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NancyNJ Asked October 2023

Rehab discharge supplies question.

I'm trying to work this issue out to see what our options are.


 


I informed the rehab facility where my Mother is staying that we would like her discharged soon. More than a week later, 2 days before the date, the social worker (who is an intern there) calls me to tell me that the scheduled date of discharge will have to be pushed back by two weeks due to how long it will take their vendor to get the necessary supplies (for a feeding tube).


 


I looked around a bit to see how hard it might be to get these items (Kangaroo epump and a pole to place it and other items on) and it seems many vendors have them (especially the pole, it's even available via Walmart). I understand the facility has its own procedures, but this vendor was selected because it's the only vendor this particular social worker has worked with previously (that's what she told me).


 


Is there a way I can get them to check availability with a couple of other vendors? I'm trying to see if/how my Mother's insurance can help. It just seems odd that they would wait 2 days before the scheduled discharge to finally do the paperwork for supplies and then only check with one vendor. And if I'm not mistaken, this vendor when I google them seems to be located several states away.


 


If all were well, I'd let the process play out. But I've had at least two causes for concern with this facility regarding my Mother's care since she's been there, so my confidence that this part of the process is being done properly is low.


 


At this point, I'm going to see if her insurance can help with other vendors. Anyone have any experience with matters like this? (Thanks in advance).

chekylildevil Oct 2023
We actually had a similar problem with trying to get my fil discharged from the hospital.
Often times it is the insurance approval that can tie things up. Medicate took days to approve my fil pump. Also, when dealing with insurance you have to ensure that the vendor takes Medicare, some vendors can be selective on if they bill or willing to wait for insurance payment.

AlvaDeer Oct 2023
Often there is a contract involved, but somehow this doesn't ring right, that there would be TWO WEEKS to get simple, easily available equipment, and it almost sounds like they are padding this time for compensation to me. I would contact an ombudsman, because if medicare payments are involved I think they wouldn't want these circumstances reported to medicare.

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JoAnn29 Oct 2023
I will tell u what is going on, the Rehab has a contract with that particular Vendor or they get a kick back by using them. I see no problem in calling the insurance company and seeing what other vendors can supply the same thing. If Mom has straight Medicare, they may pay for the cost. So you can use vendor who takes your insurance. Once your all set up, you don't even need to use the vendor Rehab uses.
NancyNJ Oct 2023
Thank you for the input! I'll get in touch with her insurance Monday.

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