(((An Important Update was posted today. May 3, 2011)))
Incompetent fools. Those are some of the first words I saw when I Googled your company name. Incompetent fools. My first thought was, "Aahhh finally found those words that have been stuck on the tip of my tongue." Thanks irate internet forum poster. My sentiments exactly good friend.
Lets see, I've been dealing with Apria for a touch over a week now and I have lost count of the number of phone calls that I have made to the place. Over the course of about a dozen phone calls, I think I have reached out to ONE person who acted like they cared. One person who actually acted like she actually wants to be employed. One person who still did me not a bit of good but at least she was nice. In an economy like this one would think that people would be a whole lot more friendly. But customer service with a smile is so 1995. And customer service with the snippy attitude that eventually gets something done to please the customer is also out.
What's in vogue this year? Telling the customer that stroller or telescoping handles for the wheelchair that I am renting for my three year old son at a price close to $100 per month is a luxury item that is not rent-able. So the reclining wheelchair that I am paying a good amount of money to rent from a company that does not care that has a highest point of somewhere near, maybe slightly below my HIPS is the best they can do for my little boy and me.
The wheelchair we are renting from Apria is way too big for my son. I requested for something smaller.(I've seen smaller and Joey did a test drive of something smaller from a company that does not rent a couple weeks ago) I begged for something that he could push himself. But to no avail. I was told that to get what I need I would have to have one special made and THAT would cost me somewhere in the ballpark of $4,000.
This all makes me think of going into Target and asking for a pair of pants in a size 2 but being made to purchase a pair of extra large man socks and being told that instead of the pair I would only go home with one sock. I wouldn't put up with that kind of treatment from Target and I should NOT have to put up with that kind of treatment from Apria.
But, unfortunately, Apria has the upper hand on the situation. We need a product that only they can provide.
I can't even imagine how outraged and aggravated you must be right now. I'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteI work for an architecture and design firm that specializes in childrens hospitals.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow I am going to ask for suggestions of medical equipment companies.
There shouldn't be only one company who makes what you need.
Wow. I would have used swear words and totally lost my mind on these people. I applaud your self-restraint, but my heart aches for you, I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope somehow you can fight The Powers That Be and get what you need.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing, but have you tried organizations such as Easter Seals, your local Regional Center, or groups like that? Just a thought...
We used Apria ever so briefly for g-tube supplies when Owen was an infant. They were horrendous and I switched to a local company as soon as I could. Then contacted the discharge planning nurse at Children's and begged her to spare any more parents from dealing with them. They are a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteThey sound like my friends at Cigna. Total tools. I wish there was something I could do other than give cyber hugs...my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteps - i get that this is your hc provider, i'm just thinking mabye there is a way to go around them.
ReplyDeleteif you could contact the right manufacturers, you may actually reach someone who gives a damn. OR even become a tester of a prototype or some suchness.
outfox the admin idiots
Rebecca, I would have lost my MIND. Seriously, this is just wrong!! Is there any kind of advocacy group that you can contact? I am very unknowledgeable in this field but I'm so glad to see so many commenters that know what they are talking about. Keep us posted, please.
ReplyDeleteActually the issue is not Apria; it's your insurance company. Apria is contractually bound to rent or sell only what the contract allows - as dictated by the payor. As a side note apria does not do custom wheelchairs as of approx 2 years ago. My child used to get her chair from them; Dwayne and Woody were great. Sadly my daughter is no longer with us but my experience with them was always good. I wish you luck; your child is lucky to have such a wonderful advocate.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I posted an update and am currently pleased with the service.
ReplyDeleteALSO, we are paying out of pocket with our own money, insurance has nothing to do with it so we want what we want because if we are going to shell out nearly $100 per month we want something that works for us.....and, those who were telling me that the push bars were not included was just being lazy and lied to me. We already had something similar and all that needed to be done was a switch out for something 2 inches larger. It was done in my driveway in about 5 minutes. Wooho!!
Dear Clearness...that was a fabulous piece about Apria....I tried to find some safer glides for my Dad's walker and they said there were NONE...I found them at www.walkerrunners.com...AND a whole line of Medline wheelchairs and a special rollator that converts from a wheelchair to a rollator and vice versa at the flip of a finger...
ReplyDeletecheck Medline's accessories on THEIR website...they have the extensions you need....Barry