Ostomy Suppliers

[SpamMusbi]

Hello,

I am new to the group and brand new to the wonderful world of having an Ostomy. I am trying to locate a good supplier, however, at current I am using Byram and having too many issues with them. Are there any other suppliers that have better / more organized service?

Each time I call Byram I am on hold for a minum of 30 minutes. The folks I have spoken with there sound like an AI agent to say the least. I was updated today that they are waiting on authorization from my docotor and that they sent a fax to my Dr. The part that gets me is that I was with my docotor when they sent the autorization back to Byram. Bryam is telling they dont have it... that was 4 days ago.

I have read how great Byram is supposed to be, I am just not seeing it. Has anyone gone with a better supplier?

Time for a new supplier!

[Shamrock4806]

If you're using insurance then it's been my experience you have to use the supplier that the insurance company uses.

If you're paying out of pocket then I can't recommend Medical Monks enough, great for an emergency.

I'm currently going through a new doctor/authorized supplier hassle again myself, I used Edgepark the first time and they got stuff wrong or shipped insufficient supplies all the time, forcing me to use Medical Monks which doesn't take insurance.

This time I'm using CareCentrix and don't know how well they will do, but I'd figure for 80% off I'll just order the main products and then fill in the blanks or any changes from Medical Monks.

It's likely best to be settled in on your ostomy appliance because once you're on a insurance company supplier it's rather difficult to change up. It's been my experience that new to ostomy types often change manufacturers, like for me I jumped from Hollister to Convatec (allergic to the adhesives) to finally Coloplast finding this last one well worth it and been with them ever since.

Note: If you consistently have skin rashes in the shape of your appliance after removal, you might be allergic to that brands adhesives. Some brands of ostomy suppliers cater more to the cheaper/more often disposal market of hospitals etc. who rip the whole deal off more often regardless because they need to visually check the healing etc. However I've found Coloplast to be of a better quality and thus can last over a week with proper application and more healthy skin. So it's been my experience they are a better choice for long term users.

Also I should add that it takes time to fill out the order by your doctor, for this second time I actually called my doctor ahead of time and called CareCentrix also so the paperwork was already faxed over. Then I talked to my doctors receptionist and they filled out the order, exactly what products I use and other questions the form required. So I go see my doctor tomorrow and then form is already filled out so they can fill out any last details and fax it back to CareCentrix.

So what could have happened is vital information (like your exact products) isn't on the form or something else is missing causing a delay. It's also too that you're costing them money so they are not as in a big rush as you might be needing supplies.

My advice is to take the slow route with the insurance supplier and use a faster out of pocket service like Medical Monks to get needed supplies faster without hassle. Then use the insurance supplier products as extra.

And I can't stress enough the vital importance that the skin (and fingers) are absolutely clean (wash three times with ivory plain type soap), oil free and dry during your ostomy appliance attachment process, then use a simple empty toilet paper tube around the stoma to press firmly through the whole mess for a good 5 minutes for a very successful bond. I've TRIPLED my wafer wear times to about 10 days by following this system Normally it's only 3 days for my illeostomy in a belly fold.

[Mara]

I used Byram a long time ago and had issues. Over my decades with an ostomy I guess I have gone to just about all of the vendors....

I have been using 180Medical for the past couple of years and have been satisfied with their service...

[Shamrock4806]

Ugh, insurance company supplier uses AdaptHealth and they contacted me today, barely spoke English and their website isn't secure nor works.

I couldn't change my order nor even look at the invoice online as I can't log in, so just took what they are going to give me. Couldn't answer if this is a monthly shipment or not.

I'll find out in two or three days how badly they screwed up my order

Wonderful.

I have spares and there is Medical Monks to fill in the blanks. But it's at full price, not 80% off via insurance/doctor complicated route.

I'm wondering if I'll be donating the wrong stuff online or not here real soon.

[Mjc]

Hello,
After many years of Edge park hell I discovered HomeCare Delivered. They are excellent! Give them a try!

[sandys]

I have been using Duke Medical in Fenton,Mo for many years.

They are always happy to order whatever I need (888) 678-6692.

Sandy in Indiana

[Shamrock4806]

Got my insurance company vendor AdaptHealth supplies no problem, just my doctor didn't know what to order and that was my fault for not telling him the quantity.

Medical Monks filled in the blanks but failed me, they got my order right but caused a typo on my delivery address.

However I heard the Post Office system has error checking so perhaps it will arrive as expected. If not it will go back and they will reship with the correct address.

I'm in no hurry, yet. I still have a few tubes of paste left.

I'm am panicking just a wee bit though.