ebay

[hpuehler]

I have been denied by my insurance company to do home testing. They say it is not medically neccesary. I don't get it seeing that medicare will pay for it!
I have appealed and gotten the same answer. The math doesn't even add up. They charge the insurance $62 for each draw and I go about once per week.

I found an INRatio on ebay for $700.00 . Says it is brand new and was used as a demo model but it has never had blood on it. Also says it comes with a full warranty but I'm doubting Hemosense would honor it if I bought on ebay.

This would be affordable for me. I can not afford to pay full price. Has anyone had major problems with their machine requiring warranty? I'm just trying to decide how much the warranty is really worth.

It is also covered up to $1000.00 by paypal which is how I would pay, so I would have recourse if I got it and it did not work.

Any input would be appreciated!

Heather

 

[Karlynn]

Just one thought, depending on where you would get your test strips from, you would need a doctor's Rx for them. Makeu sure your doctor is willing to do that.

I think someone else bought a machine from Ebay.

 

[geebee]

Heather,

I have not had any problems with my machine but Hemosense has helped me a lot with test strip problems and questions so customer service can be an important part.

The only question that comes to mind is how can the machine have been a "demo" without having blood ever touch it?

 

[hpuehler]

I have a prescription but insurance won't pay. I would buy the strips from QAS or similar. My cardiologist is supportive so the script should not be a problem.

 

[lance]

Transferable guarantee?

Transferable guarantee?

Once in a while, not often, I have to contact technical support for help with my home monitor.

When I do they usually ask me to confirm the registration number on the bottom with their records.

If this number were available to you prior to purchase you could contact the supplier to determine if they would transfer the guarantee to you or continue technical support if needed.

 

[davidfortune]

Heather,

The feedback looks good on that seller. With the Paypal coverage, it seems like a good deal.

I suppose that during demo they could use a liquid design for calibration. Glucose monitors have such liquid included to calibrate. I don't know if the INRatios do but it seems logical to me.

I would ask the seller about the warranty and the NEW Demo status.

David

 

[RandyL]

Sounds like a good deal to me. I have bought and sold plenty of items on Ebay. I have never had a bad transaction although I know there are some. JUst because that machine was a demo it doesn't mean they actually ran blood thru it. There is plenty of things on the menu to show you how it works. I would send the seller an email and ask him what he meant by demo. I would only buy it tho if it came in its original box and instructions.

 

[hpuehler]

Well, the monitor that I was looking at on ebay sold! I guess that is what I get for being so cautious. I probably should have just bought it and taken the chance of it being a "stupid tax" !

 

[HemoSense-Brendan]

PT/INR Sales

PT/INR Sales

Thought I'd chime in quickly to provide some insights.

1. The INRatio monitor is cleared by the FDA for patient use with an Rx requirement. Thus, anyone distributing to a patient must carry the necessary licenses and conform to all regulations and requirements. (FDA, HIPPA, etc.) If they are not asking for an Rx this is your first red flag.

2. There is also a required training component. While many of you are very knowledgeable on self testing this is still a regulatory requirement which HemoSense and its distributors must adhere.

3. Since none of HemoSense's authorized PST distributors conduct ebay auctions the product is most likely a professional system kit- which is not labeled for consumer distribution. HemoSense can not honor warranties for products that are distributed inappropriately as these could represent violations of FDA regulations.

4. HemoSense can not validate the "claims" of being a new product and having never been used or in contact with blood. Consumers should always use cautions when considering acquiring medical devices through unauthorized channels.

You may want to note that even ebay prohibits the sale of items requirement a Rx or used medical devices. So it's unlikely they will market the item that way in their auction item description for fear of having the auction removed.

Your own health and safely your best course of action is always to work within established authorized channels.

 

[Cris N]

Well, the monitor that I was looking at on ebay sold! I guess that is what I get for being so cautious. I probably should have just bought it and taken the chance of it being a "stupid tax" !

Be patient... one seems to show up every 4-6 weeks.

 

[Karlynn]

Heather, your other option is to not give up on getting approved by your insurance. Many doctors who approve of home testing will be happy to make it sound like it is medically necessary.

One of the biggies is if your INR is either unstable and/or you need to test frequently. Another reason (less applicable to most people) is the distance to the lab or Dr.'s office creating an overt inconvenience.

Did you ask the insurance what they considered medically necessary. Did you ask them if they consider home blood glucose monitoring for diabetics necessary?

You wouldn't be the first member to be turned down more than once before approval.

Who is your insurance carrier?

 

[hpuehler]

Thanks Karlynn,

I have Medical Mutual insurance. They sited that the reason is that it is not medically neccesary.

 

[hpuehler]

.......also my Cardiologist filled out the script and said that I was on multiple meds and have hypothyroid and I travel. Every little thing he could put down. I also have only gone 4 weeks between tests ON time. I am usually testing once per week due to INR fluctuation or new antibiotics etc.

It's not like I will be off of the Coumadin any time soon!!!!

 

[QAS Lance]

Home Testing

Home Testing

Heather,

I am glad that Brendan (Hemosense) stated what he did. I have been working with home PT/INR devices since 1999, and I have seen many auctions on Ebay and other sites. Please give me a call or email, so that I can take a personal look at your insurance rejections. I can be reached at [email protected] or 800-298-4515 ex. 2865. Look forward to speaking to you!

Lance, QAS