How do I get irrigation supplies

[doreejill61]

I went to the ostomy nurse. She ordered supplies, but I just received a phone call from my ostomy supplier that
they cannot get the supplies because they are not covered by insurance. They referred me to Byram as Byram has a retail store. About how much will they cost me. They are convatec.

[ot dave]

The irrigation supplies last a long time, and I don't think that they are out of line with what the rest of the ostomy supplies cost. That said, I don't really know what my cost for irrigation supplies are, as I order them with the rest of my flanges and pouches....my insurance does cover them. Don't fret though. If my insurance didn't cover them, I would pay out of pocket for them. The beauty of irrigation supplies is that they last a long time. My irrigation bags usually last at least a year or more. The sleeves are a different story, but I can get many months worth of use out of a single sleeve. Hollister, which I use, come with 5 in a box, so I can usually make the 5 last for most of a year as well.

David

[steiconi]

Parthenon usually has good prices; here's a link to their search for irrigation: http://parthenoninc.com/search.php?sear ... on&Search=
If you find better prices, please post!
Irrigator: $32, 5 sleeves $29. If you get the starter set, you get the irrigator and I think only one sleeve, plus a couple of wafers, and the lovely storage pouch (which you shouldn't use for storage of wet gear). I think buying parts separately is a better deal.

The Visiflow is Convatec, but you can use any brand irrigation kit, it's only the sleeves that have to match your wafers.

And if you're using stoma caps instead of wafers, any brand works.

[Jimbob]

My irrigation supplies are covered by insurance also. However to have them covered I need a prescription from the Doctor just like getting the other supplies. Which is one of the reasons why it is recommended you consult with a Medical professional before beginning irrigation...

I would talk with my insurance company directly to see what they say.

[doreejill61]

Thank you all for your info. Jimbob I saw an ostomy nurse on Monday.She said she hadn't even thought about irrigation for 20 years. Hearing that didn't instill confidence confidence in me. She found another nurse who had the pocket ostomy supply book and apparently she did not know she needed a medical necessity letter, but the ostomy vender didn't tell me that either. I called her this morning and requested the letter. I will call my suppler on Monday and see if it was faxed over.

Doree

[doreejill61]

Called the supplier. Products not available even with a letter. Byram doesn't carry irrigation supplies in their retail store here. They will order if I pay out of pocket.And that I can't do right now.

[steiconi]

Call Convatec and ask for their help. They'll at least send you a sleeve or two to try, and may have suggestions on what to tell your insurance company.

Then call other manufacturers and see if one will send you an irrigation kit for free. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Irrigation kits are basically clear enema bags with a special cone. You could probably buy just the cone and fit it to a cheap drugstore bag.

And is Byron the only supplier for your insurance? If not, try other suppliers.

[Jimbob]

I order through Byram direct, never even knew they have retail stores. Never had a problem getting irrigation supplies. Call their number at 800 234 1779. They call my Doctor direct for Prescriptions when I need one.

I do not know which products you use but For reference the Hollister irrigation kit number is 7721. I use the Hollister new image flange 15603 and the new image mini pouch 18283, and the sleeve that is compatible with the flange is 18153.

As an aside I find it incredulous that an Ostomy Nurse has not dealt with irrigation for twenty years. At UOAA National conference we will have a WOCN presenting at the irrigation workshop. Go figure.

[Eryan330]

I use the Convatec Visiflow irrigation kit. I bought it on Ebay along with a 5 pack of sleeves (that should last the next 3 years) for a lot cheaper then it was being sold by Edgepark Medical.