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Laura1972 Asked December 6, 2023

Lost medical equipment question.

My father passed away on Hospice this past Friday. A week before, another company (Rotech) had brought out a bed and a Hoyer lift. When we brought in Hospice on Wednesday, they had another company (Capstone) bring out their own equipment like bed, Hoyer, oxygen. On Thursday, we got him a new CPAP machine from a third company (Alliance). After he passed on Friday night, capstone came to pick up their equipment on Saturday. I should have been paying closer attention to what they grabbed, but didn’t. Anyway, after they left, I realized they had taken my dad‘s brand new CPAP machine. I called about it on Monday. I just spoke to them and the Director says that her driver says he did not take it. But they were the only equipment company who picked up equipment that day. Rotech, the original equipment supplier didn’t come until Monday after capstone had already picked up their stuff. My question is, what is going to happen now? Will my mom have to pay out-of-pocket for this new CPAP machine? It is being billed monthly to Medicare but once they realize he has passed, I’m sure they’ll want it back. I thought about calling alliance, where we got the CPAP machine, to ask what will happen but I also don’t want to raise any red flags. Has anyone been through anything like this?

JoAnn29 Dec 6, 2023
My opinion, if this was the only company who picked up, then they have the machine. There should have been a work order and only what was on that work order should have been picked up. I would hope there was a serial # on file and it can be tracked that way. Not sure if you can be held responsible because you did not order the equipment, Hospice did.

Geaton777 Dec 6, 2023
Where your Dad was receiving hospice, was there any presence of security or Ring cameras (external), like neighboring homes? My neighbor has a Ring camera and can see some activity in my driveway and yard. Just thinking that you can tell Alliance people that you'll be reviewing that footage. Or, ask for the name of the people who did the pick-up for them, it might have been a separate contracted company. I think you can "make a scene" with them since you are a grieving person... I'm sorry for your loss and now this stupid unnecessary headache on top of it. May you find the unit and gain peace in your heart.
Laura1972 Dec 6, 2023
Ooh good idea. I’ll check with their neighbor across the street. Unfortunately, my parents don’t have any cameras, but I need to get one for my mom.

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cwillie Dec 6, 2023
First check with the supplier to see what they recommend. Either it's sitting there and they have no clue and are too apathetic to look for it or the employee has a nice little side business going, perhaps filing a police report will light a fire under the backside of the company.

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