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
13 people found it helpful
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Company Response from DR-HO'S
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.