Lincare Holdings
Reviews and Complaints

My husband, Patrick Stroh, was discharged from the University of Minnesota Hospital on Friday, 8/25. He was to have oxygen set up in our home and needs 5-8 liters. The Lincare representative and self-proclaimed “manager” delivered two oxygen tanks to the hospital to get him home, and it was discussed with him the level of oxygen use Patrick required. He was told we were leaving shortly (3:45PM) and he said he would contact the driver to let him know as we only had about 4 hours of oxygen. We called "Evan" in Minneapolis as instructed when we got home at 5PM to let him know we were there. Evan said he would contact the driver to get oxygen delivered. At 6:30PM, I called Lincare at [protected] and held for 45 minutes before hanging up. At 7:15PM my husband was almost out of oxygen, so I rushed him to the ER where he ran out just as we arrived. Our ER doctor tried many times to navigate the Lincare web of phone numbers and people who said it wasn't their fault or responsibility, to the point that he gave up. We got a call from the Lincare driver "Matt" after 10PM as we were still in the ER, saying he had other deliveries, didn't know of our time-frame, and was on his way. We told him we were going with another service set up by the hospital ER. Since then, I have not been able to reach anyone at Lincare. Someone has tried to transfer me to Evan twice, but somehow the phone doesn't get answered and it roles to Florida. Lincare is irresponsible, reckless, and incompetent. They have no business being responsible for any aspect of patients' health. I plan to pursue them for emergency room expenses at least.

Hi, I am writing this Complaint regarding a Patient we have been trying to get in since April to get a cpap machine. I have talked to countless people between your Fredricksburg office and the Chantilly office which know one was able to help. I work for a Doctor that refers a lot of patient to lincare for whatever they need. Our office IS VERY DISAPPOINTED with you in the care for the patients . I called the go to person hired by Lincare by the name of Kim Christiansen to help me with this issue back in July, which she didn't . I finally got a hold of her again today 8/23/17 to see what was going on with this patient and she gave me a number for a manager that could further help me but when i called that number the phone just rang, there was no VM set up for Douglas Harlow . I finally got a call from Shelley and she seem know what she is doing and i re fax for the 10 th time all the patients info so that we can get the patient set up. I hope that happens. So the bottom line is its been VERY FRUSTRATING dealing with your company . I will also be calling Medicare to let them know how you all do business with your medicare Patients, because it seems that Lincare is to over whom with getting all the Medicare patient acct, that they are dropping the ball. I know for sure we are not the only Practice complaining about how you all do business.

I have been with Lincare since the first of the year. I had no problem getting the home concentrator and oxygen bottles. My complaint is, I had told Adam I would be taking a vacation and it involved being on airplanes which oxygen bottles are not allowed. He told me that Lincare needed to have at least 3 months of billing before he could get me the POC. That was fine, My doctor and my pulmonoligist both sent him an order for this and also a medical of necessity certificate as will. Adam had nothing but one excuse after another telling me he needed both those letters mentioned above when in fact he had them already. Seems he is the only one in there that handles the orders. The man is overwhelmed with paper work and gives your company a bad reputation. I thought Bennett Medical Supplies was bad but Lincare makes them look top notch. This is the worst company I have ever dealt with by far. I cancelled my service.

My mother has been homebound due to Lincare not providing her with a portable air concentrator. Her doctor submitted the necessary information needed to provide her with one. She had been trying for over 2 months. Now they say it will be another month. Deaconess Hospital provided another company to another relative and he received hers with a week which was also paid through medicare. Why does it take so long and is it going to be a poor quality concentrator when it does goes through? And they had not serviced her home unit for over a year.

I am the wife of a COPD patient who depends on OXYGEN for his life.
1.The first problem was after our move, TEXAS and LATHAM, NY couldn't get the account transferred--it's been one year!
2. Stan rents a big concentrator and a portable concentrator from LINCARE. He was told 3 MONTHS AGO to turn the portable in for servicing and NOONE will get back to him about a replacement--VERY UNCARING ATTITUDE and EXTREMELY UNORGANIZED, and PLAIN RUDE! Stan owns a portable besides the one we rent (thank Heavens) and it is in need of a tune up--WHAT DOES HE DO? WE FEEL SO ANGRY AND HELPLESS!
3. Finally our insurance company got through to them and we were told to provide ANOTHER PRESCRIPTION--we did and still NOTHING!
4. LINCARE does take care of his Bi-Pap machine and service on his home CONCENTRATOR and the service representative who came out this week AGAIN because the LATHAM office lost the record that he had already serviced the big concentrator three months ago and told us then to turn in the portable for a tune up/repairs. He was shocked to hear how Stan has been treated and we thought he would be an advocate for us--but still haven't heard A THING! WHAT IS STAN TO DO IF HE'S OUT SOMEWHERE AND HIS PORTABLE GIVES OUT BECAUSE HE CAN'T SEND IT IN FOR REPAIR BECAUSE HE HAS NO OTHER BACK UP?

