Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (2024)

Forum > Ostomy products

Replies

42

Views

615

Learning as I go

Nov 12, 2024 2:12 pm

I'm almost 2 months into my ostomy. I have had home health care who has been ordering my supplies so far (sadly, they don't have much practical ostomy knowledge beyond how to change the bag - the other reason I joined this group). Their services will be ending very soon and I'll have to order my own supplies. I have Medicare for insurance coverage. I'm having trouble finding a reputable, reliable medical supply company. It seems like every company has both great and horrible reviews. Suggestions?

Reply to this comment

Beachboy

Nov 12, 2024 2:54 pm

I have Medicare, original Part A, Part B, with Medigap G insurance.

I use Edgepark. They have been good. You have to research how Medicare works, and ostomy supply limits for each order. Also, if Medicare covers things like support belts.

I have a doctor's prescription for ostomy supplies that's on file with Edgepark.

Reply to this comment

Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (37)

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 37,313 members who truly understand you.

It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.

Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.

🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for you to share and connect.

Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.

Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (38)Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (39)Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (40)Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (41)Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (42) 37,313 members

Beth22

Nov 12, 2024 3:43 pm

Do you know what distribution company you have now? You are set up with one; that's how the nurses are getting them. As far as suggestions, Bryham and Comfort Medical would say are the best bet. My experience with Edge Park is horrible. I was left without ostomy supplies, was sent the paste and remover wipes but no bags for an entire month. When I called and asked, no one knew what they were doing. I ended up switching. Prism is not sending what you ordered or what you use; they try to send the brand they want. If you use Coloplast, 1800 Medical doesn't carry them; that's been my experience with these places.

Reply to this comment

Advertisement

Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (44)

Hollister

Resuming your personal and work life after ostomy surgery can be challenging to adjust to a new life.

Learn ways to adjust to life after ostomy surgery.

Hugo

Nov 12, 2024 4:01 pm

I get my ostomy supplies from Byram. I find them to be pretty reliable and my supplies are delivered within 2 or 3 days. They did send me the wrong pouches once. They send me an e-mail when it’s time to reorder, but I am always well aware of when that is. Good luck.

Reply to this comment

kittybou

Nov 12, 2024 4:28 pm

I get my supplies from Better Health. Never any mistakes in the order, they call me when it's time to reorder, plus, they have peer support, a person who either has an ostomy or has experience with one. I highly recommend them! Better Health. I will look up their number and post it for you.

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (47)

kittybou

Nov 12, 2024 4:31 pm

1 415-475-8434 Better Health. No, lol I don't get a commission or anything. They have been more than helpful and I appreciate them.

Reply to this comment

Justbreathe

Nov 12, 2024 5:08 pm

When I started my journey, I was advised to call ConvaTec for a me+ starter kit. Here's a pic of what they sent (free samples). This was about 4 years ago, so I'm not sure if they still do this - they were extremely helpful. I order my supplies through 180 Med - they are very helpful as well, and supplies are covered by Medicare. I pay a small portion each month depending on what I order. If I make changes, they first check to see if insurance covers it, then call my doctor for approval to change….


🔒 Login to see image

Reply to this comment

Happytostillbehere

Nov 12, 2024 6:19 pm

Been using Byram for the two years I've had to order supplies and have absolutely no problem with them, quick delivery. Been using Hollister products also from the beginning and again no problems. When I was in the hospital they used Hollister products and I just stayed with them.

Reply to this comment

HenryM

Nov 12, 2024 9:29 pm

I too use Better Health and have no issues with them. A couple of weeks ago, I ordered supplies and they arrived the following day. I have no idea how they accomplished that, but it was nice. They will ask how many days supplies you have on hand when you order. They do this because Medicare dictates it must be less than ten, a wholly unrealistic time frame as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, I always tell them eight.

Reply to this comment

Shamrock

Nov 12, 2024 11:18 pm

If I tell you (and everyone else) who I use, then you'll deplete the supply and there won't be any left for me. 😁

Actually, it's Medical Monks, been very reliable and I just call them for more. They don't take insurance.

The problem I see isn't finding the supplies; it's finding good suppliers who take insurance.

And I can attest to Edgepark just sending me incomplete orders all the time and then just automatically renewing the same insufficient amount.

Insurance companies don't want to pay; they just want to take and take and take some more. So they make it a hassle for companies to collect.

Insurance, it's the biggest scam in the world.

Reply to this comment

Advertisement

Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (53)

Hollister

Returning to work after ostomy surgery should not be rushed.

Check out our 4 necessities before getting back on the job, and our other workplace tips.

Beth22

Nov 13, 2024 1:20 am

Reply to Shamrock

Shamrock, I will agree with the fact that insurance companies make everything harder and a lot of what they do is bull. But in this case, it isn't the insurance company; it's the distribution companies. The distribution companies want to charge 2-3 times more than what the amount should be for each product. I found this out by a mistake made by a distribution company; they accidentally sent me a list of all ostomy products and what the real amount was and what they were trying to charge. Oops on their part.

Reply to this comment

Lulume

Nov 16, 2024 3:52 pm

I'm from India. I have a permanent colostomy. I get my supplies from Coloplast Online Store. No insurance cover so it's quite an expense but I've always got my supplies on time. Still to be on the safe side I keep a three month supply of bags. Flange and other accessories 🙂

Reply to this comment

Redondo

Nov 16, 2024 7:05 pm

Reply to Beachboy

Likewise. I have been using Edgepark for almost 30 years. They are one of the largest. But, I still use the same items that I started with almost 30 years ago. Unfortunately, Edgepark cannot supply some of these items anymore so I have gone to Byram for some of these supplies. It's a pain having to go to 2 different companies but Edgepark is still a better supplier for most of my items.

