Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt

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Dr. Ho's Decompression Belt

Overall Rating

2.2

40 Customer Reviews

Summary

Dr. Ho’s Decompression Belt claims to provide in-home relief from chronic, acute back pain using gentle and effective traction, by using it for 30 minutes per session. Research shows that it may work but not always if you have certain underlying conditions.

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Customer Reviews

2.2 Stars out of 40 Reviews
5 Star:22% 4 Star:7% 3 Star:2% 2 Star:5% 1 Star:62%
30% Recommend This Company
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Posted on Sep 3, 2019

Biggest scam ever!

By Sharon P., Topeka, KS, Verified Reviewer

I spoke to a Dr. Ho Belt service rep to buy through Medicare, was told my PCP approval wasn't needed, they have doctors on staff who I would be talking to. That never happened...next thing I knew it had been ordered. I asked how their doctor can possibly know my real medical history without my doctor's input, she said that's how it works, their doctors will know by question's I answer...I said if that was Medicare's policy then ok but would prefer my doctor to place order.

Long story short as possible, belt was sent, was never given an order number, was told it would be on shipping invoice, I demanded an authorization number, anything to refer to, no invoice in box, just belt, pump, some big piece of hard plastic shaped like curvature of back I didn't order, and a video. The belt was stiff, hard edges hurt when sitting down and it put pressure on my bladder causing pain when urinating due to where I had to wear the belt for low lumbar per instructions, I had to have a scan on the bladder, costly, to make sure bladder hadn't been injured. Never felt any relief on the back.

I spoke to the shipper, got return shipping label after several teeth-gritting phone calls, that "not even going to charge you $199" belt advertised on TV in 11/19 was billed to Medicare for $1500, yes $1500...my portion was $263.

I was in shock...have made numerous calls since sending it back, each time I was reassured Medicare would be paid back. As of today, 8/26/19, about 9 months later Medicare hasn't been reimbursed as promised! I made a last-ditch effort yesterday only to be told Dr. Ho lives in Canada where the business is, and they can't process anything for Medicare in the USA, funny, they sure did to order it!

The original shipper, Certified Med Supply isn't in service anymore, rep gave me new number to a different shipper, Bentley Medical, but so far no answer. To start all over as to why Medicare hasn't been paid back. The rep I spoke to at the same phone number that placed the order in 11/19 claimed they couldn't find my name is system...again because they're in Canada and can't service the USA. This is a big rip off...Canada sucking USA Medicare money.

I wouldn't recommend this cheaply made excuse of a back brace to anyone! Pay the money to me or reimburse Medicare! I've reported Dr. Ho to Kansas IG, I'll give them my Medicare number showing order and process of payment to complete my fraud complaint. Sick of scammers, Dr. Ho living in luxury in Canada at USA's expense...Shame on him! This is not a fake review. So glad I found a review site better than FB.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Sep 5, 2019

Hi Sharon,

Thank you for writing this feedback, and we certainly understand your frustration with the experience you've had. I hope I can provide some additional clarity on this situation, so that you can get a proper resolution.

As you know, DR-HO'S is a Canadian company. We manufacture and supply the DR-HO'S 2-in-1 Back Relief Belt. Customers can choose to purchase it themselves, or for those who have insurance coverage, may go through a Medical Equipment Supplier. These suppliers are third-party companies that purchase the DR-HO'S belt, then sell them to you by billing the cost to your insurance. DR-HO'S is not authorized to bill Medicare, nor any other insurance plans. That means the amount billed to your Medicare plan was not done by DR-HO'S.

You have also mentioned that the original shipper is named "Certified Med Supply", which should be a US Durable Medical Equipment Supplier. As such, they would also be the ones that submitted the bill to Medicare, and subsequently to you for the remaining amount. I'm unsure why the amount billed would be $1500, but that was very likely submitted by Certified Med Supply, and not dictated by DR-HO'S.

I hope this explanation has given you clarity on the process, and why DR-HO'S was not involved in any of the billing, and therefore, cannot assist with the refund of the Medicare charge. The best course of action now is to contact Medicare to inquire how much Certified Med Supply had billed your policy, whether or not they were paid by Medicare, and if they were paid, what options you have to get that payment reversed back to your policy.

Thank you.

Helpful Review? 12 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 30, 2019

Dr. Ho's DDS 500 decompression belt...overinflated hype

By Shannon H., Wyoming, Verified Reviewer

I have degenerative disc disease, bulging discs in my lumbar, and thoracic spine, among other issues. I had to find a new doctor as mine retired. And she suggested I try this. I was fitted for it, signed for it, then told it's nonrefundable and my insurance MAY not cover it in which case, it will cost me $400! And I still didn't even know if the dumb thing did anything for me or how to use it yet! (I'm really mad about this!)

