Hi,

Could you please send what your recommended sites are for buying ostomy supplies online? I am a little overwhelmed by the options and need to branch out on my own to find what works, and I know I've seen on here links to ostomy supply places, but when I search using 'Find' I couldn't find them again.

I would SO very much appreciate it! Thanks ahead of time

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,

If you go online to Hollister or Coloplast's websites, they should have a link to local suppliers (or you could call their 800#). The service I used was called Sterling Medical, but I'm in New Jersey, so I'm not sure if they ship out to the west coast. Couldn't hurt to take a look. It does seem overwhelming at first, but you will find a system and routine that works for you.

Take a look at www.edgepark.com

This is where I buy my Convatec products and Hy-Tape. They accept my insurance too.

Edgepark tends to be expensive. EdgePark 1-pc Coloplast Extra-Extended Wear drainable pouches, box of 10 $76. SGV, same produce, $44.

I used CCS with my previous insurance, and the allowable amounts were within market range for the supplies I ordered. I currently use Byram because insurance switched. They're OK too. If you have insurance, you'll probably get the best price no matter where you order--the insurance companies negotiate the prices down to market rates. If you don't, you need to look around to see who has the the best prices. Many suppliers charge more to uninsured patients.

Silly question but I'm new to this: If I buy products on my own, then do I just send the bill to my insurance company and they reimburse me. Or do I need to contact them prior to buying?

I guess that is hard question to answer since likely all companies are different.

Mark
I use Edgepark also. I called my insurance company and got the info on what they paid. They told me 80% of everything. When I ordered from Edgepark, I gave them my insurance company, ID number and the insurance phone number. They billed the insurance company directly...and the insurance company pays 100%. Like mdg says...they companies give a lower price to insurance thru a negotiated rate. Call a supply company like Edgepark or Byram and they will contact your insurance. Good Luck. It has been almost totally hassle free for me.

nys

Hi there -

First off - how are you feeling? You're about a month out now, right?

re: ordering supplies. Your ostomy nurse should have set you up with your current system and from there, you would "typically" (I say typically because some do it other ways) go to a place like Byram or Edgepark (I myself used Byram) and place the order through them.

They do all the work of contacting your doctor for a prescription (yes, your supplies are considered a perscription - at least mine were) and then providing that to the insurance company for approval.

I'm not sure what insurance you have, but I was fortunate; my supplies cost me $0. The only caveat was that I could only have a 20-day supply per month - meaning, if I had to change the bag every day, I might have been in trouble. But, at best I was going 5 days between changes, at worst, 2 days.

Good luck.
Lisa

I order everything from Edgepark and they bill my insurance, which pays for just about everything. Then they bill me for whatever isn't covered, or they'll bill my credit card, whatever option I choose.

Edgepark is fast, reliable, and their salespeople are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Here's a list of Ostomy Suppliers for the US along with their (mostly toll free) telephone numbers:

http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/ostomysuppliers.htm

You can click on the links to get you directly to their web sites.

Hope this helps.

Shell

I was set up to use Byram when I was in the hospital. I have already ordered a few times since I have been home. I wanted to tryout new things like deoderant gels and smaller bags since I tend to wear mine outside my shorts and cover it up with a long shirt. They have a big catolog. I also ordered the Phoenix belt that Lisa told me about...it was not in the catalog but is item number PS100/PS200 or PS300 depending on the size. They bill my insurance and since my co-pay was met with the surgery all the supplies were free.
How are you doing since the surgery? I think you had yours around the same time as I did. Are you back to work? I am still off work...not enough energy even though I am eating a lot. Hopefully will be able to go to work in a couple of weeks.
When are having your takedown?
David

One other thing. The prices in the catalog are kinda expensive but most insurances pay ALOT less. I ordered over $400.00 worth of stuff but Aetna was billed only $130.00 for it. So it might cost more to buy it yourself and bill the insurance. I think it might be better to find a company(like Byram) who will bill your insurance.
hope this helps
David
PS being from the Northwest - are you a Seahawk Fan? I have been a big fan of the Seahawks since the 70's. Since I moved to Indy I have 2 teams (Seahawks and Colts) to root for since they are in different divisions.

Hi,

Thanks to everyone for the advice, it is super helpful.

Thanks for askng Lisa and David about how my recovery is going. You are correct that I'm 4 weeks out from jpouch with temp ileo. I'm doing really well, I had a good recovery with no complications. Food seems to be treating me well, my spirits are high as I enjoy greatly not being sick.

I will go back to work in 2 weeks that is when my surgeon said I could starting lifting things. I own a construction company, so I've been working at office stuff, but I love to be on the site working so I'm eager to get back. I still get tired easily in the day, but not needing to nap, just need to take it easy. Plus, i'm enjoying the time off. I'm set for takedown surgery in late October, I'll go in in 4 weeks for my scope to check out the status of the pouch.

What about you Dave, when is your takedown. And Lisa it sounds like you've had a good takedown recovery, congrats on that!

Mark

Glad to hear your doing well. I too get tired easily. I think I am going to have TD around mid to late Oct. as well. Around the same time kids are off for fall break. That way they can help get me a soda or fluff my pillow
I too am eager to get back to work....strange to say that.
David

I buy my products from a local online store www.soymedical.com for stomahesive paste only $9.95 and Tape.

www.edgepark.com
1-800-321-0591