Are all the ostomy supply vendors totally useless?

[susan f]

Late to the game here, and it seems you have found a provider.

I used Edgepark for over 20 years, but the last two years or so i(after Cardinal Health bought them at any rate) they declined significantly. I am currently using Byram, and they have been responsive and effcient. They have a website and an app, so my ordering has worked out (although anything I put in my cart in the app doesn't seem to be reflected on the website, but perhaps it will in time).

[Diane C]

Anyone still reading or answering this thread? I was advised to use Parthenon. Yea or Nay?

Since Covid, I've had innumerable issues. I used Edgepark for decades -- and then rec'd products I'd never order. On the phone, the rep was clueless. So I switched to Byram. That's also been kind of a disaster. Many mistakes. Back-ordered items. Are supplies not available? I'm letting UOAA's Advocacy Dept know. Also, my surgeon's ostomy nurse sent Byram a Letter of Necessity regarding the need for certain products. Well, that was wrong -- should have gone to Medicare, not the supplier! Byram states it never rec'd the letter anyway.

I never had so many problems with ordering and delivery of ostomy products since Covid. Which companies do you recommend for someone who uses MEDICARE -- and has Blue Cross insurance as a back-up. So frustrated! Please don't list suppliers that you dislike. Only positives -- if they exist.

Thank you!

[Mara]

I'm still fine with Adapt Healtcare Patient Solutions as I said above. However, I must add that I have a huge amount of supplies as I only change once a week so I don't make that many orders to have possible issues about....
And I have Medicare also.

[Diane C]

Thanks, Mara. Am off to the doctor. When I return, I'll read every word in this thread -- and also ask my local N. Va ostomy support group. Appreciate your prompt reply. Yes, I have little room to store ostomy products I need. I wish there were a solution to that! I even hired an organizer! With an ileo now, I change far more often...

[BillGK]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience Diane.

Yes I read this thread when I think to login. But unfortunately, I have no solution for you. Desert Providers is outstanding in that they accept Medicare(Original) Assignment, they call me to get my order every month, they have never once in all the years screwed up an order, I get my supplies in about two days after the call… and they really are nice people. I would recommend them to you in a heartbeat except for the fact that I think they are contracted with Medicare only in AZ and CA, meaning for Medicare coverage your address of record with the SSA would have to be one of those two states… so far as I know. You are in the East and I can’t remember if you are on Medicare.

[Diane C]

Thanks so much, BillGK. I just sent you a message. You can disregard. I asked where you are located. Yes, I live in Arlington, VA -- near DC so the company you use won't work for me. I did look up Adapt. They're far away, too, and that concerns me. I was thinking about 180 Medical until I read the comment up here. Hmmm, maybe I'll stick with Byram after all. Byram also follows the Medicare rules totally. I'm sure companies have to comply. I had an ostomy nurse write a Letter of Necessity for me (for Stomahesive strips) which Medicare won't allow now if I also order ostomy seals. Medicare has a very limited perspective about the use of different products. Unfortunately, this nurse sent it to Byram which claimed it was never rec'd and I think it should have been sent to Medicare -- or maybe me. I may contact UOAA's Advoacy Dept. So frustrating that I finally bought the strips at Ebay. I'll check out the UOAA list of suppliers. Things are NOT the way they used to be before I used Medicare! Ah, youth! Maybe the situation also declined with insurance companies. I'm lucky to have one AND Medicare!

Thank you!

[Diane C]

Hmmm, I no longer see a list of ostomy suppliers at the UOAA site. There IS a presentation by Byram though. Wow, I guess the number is too high. I searched the Medicare site for ostomy suppliers that accept Medicare. A list of 4563 suppliers came up. No time for that! Sheesh! I'll ask others in my support group...

Thanks, all.

[Mara]

Diane C - I don't know where Adapt is located - their website says their headquarters is in PA. I am in New York City and usually get my order (after ordering on the phone) in two or three days - maybe when they need a new letter from my doctor - once a year, I think - it might be a bit longer depending on when they fax him...but otherwise, quite quickly imo....

[danilynn]

Anyone still reading or answering this thread? I was advised to use Parthenon. Yea or Nay?

Since Covid, I've had innumerable issues. I used Edgepark for decades -- and then rec'd products I'd never order. On the phone, the rep was clueless. So I switched to Byram. That's also been kind of a disaster. Many mistakes. Back-ordered items. Are supplies not available? I'm letting UOAA's Advocacy Dept know. Also, my surgeon's ostomy nurse sent Byram a Letter of Necessity regarding the need for certain products. Well, that was wrong -- should have gone to Medicare, not the supplier! Byram states it never rec'd the letter anyway.

I never had so many problems with ordering and delivery of ostomy products since Covid. Which companies do you recommend for someone who uses MEDICARE -- and has Blue Cross insurance as a back-up. So frustrated! Please don't list suppliers that you dislike. Only positives -- if they exist.

Thank you!

I've used Parthenon a few times for extras, when my longtime pouch was discontinued and I couldn't get it anymore through Edgepark. Parthenon's customer service was outstanding and it was easy to find someone knowledgeable to help. I don't know how they are with Medicare so can't answer that part.

[Diane C]

Thanks, Mara, I'm giving Adapt a call and will see what they say.

Danica, I was surprised that Parthenon seems headquartered in Utah because I thought that some Virginia ostomates used it under Medicare. I could be wrong on that. Maybe I could still use it.

I did call a couple of members of my support group in N. Virginia. They use Edgepark (which I've nixed) and Byram. I'll explore this a bit more and if Adapt carries what I'm looking for, I'll try them out.

Thanks to all.

[Mjc]

Home Care Direct takes my insurance and there is no other cost (for me, Medicare and Tricare for Life.) They are fabulous. Used Edgepark for years - No problem when I had Blue Shield for work. When I retired it completely changed. They took my charge card and kept charging money and lied to me weekly. Their customer service had me in tears many times. I lost a lot of money because kept lying about reimbursements. I had to comb through , make copies, of my bills etc... and they still never sent me my money. If I had the time and money I would take the company to court.
I did my own search and came up with Home Care Direct. They are helpful, honest and efficient. Been about 4 years and no problems what-so-ever.
Good Luck!

[Mara]

What a horrible story, Mjc!! And your credit card company could do nothing to reimburse you for fraudulent charges...I hope you cancelled that card!!