Reply to this comment

drsnickers2

Nov 16, 2024 9:33 pm

I’ve used Medical Care Products in Jacksonville FL for most of the past 27 years. They have been exceptionally reliable and helpful. Perhaps you can give them a call to see if they can help you: 904-733-8500 or 800-741-0110.

Reply to this comment

Beach Girl

Nov 17, 2024 1:59 am

Ive been using Edgepark since 2018 and also have Medicare and have not had any problems at all.

Reply to this comment

jansarirn

Nov 17, 2024 4:04 am

I've had my ileostomy for 2 years. I originally had Medicare with United Healthcare Advantage program. They refused to let me use King Medical Supply, located in Eugene where I live. Insisted I use Byram. They were okay, until I was leaving town. They said for an extra $25 I would receive my shipment the next day. Unfortunately, it came three days later, the day after I left for Mexico. I could have easily driven to Byram Healthcare in Portland, 1.5 hrs away, but Byram refused to allow me to pick up in store. I have changed my Advantage plan to Regence Blue Cross and am allowed to walk into my local store, chat with the folks who know me by name, and have a few laughs and many smiles. If you can find a local distributor, I would highly recommend it.

Reply to this comment

jshaughnessy23

Nov 17, 2024 4:09 am

I also use Byram and have been very happy with their service. (My nurses had been ordering from Medline, so I used them for a while, but they were horrible. Couldn't get my insurance set up properly.) I have Medicare plus a supplemental and between the two, everything has been paid for. Medicare does have monthly quantity limits, but they have been adequate. The people at Byram have always been very helpful with navigating insurance questions. Good luck!

Joan

Reply to this comment

msmacs50

Nov 17, 2024 1:32 pm

Reply to Beachboy

Beachboy, do you know if you have to have a new prescription annually for Edgepark? Thanks in advance.

Reply to this comment

randy031978

Nov 17, 2024 1:35 pm

I use Medical Mega out of New Jersey, 3-day shipping and they have the best prices.

Reply to this comment

mattucciq1946

Nov 17, 2024 2:10 pm

Reply to Happytostillbehere

The company I use in Canada is called Canmeddirect. They have great prices. Also, Coloplast has the medical products that work best for my urostomy condition. Quint-Toronto

Quint-Toronto

Reply to this comment

jayne_waldridge

Nov 17, 2024 2:48 pm

Reply to Beachboy

I have been with Edgepark since my surgery in 2021. They are great, customer-friendly, and have all brands. I prefer Hollister. Give them a call. You won't be disappointed. 😊

Reply to this comment

holtgrim62

Nov 17, 2024 2:56 pm

Byrum is a good company to order from.

When you order your bags, you can order a box of Coloplast and a box of ConvaTec.

Also, if you want Hollister rings, you can order them.

No problems.

Reply to this comment

kappleby53

Nov 17, 2024 3:17 pm

Reply to Beachboy

After using a month's worth of free samples, I chose 180 Medical. They are so easy to work with, and Medicare covers more than enough pouches and supplies. I chose ConvaTec brand and am very happy with my choice.

Reply to this comment

kappleby53

Nov 17, 2024 3:19 pm

Reply to holtgrim62

I did not like Coloplast. The product seemed cheaply made compared to ConvaTec.

Reply to this comment

kappleby53

Nov 17, 2024 3:21 pm

Reply to mattucciq1946

I have a urostomy as well and did not like the Coloplast nighttime collection container. Convetec has a great jug that sits on the floor. It's easy to connect and empty.

Reply to this comment

kappleby53

Nov 17, 2024 3:21 pm

Reply to mattucciq1946

I have a urostomy as well and did not like the Coloplast nighttime collection container. Convetec has a great jug that sits on the floor. It's easy to connect and empty.

Reply to this comment

mcaouette0912

Nov 17, 2024 3:33 pm

I have a urostomy and use Byram Healthcare. I had Edgepark and their billing process is horrible. I’ve had no issues with Byram and you can reorder your supplies online or through their mobile app.

Reply to this comment

Doe1mama

Nov 17, 2024 4:42 pm

I order my husband's supplies through 180 Med - they are very helpful and supplies are covered by Medicare. I pay a small portion each month depending on what I order.

Reply to this comment

trishaosh69

Nov 17, 2024 5:39 pm

Reply to Justbreathe

Good luck. I'm a little over 4 months into my ostomy. When my home health nursing ended, she left me a sticky note and put it on my dresser. She preordered for me what I was happy with (after a very varied selection) and provided a phone number to call for future orders. So helpful because I was still learning. I use ADAPT and I'm on Medicare. A two-piece is what I chose. Each month: 30 bags, 8 wafers, 8 rings, 12 packets of non-sting, and a large bottle of deodorizer. Co-pay under $60. Of course, I replenish with an Amazon order at times. Good luck.

Reply to this comment

gail.lively

Nov 17, 2024 6:41 pm

I have also had bad experiences with Edgepark. I would recommend Byram.

Reply to this comment

1

2

Next

Interesting Topics

Swimming with an Ileostomy - Advice needed!

Reflecting on Thanksgiving and Our Blessings

When to disclose my condition while dating?

First Steps to a Normal Diet 3 Weeks After Ileostomy

Tips for Traveling Abroad with a Colostomy

Changes in irrigation with diet switch?

Maybe Santa Does Exist After All

Dealing with Negative Comments About Your Urostomy

Does Long-Term Ileostomy Impact Liver Health?

Stoma retraction surgery - Seeking advice!

Choosing A Medical Supply Company For Ostomy Care (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 5579

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.