I get home and decide to try it the next day while sweeping my floors as this is always a painful experience for me. Firstly, those pathetic plastic brace pad things are about as useful and comfortable as a 2×4 to the head. You can wear them the entire time with the belt! Sure! As long as you want to stand like a toothpick and stay that way for many minutes 4 times a day, thanks! The back one sticks out everywhere supporting, well...absolutely NOTHING! And the front one makes bending the most painful and difficult movement of all! And let's not forget discretion as it claims we can wear it all day and everywhere and no one will ever know. It's as discreet as an elephant in the back of an El Camino! Then the simplicity of putting the $400 joke without a punch line on! Talk about an entire 10-minute drama routine to find that it doesn't give any relief at all. In fact, aside from all the money and trouble and frustration...the only relief found is taking the crummy thing off 15 minutes early because you can't take it anymore!

NOW what do you do with it? Because you CAN'T return the stupid thing to your doctor's office apparently. So you have this huge bag of crap for $400 to throw on the garbage! Make sure you're able to try something like this before you sign for one or don't agree to it at all! Just saying. Lesson learned!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Oct 1, 2019

Hi Shannon, thank you for reaching out to us about your difficulty with your belt order. From the sounds of this, you got this as a claim through your doctor's office? I'm not familiar with this process, nor the $400 price tag.

We do sell this belt on our website, and it is available through Medicare. When purchased directly from us, the cost is only $200, and we have a 90-day money-back guarantee (less the cost of shipping), so that you have ample time to see if the belt works for you. We also have a 24-hour helpline to troubleshoot your fit. You can contact them at 1-877-374-6669 and they can assist with your fit to help make it more comfortable. If you are finding that the belt is too uncomfortable with the braces, I would recommend trying it without the brace, and using the pump alone (or wearing it without inflating as a support). I hope you give us an opportunity to help with the fit and comfort of the belt.

Helpful Review? 5 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 14, 2019

Not what they promised on TV!

By Anna N., Renton, WA, Verified Reviewer

I saw an infomercial on TV so I called the number. I was called back by somebody who said was a doctor and was going to ask me some questions if I qualify. I qualified and received the back belt and knee brace. After a couple of months, Medicare sends me a summary of the bill. For the back belt they sell on Dr. HO'S website for $179.00 CERTIFIED MEDICAL SUPPLY INC charged Medicare $1500. And for the knee brace $1190!

Highway robbery! I called them to return the items but they said I only can return within 30 days.

Knee brace is too bulky and does not fit at all and the belt does totally nothing for my back! OVERRATED AND OVERPRICED, PRETTY MUCH A SCAM!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Oct 15, 2019

Hi Anna, and thank you for your message.

DR-HO'S is a Canadian company. We manufacture and supply the DR-HO'S 2-in-1 Back Relief Belt. Customers can choose to purchase it themselves, or for those who have insurance coverage, may go through a Medical Equipment Supplier. These suppliers are third-party companies that purchase the DR-HO'S belt, then sell them to you by billing the cost to your insurance. DR-HO'S is not authorized to bill Medicare, nor any other insurance plans. That means the amount billed to your Medicare plan was not done by DR-HO'S.

You have also mentioned that the original shipper is named "Certified Medical Supply", which should be a US Durable Medical Equipment Supplier. As such, they would also be the ones that submitted the bill to Medicare, and subsequently to you for the remaining amount. I'm unsure why the amount billed would be $1500, but that was very likely submitted by Certified Med Supply, and not dictated by DR-HO'S. We do not carry a knee brace, so that is not our product. It seems likely that they sent you a brace from another company.

I hope this explanation has given you clarity on the process, and why DR-HO'S was not involved in any of the billing, and therefore, cannot assist with the return. The best course of action now is to contact Medicare to inquire how much Certified Med Supply had billed your policy, whether or not they were paid by Medicare, and if they were paid, what options you have to get that payment reversed back to your policy.

As for the fit of the back brace, we encourage you to contact our Customer Care team at 1-877-374-6669 and they can troubleshoot proper fit to help with your back. It's important to have a snug fit for the belt to be able to help with decompression.

Helpful Review? 10 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 3, 2018

Did it work

By Katrina E., Tacoma, WA, Verified Reviewer

I say no, it caused more pain than doing nothing did. I used the belt with the solid shell board that the belt attaches to. And in less than 10 minutes, I was done. It did nothing good, so I gave it to Goodwill. Sorry, but your product sucks!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 116 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 22, 2019

Would not recommend

By Kev H., North Carolina, Verified Reviewer

I WOULD NOT recommend this device!

