to this site, I already knew that the concentrator would be worthless.

I live in NC now, but lived in the Richmond area for many years.  Anthiem had a contract with American Home Patient.  I had excellent service with these people.  A lot of insurance companies have policies in place that the portable oxygen is a SUPPLIMENT to the concentrators and not to be used alone by itself.  Even though the concentrators will deliver only about 90-92% pure oxygen at a flow rate much less than what we need for clusterheadaches.  In addition, the machine needs several minutes to crank up and deliver anything.  Either the oxygen company is taking advantage of insurance opportunities; or the insurance is dictating the method of delivery in your case.

If it were me, I would leave it alone, as it COULD compromise your oxygen supply. :D

John

You forgot "...and the concentrator will arrive smelling of moldy cigarettes" to the list of reasons why I sent back the machine. [smiley=hurl.gif]

I'm not too worried about losing insurance benefits.  It's been several months since I banished the thing, and I've had no trouble getting as much bottled 02 as I asked for.  As long as I pony up the $20 copay, of course.

FWIW, my doctor's script does not specify amounts, only that it be "100% oxygen, 15 lpm, non-rebreather mask, for CH as needed."  You'd think they would know that the concentrator is contraindicated, since it can't deliver the medication in the proper dose.  ::)