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halleyg

VR.org Supporter
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2007
Messages
591
Location
Atlanta, GA
I have been in the process of trying to get a CoaguChek machine from QAS for about two months now. I have received terrilbe customer service as far as communication and organization. These people don't seem to know what they're doing. Right now I'm "waiting" on the insurance company, but they have told me in the past everything was on the way to them, and I was waiting patiently, when in fact it turned out that no one had even sent it. They have been a big headache for me. Anyhow, my coumadin manager said I could find out if there is any other company that you can get these from. She only knows of QAS.

Thanks!
 
Here's the contact info from Raytel's FAQ page regarding their service. This is the service in which I am enrolled. I've also seen them on Amazon.com!
I understand you can also buy the machine and strips outright from them, probably still need the "medical necessity" form:
"Q: How do I get started?
A: First, discuss your interest in testing at home with your doctor. If he/she approves,
he/she will need to complete 2 forms, and fax them to Raytel at 1-877-729-8354. Those
forms (INR Service Enrollment Form & Medical Necessity Form) can be downloaded from
this site.
Q: What will this cost me?
A: For patients with Mechanical Heart Valves, the testing is covered by Medicare and most
insurance companies. Depending on your particular situation, your costs will vary. Under
Medicare, you may be responsible for a co-pay fee. Our insurance specialists will be able
to provide you with more specific information.
Q: Will my doctor still be involved in my care?
A: Yes. After each test you will phone your results to Raytel, and we will prepare a report
and fax it to your doctor?s office. Based on your results, your doctor?s office will direct you
further as needed.
Q: How do I get a meter and supplies?
A: Raytel will provide you with everything you need, including a testing meter, strips and
supplies, all of which will be mailed to you.
Q: How long will it take me to get started testing at home?
A: Typically it takes us a week or 2 to process the forms and get insurance approval.
Q: Who can I call for more information?
A: Raytel's INR@Home service 1-877-729-8350."
 
Whoops, that info is for INRatio machine. :eek: If you want coaguchek try Tapestry Medical
1-877-COAGNOW www.tapestrymedical.com
This is from the manufacturer's website.
Or try googling it - that's what I did. You'll probably find a medical supplier who'll sell it with an Rx and insurance approval.
 
Is it the insurance company or QAS?

Is it the insurance company or QAS?

Is the poor customer service an insurance company problem or a QAS issue?

If the insurance company isn't getting the paperwork sent to QAS, there's not much the folks at QAS can do. I had problems getting my InRatio machine because my insurance company wasn't cooperating. Once my insurance company started moving things along, the folks at QAS did a great job for me.

It might be worth requesting to visit with a manager at QAS to get clarification about the problems you are encountering.

Good luck.

-Philip
 
Philip B said:
Is the poor customer service an insurance company problem or a QAS issue?

It was definitely QAS, I spoke to the insurance company and they were the ones who said they hadn't received anything, and I had given time before I called them. QAS is a mess, I would never willingly deal with them again. Thanks to all who suggested Raytel. I did finally find out yesterday that I was approved by insurance for the machine at 100% BUT it is new insurance and we haven't met the deductible, so basically I would be paying for the entire machine which they told me is $2249.95 (more than our deductible so I don't get that.) So I guess I will wait and try again the next time our insurance changes. I'm really, really bummed. I was counting down what I hoped was the last visits to the coumadin clinic.

Bina, you are really lucky to have gotten yours for $500! Maybe we should move to Canada. I'll wait and see who wins the election in Nov. ;)
 
Halley
Did you contact Lance. Ross posted his contact info a few weeks ago for someone else. EDIT - here you go: Lance Visinich at 1 800-298-4515 ex 2865 or email at [email protected]

Unfortunately this "dropping the ball" is something many of us have experience with QAS in the past few years. When I got my first machine from them they were so quick. But when I got my INRatio the ball got dropped many times.
 
Halley:

Ditto on Karlynn's suggestion about contacting Lance Visinich.

I got my INRatio last Thursday (QAS overnighted it, bless Brandi!). I am submitting paperwork on getting reimbursed by Aetna. My deductible is $250 and Aetna will cover 80%.

There are several Visiniches at QAS. Lance & Shayne (sp?) are brothers; there is also Michael, but I don't know his relationship to the others. I believe he is president of QAS.
 
Qas

Qas

I was the person that Ross referred about contacting Lance. Which I did. He quickly responded and another representative followed up his email. I was told that my cardiology office had never sent anything back to them, so I resubmitted the form to the nurse to complete myself. Hope something comes of this. He did respond quickly. Thumbs up for that. Carla.
 
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