Choosing a Medical Supply Company for Ostomy Care

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?

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.

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.

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.  

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

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. 

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….

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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.

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.  

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.

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 🙂

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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. 😊

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

Hello, I had a horrible time figuring out the combination for my bag, staying on for more than 2 hours. After we found the trick, my health care left. I went with Bryam. I have used their app and online laptop. I would check out their app; companies are putting more effort into their apps. But no, except I cannot get spray adhesive remover. I have to go to Edge Park for that. But having said that, I know a gentleman who has a Medicare Advantage plan, and he can get his spray remover from Byram. Call Medicare; they will tell you what you can order each month. Usually, the salespeople do as well. If you feel the company is not letting you order your full amount, again check with Medicare. I have Hollister products, except I use paste instead of barrier rings; I use Coloplast paste. If you do not like one, you can always change. You will need a prescription generally once a year. If your doctor who did the surgery will write a script, that is usually better than your primary, as surgeons/staff deal with this all the time. Good luck.