Forum > Ostomy products
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274
Learning as I go
Nov 12, 2024 2:12 pm
I'm almost 2 months into my ostomy. I have had home health care who has been ordering my supplies so far (sadly, they don't have much practical ostomy knowledge beyond how to change the bag - the other reason I joined this group). Their services will be ending very soon and I'll have to order my own supplies. I have Medicare for insurance coverage. I'm having trouble finding a reputable, reliable medical supply company. It seems like every company has both great and horrible reviews. Suggestions?
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Beachboy
Nov 12, 2024 2:54 pm
I have Medicare, original Part A, Part B, with Medigap G insurance.
I use Edgepark. They have been good. You have to research how Medicare works, and ostomy supply limits for each order. Also, if Medicare covers things like support belts.
I have a doctor's prescription for ostomy supplies that's on file with Edgepark.
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Beth22
Nov 12, 2024 3:43 pm
Do you know what distribution company you have now? You are set up with one; that's how the nurses are getting them. As far as suggestions, Bryham and Comfort Medical would say are the best bet. My experience with Edge Park is horrible. I was left without ostomy supplies, was sent the paste and remover wipes but no bags for an entire month. When I called and asked, no one knew what they were doing. I ended up switching. Prism is not sending what you ordered or what you use; they try to send the brand they want. If you use Coloplast, 1800 Medical doesn't carry them; that's been my experience with these places.
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Hugo
Nov 12, 2024 4:01 pm
I get my ostomy supplies from Byram. I find them to be pretty reliable and my supplies are delivered within 2 or 3 days. They did send me the wrong pouches once. They send me an e-mail when it’s time to reorder, but I am always well aware of when that is. Good luck.
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kittybou
Nov 12, 2024 4:28 pm
I get my supplies from Better Health. Never any mistakes in the order, they call me when it's time to reorder, plus, they have peer support, a person who either has an ostomy or has experience with one. I highly recommend them! Better Health. I will look up their number and post it for you.
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Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
kittybou
Nov 12, 2024 4:31 pm
1 415-475-8434 Better Health. No, lol I don't get a commission or anything. They have been more than helpful and I appreciate them.
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Justbreathe
Nov 12, 2024 5:08 pm
When I started my journey, I was advised to call ConvaTec for a me+ starter kit. Here's a pic of what they sent (free samples). This was about 4 years ago, so I'm not sure if they still do this - they were extremely helpful. I order my supplies through 180 Med - they are very helpful as well, and supplies are covered by Medicare. I pay a small portion each month depending on what I order. If I make changes, they first check to see if insurance covers it, then call my doctor for approval to change….
🔒 Login to see image
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Happytostillbehere
Nov 12, 2024 6:19 pm
Been using Byram for the two years I've had to order supplies and have absolutely no problem with them, quick delivery. Been using Hollister products also from the beginning and again no problems. When I was in the hospital they used Hollister products and I just stayed with them.
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HenryM
Nov 12, 2024 9:29 pm
I too use Better Health and have no issues with them. A couple of weeks ago, I ordered supplies and they arrived the following day. I have no idea how they accomplished that, but it was nice. They will ask how many days supplies you have on hand when you order. They do this because Medicare dictates it must be less than ten, a wholly unrealistic time frame as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, I always tell them eight.
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Shamrock
Nov 12, 2024 11:18 pm
If I tell you (and everyone else) who I use, then you'll deplete the supply and there won't be any left for me. 😁
Actually, it's Medical Monks, been very reliable and I just call them for more. They don't take insurance.
The problem I see isn't finding the supplies; it's finding good suppliers who take insurance.
And I can attest to Edgepark just sending me incomplete orders all the time and then just automatically renewing the same insufficient amount.
Insurance companies don't want to pay; they just want to take and take and take some more. So they make it a hassle for companies to collect.
Insurance, it's the biggest scam in the world.
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Beth22
Nov 13, 2024 1:20 am
Reply to Shamrock
Shamrock, I will agree with the fact that insurance companies make everything harder and a lot of what they do is bull. But in this case, it isn't the insurance company; it's the distribution companies. The distribution companies want to charge 2-3 times more than what the amount should be for each product. I found this out by a mistake made by a distribution company; they accidentally sent me a list of all ostomy products and what the real amount was and what they were trying to charge. Oops on their part.
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Lulume
Nov 16, 2024 3:52 pm
I'm from India. I have a permanent colostomy. I get my supplies from Coloplast Online Store. No insurance cover so it's quite an expense but I've always got my supplies on time. Still to be on the safe side I keep a three month supply of bags. Flange and other accessories 🙂
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Redondo
Nov 16, 2024 7:05 pm
Reply to Beachboy
Likewise. I have been using Edgepark for almost 30 years. They are one of the largest. But, I still use the same items that I started with almost 30 years ago. Unfortunately, Edgepark cannot supply some of these items anymore so I have gone to Byram for some of these supplies. It's a pain having to go to 2 different companies but Edgepark is still a better supplier for most of my items.
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drsnickers2
Nov 16, 2024 9:33 pm
I’ve used Medical Care Products in Jacksonville FL for most of the past 27 years. They have been exceptionally reliable and helpful. Perhaps you can give them a call to see if they can help you: 904-733-8500 or 800-741-0110.
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Beach Girl
Nov 17, 2024 1:59 am
Ive been using Edgepark since 2018 and also have Medicare and have not had any problems at all.
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jansarirn
Nov 17, 2024 4:04 am
I’ve had my ileostomy for 2 years. I originally had Medicare with United Healthcare Advantage program. They refused to let me use King Medical Suppy, located in Eugene where I live. Insisted I use Byram. They were ok, until I was leaving town. They said for an extra $25 I would receive my shipment the next day. Unfortunately it came three days later, the day after leaving for Mexico. I could have easily driven to Byram Healthcare in Portland, 1.5 hrs away, but Byram refused to allow me to pick up in store. I have changed my Advantage plan to Regence Blue Cross and am allowed to walk into my local store, chat with the folks who know me by name and have a few laughs and many smiles. If you can find a local distributor I would highly recommend.
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jshaughnessy23
Nov 17, 2024 4:09 am
I also use Byram and have been very happy with their service. (My nurses had been ordering from Medline, so I used them for a while, but they were horrible. Couldn't get my insurance set up properly.) I have Medicare plus a supplemental and between the two, everything has been paid for. Medicare does have monthly quantity limits, but they have been adequate. The people at Byram have always been very helpful with navigating insurance questions. Good luck!
Joan
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