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Posted 7/29/2013 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Just a vent - hope this is ok.

Was discharged 8 days ago with no script for my ostomy supplies & only 3 new set ups.  I finally got a script from my surgeon on Thursday & drove it to  pharmacy that accepts my insurance.  Was supposed to pick up my supplies today.  Instead I got a phone call that my insurance wont cover it.  This morning I put on my last set up from the hospital....  not impressed.

Here my insurance  WAS paying nearly 4,000 a month for scripts that I no longer need - but has a problem with ostomy supplies???  WTH???

Anyhow - thankfully I called Hollister last week & requested a starter kit - because it was at my door when I got home from the  Dr. today.

Wonder how long the company will play this game....

Posted 7/29/2013 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
oh no i'm so sorry to hear this. they can't leave you with no supplies... isn't there someone you can talk to to work this out? surgeon? family dr? this is ridiculous, they cant do that to you!!
Posted 7/29/2013 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
mean time, call all companies for free samples. each of them will give you enough to last you for at least a month.
Posted 7/30/2013 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
MM-contact your insurance company and find out who they want you to use for a supplier. There are many medical supply companies but I can only order supplies from one. Ostomy supplies are considered 'durable medical' supplies...more like a prosthetic (even though they are disposable).

You should also contact your doctor's office and ask them to help with the situation. They shouldn't have let you go without the proper information/scripts to properly care for your stoma.

You can also locate a WOC Nurse near you by going to www.wocn.org.
Posted 7/30/2013 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Equestrian Mom - I actually did try to ask the insurance company about supplier last week (had a huge trouble getting set up for my Humira, so I knew this would be a nightmare) They would only tell me (after 21 minutes on hold - cell phone) - they told me that it was my Dr.'s job and not mine. They said for me to have my Dr. call back and choose the provider option on the menu. - I was pissed, passed the message on & apparently my Dr. office didn't call them first.

My surgeon's office did call me back today offering a box of samples to me - but I have to drive 2 hours one way to get them, may need to though.

I do have home visiting nurses & last Monday (first visit) the nurse told me that she would get me an ostomy nurse. Today my primary care Dr. was rather upset that it's taken this long.
Posted 7/30/2013 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Have the doctor's office mail them to you. A large priority box only costs $12...and it's their fault!!

What part of the country are you in?
Posted 7/30/2013 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
You know - that did cross my mind. Even if I paid them for postage - it's cheaper than gas to get there & back.

I am in Southwestern New York - near Chautauqua Lake & two hours south of Buffalo. Close to the PA & Ohio lines....
Posted 7/30/2013 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
You shouldn't have a problem finding a WOC Nurse in that area! Do a search on that site I posted above...It looks like you have to advocate for yourself until your doctor's office gets things right:-(
Posted 7/30/2013 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
It gives me zero results :/ zip code 14710, I tried any nurse....
Posted 7/30/2013 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
fill in the last 5 lines

your zip code, within 50 miles, united state, any (5 nurses info came up)

even 50 miles is closer then driving 2 hours to your hospital.
Posted 7/30/2013 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
My insurance company wouldn't cover them either when I had my surgery but I bugged them. I would call and ask to speak with a supervisor. I would tell them they cover pacemakers since they are necessary. Try to have an ostomy and live without the appliance! I was paying for the ones I got but kept up the fight. They eventually gave in and started paying for my supplies. After all, this IS a quality of life issue...and I'm stubborn. turn

Sherrine
Posted 7/30/2013 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
I remember someone telling that they had to have the script written like it was for an amputation. Like if you were getting a leg or a hand.
Most major insurances cover them, it's just listed oddly. If you can't find it anywhere else you can get them on ebay.
Posted 7/31/2013 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Musicmaker, I have some supplies that I am not using. I am happy to mail them to you from upstate NY.

Email me. Email addy is in my profile.

K
Posted 7/31/2013 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Larasmom - I sent you an email, it is from my default mail program which is through my website reflux rebels and therefore it may end up in your spam folder. My email is sandy [at] refluxrebels.com and I put "ostomy supplies" in the subject line.

Thanks so very much - this issue is still ongoing.....
Posted 8/1/2013 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Just sent you an email as I didn't receive your email!

Try me again!
Posted 8/1/2013 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Larasmom...

My insurance told the Dr. today that it doesn't matter what paperwork they send the company - they do not cover durable medical equipment.

I did finally get to meet an ostomy nurse & she sent me to yet another possible supplier, we'll see how that goes. She is going to get me 3 months free supplies from Hollister, though!
Posted 8/1/2013 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Larasmom...

My insurance told the Dr. today that it doesn't matter what paperwork they send the company - they do not cover durable medical equipment.

I did finally get to meet an ostomy nurse & she sent me to yet another possible supplier, we'll see how that goes. She is going to get me 3 months free supplies from Hollister, though!
Posted 8/1/2013 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Box is packed up and ready to hit the mail tomorrow.

:o)
Posted 8/1/2013 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
MM, I would be happy to send you my extras. I have a little of everything! Let me know and I can ship it ASAP.
Posted 8/1/2013 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Me too, I have Convatec supplies from a starter kit. my email is [email protected]. Let me know your address & I'll be happy to send you what I have.

Hang in there. My insurance (I work for NYS!) gave me a hard time, until the surgeon's associate, the ostomy nurse called my ins. co. Ugh! Three months of games...I was pretty mad too!

Good luck MusicMaker!! :)
Posted 8/1/2013 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
I will take anything I can get :)

LinCee - that gives me hope!! Three months? Yikes - I'm only on 3 weeks of games....

PSUDOC - can you email through my link on profile? This way I can respond - with Larasmom, we had to do it that way since my email is associated with a business it gets hung up in filters...

Thanks so much all!!
Posted 8/2/2013 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Is this a permanent ileostomy? We have some Coloplast one piece units we could send you. What other supplies do you also use if any?

I will send you an e-mail

Meanwhile also check the places that will send you supplies when you have no ins. coverage and I think you just pay for the postage????
Posted 8/2/2013 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Musicmaker, this is a place where people without insurance coverage can get donated ostomy supplies: https://www.ostogroup.org/ . They charge shipping and handling, but if you can't afford that, won't turn you away.

Others might be interested in donating to them or to Friends of Ostomates Worldwide, which sends supplies to developing countries: http://www.fowusa.org/newsite/page.php?page=home
Posted 8/2/2013 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Another UC wife - It is a permanent ileostomy. My rectum & anus have been removed and the whole sewn shut.

This last place I tried with my insurance (recommended by my ostomy nurse).... still no word after 2 days - but I feel as though this could be a good sign maybe my supplies will just show up at my door!

I'll look for your email. Thanks so much.
Posted 8/5/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
MM, I have over 100 Coloplast sensura 1 piece drainable also 90 two piece pouches too aswell as adhesive remover& barrier spray will be more than willing to send them on to you xx
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