It's scarey and dangerous. My husband almost died before our move here so this is SERIOUS as it is with ALL your patients!

I worked for Lincare in 2007 for the Corvallis, Oregon store. My manager told me the store was closing and we would all need to look for another job. Shortly thereafter my manager was discharged. I gave a 2 months notice of quit. Why am I not eligible for re-hire? Please is it possible to appeal this decision? I have 10 years experience now as a RT. Please help, please reply as I did not even get a reply from the email I sent to [protected]@lincare. I have a spotless perfect record in every way. I'm scheduled for am interview tomorrow.
Please help me.
Sincerely.
Denise

My Mom has been trying to get supplies for her bi-pap machine since November 2016. Her strap broke and I found her unresponsive and had to call 911. She was in the intensive care unit and almost died. That was over a month ago. I found her one more time since then where her mask broke and came undone. Last night her tubing broke and we had to duct tape it. When my Mom or I call Lincare they say the doctor has not filled out the paperwork. The doctor says Lincare won't tell him what part is not complete. I really do not want my Mom to die it does not feel like Lincare even cares.

Customer service is horrible. Have been on oxygen for severe C0PD since release from hospital on 7/29/17. Have never been contacted by a rep to explain how this program works. I was told by a delivery driver that I was on automatic replenishment, but every Monday when delivery is due, I have to call to remind them about my expected delivery, and getting hold of someone to speak to is a never ending battle. I am filing a complaint with Medicare shortly.

For 2 years in a row, I have had a problem with the Garland, TX office delivering a concentrator to the Omni Hotel in Dallas, TX. This untimely delivery caused me to miss several short sessions in an Expo/Exhibit Hall that were vital to my business. I have checked with my local office, Peoria, IL, and they have a paper trail that says the message for the delivery was received and confirmed but the TX office, when I called them, said they had no paperwork about the delivery. I did not receive my concentrator until 11:30 a.m. and I had requested that it be delivered the previous day so all would be ready when I arrived at the hotel at 8 a.m. I have written a letter of complaint and addressed it to the CEO but have had no response even though it has been over 2 weeks. I also sent a copy of the letter to the BBB of Clearwater, FL and gave a copy to my local Lincare office. I think ample time has passed and I deserve an answer to my complaint since this also happened in March at the Minneapolis, MN Hilton. All of these were functions for education, seminars, etc. to do with my business as an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.

Last August I gave my local office a prescription from my pulmonary doctor for a Portable oxygen concentrator (POC ) I was told it would take 6 to 8 weeks to get it. I have been in touch with my local office at least weekly for a year now. Every time I call I get A different excuse. I have even talked to them in person! I have called the corporate offices repeatedly can not talk to anyone but the girl that answer's the phone. They (billing) should know by now what the problem is and why I haven't received the POC.

Your immediate response is requested! Please respond with some kind of answer.

When I signed up for Lincare about 5 years ago, I was told about a 20 percent CO pay, so I told the sales lady no thanks, I pay nothing at the clinic I go to weekly and then she informed me that they would take care of the 20 percent CO pay so I would pay nothing and have a machine at home to monitor my blood weekly. They sent me a hardship form to fill out and I did, I also did not receive another hardship form yearly and this was taken care of for 3 years. Go forward to May of 2016 and I started to receive a bill on every order of new test strips, I called, complained etc.. No return phone calls, just a nasty reminder I owed them money. They finally sent me another hardship form in November or 2016 and I got a reply with only 40 percent of the 20 percent CO pay would be allowed, here we go again, I called repeatedly, stated my case and told them to pick up their machine I was done with them. This company has issues with bad service, lie about having someone call you back and never do. I would wait for long minutes on the phone to get this bill to go away, even asked for a supervisor to talk to and to no avail. I have a total bill of 559.49 dollars and they keep sending my a pink notice and that this would go into my credit bureau. This Company has major issues all across the board, from customer service, to wrong billing, to not calling back when they say they will. I received a bill for 2 months and I got no strips to monitor my blood. I have Lupus Antiquagulant and need to be checked weekly or I could clot up or bleed to death and this company does not care. They over bill my insurance Company and demand me pay this balance. What am I to do, who can I call to help me? Maybe the better business bureau? Please help, My phone number is [protected] and my email is [protected]@gmail.com. thanks.

