Stock$Bill responses(sorry about error) Part 1

Stock$Bill responses(sorry about error) Part 1

I am not includiong original post. Responses are not edited but senders are
deleted.
My summary is at end of part 3. List serve limits each post to 200 lines. $$$
signs seperate responses.
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Ralph: It is an old problem. Good luck.
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Please post all replies as we have also seen a large increase in this type of
service. We have been called to deliver in the hospital only to have the
sales
rep go to the patient's home to deliver the same type of item. Patient then
calls and says they don't want ours and they don't want to be double billed.
The
hospital has already been billed. We considered this not our problem at this
point, as it was delivered and signed for by the patient, as ordered by the
doctor/hospital.

We are also seeing referrals only on HMO contracts not given to the sales
reps. Several years ago we were approached by the sales force to bill for
items they delivered either to physician offices or patient's home. We
declined
due to fraud and liability on delivery - not seeing the patient at all. You
are
right - it is very convenient for the patient. We have seen physicians switch
product brands at a drop of a hat and not just once.

We also feel a office visist charge is added to the patients bill, as well as
the
distributor getting that fee. We have found the physician is charging about
50%
more for the same brace, but unsure what they get paid since it goes through
the
reps. billing account.
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    What area of Florida are you in Ralph? I know of some cases in the
Orlando area of the stock and bill arrangements. To be more specific, Breg
does not participate in the stock and bill. Don Joy and EBI are two
companies that are. Maybe it should be posted which companies are and are
not. Your letter generalizes Breg in the program. You are right, something
should be done!
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Hello Ralph--- This type of practice has been going on in my area for about 5
years now.I'm sure initially, I was just as mad as you are right now.But, my
facility was atleast able to put in a quote or proposal to do this work.We
just lost out to the bigger guys!!!! The same guys coming around selling to
us.I just stopped buying from them.It forced us into useing other
companies...The company that won the contract, and that has had it all 5
years is EBI.Not sure if your formiliar with them, but, that are into soft
goods mainly.But, they also have there own Knee brace( rigid).
I'm starting to ramble, but,this seems to be the trend.My market just seems
to be ahead of yours.If any questions, you are more than welcome to call. I
know I did not answer alot of your questions, but, call if you want to talk!!!
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Suggest that you forward this to kathy dodson at AOPA, MD closets are a
favorite subject of hers.
It is my understanding that medicare has a few opinions too.
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Saga continues in Part 2

Ralph W Nobbe CPO