Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Supplies FAQ
Rehab/Durable Medical Equipment FAQ
Respiratory Services and Supplies FAQ
Bariatric Equipment/Support Surfaces FAQ
Pharmacy Services FAQ
Medical Supplies FAQ
Do you have to get an RX from my doctor, or do you obtain that?
We will obtain all necessary documentation from your doctor’s office that is required for claim submission.
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When will I receive my supplies?
Your supplies will arrive with 2-3 working days via UPS.
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How many refills do I have left on my prescription?
The doctor determines refills. When ordering supplies the CSR is able to give you that information.
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Can you bill Security Blue for Diabetic Supplies?
Yes, we can bill SB for test strips, lancets, alcohol wipes, syringes and 4x4
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How do we handle damaged products?
It depends on the damage. If a product is damaged through shipping, Blackburn’s will send out the replacements. If a product is defective, the replacement will come from the manufacturer.
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Is there a charge for shipping?
Shipping charges are generally included in the price.
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What brands do you carry for ostomy supplies?
We carry ConvaTec, Hollister, and Coloplast
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Do you accept UPMC?
Unfortunately we only accept UPMC for medications, rehab repairs, high-end rehab equipment and diabetic supplies through prescription plan
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What hours are you open?
We are open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm
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Does Medicare of Highmark reimburse for diapers (briefs)?
No. Only state funded program will reimburse for incontinence supplies
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My mother suffers from malnutrition and the doctor told her to drink two cans of Ensure daily. Will Medicare pay for it?
No, Medicare does not reimburse if a person is drinking it.
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When would Medicare pay for a feeding supplement?
Medicare will pay if a person has an enteral feeding tube and gets most of his/her nutrition through the stomach tube. He/She must also have a diagnosis that qualifies a person for feeding such as CVA, Severe Dementia, Cancer of mouth or neck, or swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
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Why can’t you tell me if Medicare will pay for my enteral feedings?
Medicare determines payment at the time when they receive the claim. Payment depends on the documentation we receive from hospitals and doctors offices.
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I can eat but I have problem with absorption of food due to chronhs’s disease. I can’t gain weight and now have a feeding tube. Do I qualify for Medicare coverage?
Yes, if there is enough medical documentation to lshow severe malabsorbtion.
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Will Medicare pay for food thickeners of baby food through a gastrostomy feeding tube?
No. This is not a covered benefit.
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What happens if I order supplies and Medicare does not pay?
At the time of your order, if Blackburn’s does not believe Medicare will pay for the feedings, you will be asked to sign a from that states you will be responsible for payment if Medicare does not feel it is medically necessary. Or you can pay Blackburn’s in advance and we can submit a claim in your behalf and if Medicare decides it is medically necessary, they will reimburse you at the allowed amount.
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Who do I ask for when ordering supplies?
When you are reordering supplies, you would ask to speak to the supply Department.
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Rehab/Durable Medical Equipment FAQ
Does insurance cover durable medical equipment?
Insurance covers most equipment when prescribed by a physician or ordered by a clinician. Depending on your insurance carrier, there may be a co-pay. A BLACKBURN'S customer service representative can tell you exactly what your insurance covers and how much you will need to pay out-of-pocket.
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Does Medicare cover bathroom equipment, such as hand held showers, tub benches, bath seats or grab bars?
No. Medicare does not cover bathroom equipment.
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What is the difference between a manual, semi-electric or full electric hospital bed?
Manual Hospital Beds are adjusted by a manual crank to raise and lower the height of the bed and to raise and lower the feet and head of the bed. Semi-Electric Beds are adjusted by a manual crank to raise and lower the height of the bed. The feet and head are adjusted with an electric remote. Full Electric Beds adjust all functions by electric remote.
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Is there tax on rehab equipment?
No.
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Is there a charge for delivery?
Never!
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Why are wheelchairs rented instead of purchased by insurance?
Most patients do not require a wheelchair forever, so most insurances opt to rent.
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How long do I get to keep my wheelchair?
Most insurances will rent a wheelchair for up to 13 months and then purchase the chair for the patient.
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How long does it take to get insurance authorization for rehab equipment?
Different pieces of equipment require different amounts of time to process. Blackburn's can deliver most equipment within 24 hours of receiving an order. However, equipment such as custom wheelchairs and power wheelchairs can take several weeks to process and deliver.
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Why does Blackburn's sometimes send a piece of equipment that is not what I wanted?
The equipment sent is the equipment covered by the insurance company and/or the equipment the doctor ordered.
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Respiratory Services and Supplies FAQ
How soon can I expect delivery of home oxygen?
Upon receipt of a physician's prescription for home oxygen, expect same day delivery and instruction.
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Can I receive respiratory medications in addition to my home nebulizer from Blackburn's?
Yes, in most instances, Blackburn's pharmacy can provide the respiratory medications at the same time the home nebulizer is delivered. In most cases, it will be the same day the physician’s prescription is sent to Blackburn's. We also assist with monthly re-orders and shipment to home.
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Can I coordinate receiving all of my home medical equipment from Blackburn's?
Yes. Blackburn's is a comprehensive provider and can offer various types of equipment and services for patients with multiple needs.
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Does Blacburn's participate with my insurance plan and will they bill my insurance for the services I receive?
Yes to both. Blackbun's is contracted with most major insurances and directly bills insurances on behalf of the patient.
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How do I request Blackburn's to be my homecare provider when I am in the hospital or with my doctor?
You should be given the choice to select Blackburn's or other providers when you first need home medical equipment and services.
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What do I do if I need to travel with oxygen?
Contact Blackburn's respiratory department at least 2 weeks before your departure. We will assist with travel arrangements to make traveling with oxygen hassle-free.
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Can I be cured of my sleep apnea?
Generally, no. Patients may experience lesser degrees of sleep apnea based on healthy living habits and/or weight loss, but in most cases, sleep apnea and it's conditions remain with a patient for most of their adult life. Accurate measurement of sleep disturbance can be determined from an extensive sleep study in a sleep lab.
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Bariatric Equipment/Support Surfaces FAQ
What must a patient weight in order to qualify through most insurances for a bariatric hospital bed?
Greater than 350 pounds
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Are the bariatric homecare beds full electric or semi electric?
Full electric
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What is the weight limit on the bariatric homecare bed?
600 pounds
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How wide are the bariatric homecare beds?
42" wide x 80" long
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Are low beds covered by insurance?
Patient must have a qualifying diagnosis in order to qualify. Most insurance carriers do not reimburse due to being a high fall risk.
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How low to the low beds go?
Down to 9-1/2"
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What qualifies a patient for a low air loss mattress through Medicare?
Patient must have stage III or stage IV pressure sores on trunk or pelvic area.
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Is the low air loss mattress a rental or a purchase through Medicare?
The low air loss mattress a monthly rental item. When qualifying wounds have closed coverage for the mattress ends.
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Do we carry the Clinitron Bed?
No. But we are contracted with some insurance carriers to provide KCI's version of the Fluid Air Bed. (KCI's version of the clinitron bed.)
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Pharmacy Services FAQ
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