We get oxygen, portable oxygen, and nebulizer from Lincare in Katy for many years. I wanted to go to the Katy office about problem again with the nebulizer but I am told when I call the Katy number this morning at 8am that they are not in that office and the Houston office takes a call back. This is about the 4-5 time I have gotten this call back promise and each time I am not called back and I told them (Houston office) this. We have had problems with this nebulizer since day 1. It has always taken allot longer than the previous machine that we got from you that stopped working. They told us before that it was fine. Now it is taking over an hour and spoke is still coming. It is slightly over 2 years old and on the back of the machine it states that it has a 5 year warranty. I spoke to Edgar, then Victer who assured me that Sofa would call back today. I am still waiting with little belief again that I will be called back. This is terrible customer service not to call customers back over and over again.

For over two years my oxygen has been delivered Monday mornings yesterday I waited till near 12 o'clock which I have a appointment every Monday and no delivery. When I came home a note was on the door that lincare had been there at 2:18 and to call for rescheduling. I did and it was totally like my fault, not a concerned person. The no longer have a delivery person for West Springfield, Ma. and I should have just waited. Not a caring or understanding responsive I expected. Its now the next day and I still haven't heard from them. They give me the impression that I should just sit at home and wait for them to deliver. I might be on oxygen but have many commitments and am really upset over this which does not help my breathing. Thank you for listening. Mary Wolff

Let me begin by saying..., I truly do not know"where" to begin. I am 76 years old, on constant oxygen, and cepap. The only reason I continue to use lincare is because there are times when I must travel to family reunions, etc., and to date I have not had a problem with delivery in other states.
At home, they are completely undependable. Today, I was to have received oxygen. I called a few hours ago to verify that I was on the list. As usual, my local office did not answer, and I spoke to someone in another state that of course promised they would have someone call me. Naturally, I never received a return call. I feel confident that the person with whom I spoke, sent the message to the beltsville, but they simply did not respond. This has been going on for years. It is difficult for me to plan, as I must stay at home, until I receive my oxygen. Unfortunately, it often does not arrive as promised.
Three years ago, when my original cpap company refused to accept medicare, I attempted to switch to lincare. As requested, I sent all the required information, some of which I had to pay. After 3 months, I had to have my doctor recommend another company. To date, they have not apologized, nor have they given an explanation for the problem.
It is ever so depressing to know that you are at the mercy of people who obviously, do not care. Please help!

Last week I referred a patient to Lincare in Evansville, IN for oxygen and feeding supplement. Before he discharged, I called them and spoke with Tammy, who informed me of everything needed to order his feeding supplement. He discharged on Thursday 7/20, and I had faxed over his referral info on 7/19 (I also informed her that we were sending him home with some supplements). We were informed YESTERDAY on 7/24 that they are still needing additional information for his supplements. I even included, when I faxed everything over on 7/19, to call me ASAP if anything else was needed. Our patient had been home for 4 days before Lincare informed us they needed additional info. What would have happened if we didn't send him home with supplements already?

There was an issue in ordering his oxygen as well. I submitted everything that was requested on 7/19 in the morning hours (since oxygen requires a face to face order from the MD, and the MD couldn't see him until 7/19). I included on this fax as well to call me ASAP if anything else was needed. They had at least half of a business day to get back to me. I heard from them at 10:00 AM on 7/20 (the day he discharged) that they needed a physician signature on one more line.

At a previous job, I ordered from Lincare often and had pleasant experiences and positive feedback from residents who used them. I hope this was a one-time thing.

Prescribed a CPAP unit after a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Unit and instruction (very thorough and informative). At the time of obtaining the unit I was told that insurance would cover the cost of the unit with the stipulation that the unit be used for a minimum amount of time over an initial time interval.
I later realized that Lincare had been billing insurance (BCBS of NC) $339.57 per month with my copay of $123.13 monthly. When questioned about the charges Lincare "central" and their local office stated that the unit was a rental. That was the first time the term "rental" was used.
For this price I could have purchased two units out of pocket. I was told the price was justified due to follow-up and availability provided by Lincare. Having had the unit for 6+ months, there had been no expertise provided following the initial instructions. There was also difficulty obtaining supplies for the unit, necessitating a private internet purchase of needed accessories.
In my opinion Lincare is guilty fraud and price gouging.
Beware!