I had one of these after my operations, lack of a better word, it’s a joke! It does not work like they claim, very uncomfortable. It leaks down, and did I mention VERY UNCOMFORTABLE?

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Apr 5, 2019

Hi Kev, we are sorry to hear you had issues with your belt. Decompression technology is meant to help stretch and support your back. In our instructions, we suggest only wearing it inflated for no more than an hour. The rest of the time it can be worn as a regular support belt. If you need help troubleshooting how to use the belt, please contact our Customer Care team at 1-877-374-6669.

Helpful Review? 35 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 21, 2020

Very deflating!

By Bill L., Ajax, Ontario, Canada, Verified Reviewer

I had two sized large Dr. Ho's Decompression Belts, an original and a guaranteed replacement. Neither one would hold the air after less than 3 weeks of usage (no it's not the valve). Dr. Ho's service was responsive to the first one but I haven't heard back from them after complaining about the second one. $250 for factory defects? What is your experience? Thanks.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Responsive to first complaint

Non-responsive to second complaint

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Oct 21, 2020

Thank you very much for reaching out to us. Our records indicated that a 2nd replacement was sent to you on September 17th. We want to clarify this issue with your right away. Kindly call our team at 1-877-374-6669 so we can work together to find your 2nd belt.

Thank you.

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on Jun 8, 2015

It is a bit cumbersome, but, has helped me!

By Ronald , Long Beach, CA

I was/am at wits end, I have multiple disc ruptures, severe spinal stenosis, arthritis, some of my ruptures were huge, a 12mm X 8mm at L3-4, which, has given me such pain, limited my walking without a cane and had me contemplating a rest home. I have other HUGE disc ruptures at T12-L1, surgery has been recommended by every orthopedic surgeon & doctor I have seen, but, I resisted, as they would have to split & gut me like a fish I was told! I have been watching Dr. Ho for years on TV & after talking to my back doctor, sent away for the belt, received the belt 3 days after ordering it!

I ripped open the package, I didn't read the instructions, pumped it up and felt INSTANT pain relief! Been one week today, so far, so good, walking without my cane, pain reduced & balance much better! A bit cumbersome to be sure & walking around as a support belt, but, as a therapy belt, hey, see for yourself, I did & happy I bit the bullet!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 146 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 16, 2015

Broken Belt

By Wendy Estergaard , London On. Canada

My husband loved this belt, after 6 months of using every night at work, all the little white rivets popped out and the air valve won't hold the air. I never saw him so sad about anything before. It must have really worked but we can't afford to buy one every 6 months.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 186 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 15, 2019

On the fence

By Melody O., Atlanta, GA, Verified Reviewer

The very first time I used the belt I wore it upside down (the inflation tube positioned on the bottom of the belt on my right). IT HURT! I had to remove it within 2-3 minutes. The next day, I decided to try it again. I actually read the directions and positioned it correctly (with the inflation tube positioned on the top of the belt, my left side). It worked great while I was wearing it but as soon as I took it off the pain returned immediately. Obviously not able to wear it 24/7, but when it is used and used correctly it works!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Mar 14, 2019

Thanks Melody! We are glad to hear that it works when you wear it. Over time I hope your pain is reduced!

Helpful Review? 27 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 9, 2015

It is not a scam.

By Mary Thurman, Las Vegas, NV, Verified Reviewer

I have one and It works Great. Thanks Dr Ho. I just sent in my daughter's address so that she can get help with her back and leg pain.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 113 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 20, 2017

I think it works.

By John Feaster, Ville Platte, LA, Verified Reviewer

I am an octogenarian with a long history of back problems. I have tried chiropractors, acupressure, BENGAY, Capzasin, exercises, bed rest, Advil, massage, and back braces. They all help.

I particularly like this brace. I have had it for about one month. Whether my back is hurting or not, I put it on and pump it up for about an hour every day and wear it while I am walking around, at the computer, etc., then let the air out and either leave it on for several hours or take it off immediately. Yesterday I left it on for 6 hours while on the tractor bush hogging and my back felt fine afterward. When on the tractor or taking long trips, I wear it outside my clothes because I cannot button my trousers over it.

The video that comes with it demonstrates about 10 different back exercises. I tried them once, and they really work, but I am too lazy to stick with them. So far I like this better than any remedy I have tried.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Company Response from DR-HO'S

Feb 22, 2019

Thank you John! We are very happy to hear that you are getting the pain relief you need from the belt. Keep at it with your exercises!

Helpful Review? 133 People Have Voted
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