November 2013

October 2013

September 2013

August 2013

July 2013

CPAP/BiPAP Newsletter/July 2013

Dear Clients,

We wanted to let all of our customers know that, effective July 1, 2013, we have decided to no longer accept traditional MEDICARE as a form of payment for our equipment and supplies.

MEDICARE decided to cut reimbursement by having companies participate in a “competitive bid” that took the lowest bids on most medical equipment (including CPAPs, BiPAPs and supplies), thus reducing reimbursement by 47%.  Being a small company whose Medicare clients only made up about 35% of our business, we could have withstood the cut.  However, by reducing the number of Medical Equipment companies in this area by about 50% or more , we would have had to take on so many customers, that our quality of products and services could not have stayed at the level we feel is important. Therefore, we chose not to participate in this bid.

If you are still receiving supplies from us and you have Medicare, it is because your machine has not met the 13 month “rent to purchase” price.  When your CPAP or BiPAP  reaches purchase price, we will not longer be able to provide your supplies.  Please call us to find out when your machine will be paid to purchase price so that we may give you the names of companies that you can chose from when that time comes.

If you will be reaching Medicare eligible age in the near future, and would like to stay with our company, there are many Medicare replacement plans out there that are very good.  I have listed some below, so that you can “shop around.” As I mentioned, the competitive bid was for TRADITIONAL MEDICARE only.

Please call us if you have any questions.  The competitive bid period is two years.  Hopefully, we will be able to go back to providing products and services for Medicare clients when this bid period expires.

Thank you for your continued support of our business, and allowing us to assist you!

Randy Reddell, owner

Wheelchairs Et.

Medicare Replacements:  Aetna Medicare PPO, Humana Medicare PPO, Wellmed, United AARP Medicare Replacement, and Care Improvement Plus (just to name a few)…

SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2011 
CPAP/BIPAP NEWSLETTER
Wheelchairs Etc. 2660 East Common Street New Braunfels, Texas 78130
210.599.6330 or 830.626.5400 (business office)  830.626.6606 (retail location)

Our Web site: www.wheelchairsetc.net

Tip of the month 

Avoiding Electrical Shock

Never plug your CPAP unit into an electrical outlet that is being used to supply power to another appliance.
Plug your CPAP unit into an electrical outlet that is NOT being used to supply electricity to other appliances. If you need to use the same outlet that is shared by other equipment, make sure the other appliances are NOT being used at the same time. 
Never use your CPAP unit with an extension cord.



Upgrading:  Replacing your existing CPAP or BiPAP with a new Model


Under Medicare guidelines, you are eligible for a new machine every 5
years.  If your CPAP/BiPAP was purchased prior to September 30, 2006,
and you are interested in receiving a new one, please call us and we will be 
able to provide you with a new unit that is probably smaller and quieter as
well. If you aren't sure of the purchase date of your machine, just call
and we will let you know.  

If you are a former client of Dr. Rod Elliott-Mullens before he relocated,

and are looking for a Physician who is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine, please call

us...we can help you locate a Physician in your area! 

          

August newsletter

AUGUST
CPAP/BiPAP Newsletter

Wheelchairs Etc. 2660 E. Common Street New Braunfels, Texas  78130

830.626.6606 or 210.599.6330  

Sleep tip…

Get some sun... which isn't hard to do around here!

Our natural body clock is set to natural amounts of light and darkness. Getting sun helps sustain this rhythm, just as a dark room helps signify to our body that it is time to sleep.

~THREE WAYS TO GET MORE FROM YOUR MACHINE~

Turn On Special Settings.

Most machines offer "ramping" capabilities, which give you the ability to gradually reach your pressure setting instead of starting your air flow on full blast. Additionally, "Auto On / Off" features detect when you remove your mask, and start or stop your air flow accordingly. This means you don't have to turn off your machine when you get up in the middle of the night. If you have trouble finding these settings, contact us.

 Use a Humidifier.

Humidifiers are a great way to moisten air and protect air passages from drying out. Our machines offer integrated humidifiers. When using a humidifier make sure to always empty the water chamber when you move it to avoid water damage. Using distilled water whenever possible will help prevent build up on the heating plate.

  Ensure Fresh Air Flow. Always remember to change air filters as instructed in your machine manual for your machine. Just like air or water filters in your home, filters on your machine also need to be changed. Be conscious of air enters your machine and make sure it is not obstructed or dusty. Filters should be changed each month with your tubing and insert.

If you would like to contact us, you may do so by calling Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm or e-mailing us at: wcetcdme@aol.com.  Please let us know if we can help you with your CPAP/BiPAP equipment, or if you have any questions concerning sleep apnea.