Richard L Campbell, xxx-xx-8446 of Beaverton, Or is using a bipap machine issued by Lincare. When authorization was given to use our debit card we were told the charges would be appox. $12.00 month. That amount was correct in May and June. This month, July, my account was debited $97.07. This amount was not authorized and put our account in the negative. I want an explanation of why the amount is so high and we were not notified of any billing changes. He is covered by Medicare, parts A, B and D. I am contesting this amount with my bank. This amount showed up on July 22nd 2017. Contact us at [protected] to discuss this situation. Thank you, Gayle Campbell (wife)

Started oxygen end of 2016 with LinCare. Met my out of pocket in Nov 2016 - no co-pays. Co-pays began Jan 2017. Received health insurance EOB, monthly co-pays $31.50/month. Called to make payments in Jan, Feb, March 2017 and wouldn't accept. Their records listed 0 co-pays. Needed to call my insurance with problem. April 2017 sent me a bill for 4 months of co-pays. My husband and I receive SS and small pension so co-pay amount is substantial for us. Asked for a financial statement in March and reviewed in April-turned down. My husband and I go to the food bank to help with the groceries we can't afford. Our income doesn't last through the end of each month-robbing Peter to pay Paul. Have made at least 20 calls to make a compromise for balance of account. They examine my EOBs and state " I have balance of $157.50, insurance paid so billing is correct". Will not take responsibility for ignorance of 3 months and have no compassion for patient. Is that a business that is reputable and concerned? I think not! I am located in Broomfield, CO.

On one hand, I have to admit they let me come at other than normal times, and they waited for me two or three times when I was stuck in traffic. Aside from that, I don't have anything positive to say.

I would better refer to my experience there as a "Cattle Call." They have very limited hours to see the "nurses, " (if that's what they really are), and you have to sit and wait to see one - no real appointments. My first CPAP mask, although marked as the proper size, didn't fit properly. I had to go round and round with them to replace it. When it didn't work out, I went in and after that and several times more, they would "throw" (said tongue in cheek) a mask at me and tell me I'd like it. They knew before I got there what they would give me. Being new to the CPAP world, I thought this was the normal way equipment purchases at a DME went. It was several weeks later when, still unhappy with the fit of the masks I was "given, " an old friend of mine told me about his experience in getting his CPAP equipment. He was in another state and with a different company. They made an appointment with him and he was there for about two hours, as I recall. They explained all the different masks and types and let him try them on to find the best style and fit for him. I NEVER had an experience like that with Lincare and didn't know it was the status quo to sit with the patient and help him/her choose a mask with headgear he/she could tolerate well, and be comfortable with. This is one of the most serious situations a person might ever end up in and being treated properly, finding a proper and comfortable fit that will not leak, in a mask shouldn't be taken insincerely, as I felt Lincare did. Fit, type of mask and pillow, and headgear ALL play an important part in your decision. They offered nothing like that. In addition, I was lied to by one of the "nurses" who gave me one mask and mentioned that was the one she used. On an subsequent visit, I mentioned that and she acted offended and said, "I (with an emphasis on I) don't use a mask." When I discussed going to another DME, she told me I couldn't go anywhere else for a year, contrary to what both Medicare and Blue Cross, who handles my insurance supplement said. She also told me that anything I bought out of pocket would not be eligible for insurance coverage on parts replacements, ie, regular mask, cushion, headgear, etc.replacements, and she laid out the cost of out of pocket purchases for each. None of this was true. Last, contacting them directly with a complaint is next to impossible. This is not proper or respectful medical care and they are not fulfilling their role to the customer.

It might behoove them start treating and servicing their customers with respect and considering them as patients, not just customers, by counseling and educating them to provide what they need in choosing medical equipment instead of presenting them with a virtual cattle call, just to say they served them and collected the payment. They would probably complain about my repeated visits and mask changes, however they have only themselves to blame. They never sat down discussed much, if anything with me, gave me a true fitting, or let me have much of a say, if any in what I was getting.

I have emailed twice and only received one response and no follow up which was to be provided. It took me almost 3 months to get my CPAP due to the Owensboro, KY office not communicating with me, each other, etc. I came in once and was told I had no appointment. It was cancelled the prior week and was suppose to be reset but wasn't. Mask wasn't right and had to be reordered, no respiratory therapist in house and other instances of inept. Finally at almost 3 months I get the thing. After trying for about a month I was told by Lincare to take the SD card to my doctor to be read. I open the door to the card and there is no card. I was just fed up! Your company is awful and I called right then and spoke to the answering service who was to let the office know I was bringing the machine back. WTH? Can you all get nothing right? I told Jaime at the Owensboro office that I am not paying for my month. You all made this the most horrible experience and did everything you could to bumble the whole damn job. I will give Jaime one credit. She was always polite and apologized but that still doesn't make my experience with your company a good one. Hell, I would settle for semi-ok but I didn't even get that. So, take your bill and write it off. Cust ID is [protected]. Total due $9.50. What I went through with your company was awful. I am going through breast cancer treatment through this whole thing as well and if you think the 6-7 times I had to drive there and dealing with cancer at the same time was easy, you are sadly mistaken. Your services suck, plain and simple. You should be paying me instead of wanting money. I will be checking to see what agency monitors how you work and will be sending them a complaint as well. Maybe you all need some kind of monitoring to make sure you are doing things properly.

Sincerely,

Teresa Goins