FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   Q. How does insurance billing work?   A. Insurance billing can be a very complex thing to explain. Because insurance companies have different contracts with different policies you should contact our office for any specific questions.   Q. I received a letter from your company requesting me to pick rental or purchase option on my wheelchair. Which option should I choose?   A. That option is strictly up to the patient and or guardian. The Medicare Administration requires us to give the option on capped rental at the 10th month of rental. If the patient chooses rental, Medicare will pay five more months (total of 15) and then the equipment is capped. This means that the equipment is still owned by Hometown Respiratory, but if any repairs are required for as long as the patient needs the equipment, Hometown is responsible for the repair. The Medicare administration will continue to pay one months rental every six months to help offset some of the ongoing overhead or repairs.   If the patient chooses the purchase option Medicare will pay three more months (total of 13) and Hometown Respiratory will then transfer ownership of that equipment to the patient. The patient then could be responsible for repairs.   Until all months are paid, the equipment remains owned by Hometown Respiratory. If the patient does not respond to the letter, Medicare requires us to put the equipment into continued rental option.   Q. If my insurance changes, di I need to notify Hometown Respiratory?   A. Yes. It is very important that Hometown Respiratory stay advised of all insurance changes. Please call the billing center at 1-800-464-0596 and ask for the billing department to update this information.   Q. I currently use another company for my home oxygen and am not happy. How do I change to your services?   A. All of your care starts with your physician. Discuss this with him/her and tell them of your desire to change to our service. We will be glad to assist you with the orders and coordination with changing equipment out with your current provider.   If you have any further questions please call 1-800-464-0596 or send email to: info@hometownrespiratory.com   © Copyright 2005 Hometown Respiratory Consultants, Inc.