Tuesday, December 8, 2009

All I Want For Christmas...

Two weeks ago, I got a lovely letter from our DME (Durable Medical Equipment) rental company stating that I now "own" a piece of Austin's equipment. This is considered both good and bad; Good, because hey who doesn't like to own shiny new things, right? Bad, because now I am responsible for all maintenance of, said machine.

I had one problem, I could not figure out WHICH piece of equipment the DME letter was referring to. Go figure. We already own the Pulse Ox machine, the Compressor (Humidifier), the Zevex feeding pump, the Suction Machines (2), the Nebulizer and the lovely IV pole. So, yeah, I was stumped.

The letter stated: 'Portable - Oxygen Gas'. So I asked my go-to-Lung-gal, Sarah if she thought they meant the Oxygen Concentrator, since that is the only piece of equipment I do not currently own. We joked about how we would hardly call it "portable" but, whatever. I'll take it. It would not be a bad thing to own considering Austin's chronic lung disease, and all. Although I was kinda sweating how I would swing maintence on THAT since it's not like just anyone can fix your Oxygen Concentrator, kwim?

So I put the letter on the back burner and made a mental note to call and ask the DME if we did indeed own the O2 concentrator. Usually when you "purchase" a piece of equipment they pick up the rental and deliver a shiny NEW one. I was all excited, then I forgot to call. Until yesterday.

The equipment person placed me on hold and verified that indeed we (or rather Austin's medical insurance) had paid enough money this past year to "purchase" the "Portable - Oxygen Gas". But, no it was not "code" for a new, shiny, blue Oxygen concentrator, it was equipment lingo for this doohickey:


o2 cart


Yes, that's right it is the cart that pulls the O2 tanks. Gee, thanks! I am sure Austin will be thrilled to find it under the tree this year.


Thanks for peeking,

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5 Peekers Speak:

Sarah said...

Oh my gosh that is hilarious! Woo Woo you get the cart. I was so dang excited with our cart...that I threw it on the van load of tanks when crapria was taking our stuff LOL.

Portable..my a$$

Obviously they have never tried to climb 2 sets of stairs carrying a baby and the cart with an e tank on it.

((HUGS)) at least you got actual good free stuff today.

clean and crazy said...

well if nothing else you could let him decorate it like a tree for christmas!! it is almost the right shape!!

Susan said...

Ha ha ha. FYI- Repairs of said equipment can be billed to insurance. Our DME has billed insurance to fix the air compressor that we "own". Maybe each plan is different but I would check into it if anything breaks. And enjoy that lovely oxygen cart.

Katy said...

Well, that made me laugh. It's like getting all excited when I get a package and then finding out it's just some supplement for Charlie. Not nearly so great then.

Colleen said...

LOL..Oooo, I love owning shiny new medical equipment. I'm so jealous! We don't own that one yet! :)

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