I need a Rx for tape?!?!?

[BattleScars]

I'm beyond pissed off right now. Baxter and their policies are getting to me. I've been asking for the tape I always get for a month and a half but Baxter refuses to send it to me because I don't have a prescription for it. Are you kidding me? I'm serious, I would have an easier time walking into a bank right now and asking for free money. After begging and begging and having my PD nurse call into Baxter (because it's another policy that Baxter is not allowed to confirm with my nurse that I need this tape) my nurse told me last week it was all set. Now I'll admit, I shouldn't have assumed but I did. A big box of supplies arrived the other day and I assumed the tape was in the box. I ran out of my tape earlier today and I go to open the box and what do you know, NO TAPE!!!

I know some of you might think this is a simple problem but it isn't. I have found only this tape works. Everything else either doesn't stick or causes a reaction. It's the most basic thing and I can't get what I need. I could go to CVS but I've looked at medical tape and for a roll half the size of what I normally use it runs $7 a roll or more and it's not even the right tape. Another thing is I have no money until Thursday. It's the perfect storm because everything has lined up to make this a disaster being that's it's Sat evening and even if I could go to Davita and get a couple of rolls they are closed until Monday. I can't even tape my transfer set to secure it.

I don't know if I'm more angry at Davita or Baxter. My PD nurse sent me the wrong amount of boxes, some of them are the wrong volume, 2000 instead of the 2500's, and she sent me a bunch of sh*t I don't use or will never need. But no tape. She asked me several times what I need but she doesn't listen when I tell her.

This isn't just about tape.  It's like this. I've been a PD patient for 2 years now. I know what I need and don't need. Why can't she just order the stuff I've been getting all along? Why make this so difficult? As you can tell I'm very angry. I'm sick of being so dependent on stupid people for simple things. I hate having to go to the dr just to get a BP medication refill, I think all BP meds should be over the counter for patients that have to take them for the rest of their lives. So you can see why I'm so mad I need a prescription for something so damn simple. All it does is ad more red tape (no pun intended) to the mix.

Any suggestions aside from going to my local CVS and spending money I don't have on a crappy roll of tape that probably won't work? 

[BattleScars]

Sorry if I'm sounding so negative. I realize after reading what I wrote I sound like a negative nancy. I know some people have much worse problems than medical tape. I'm just ranting over something so simple making my life so difficult. Not trying to minimize anyone else's problems. I apologize if my tone is negative.

[Rerun]

You are just fine.  More of a vent.....   Love it.  Makes me feel like I'm not alone.

[jeannea]

I'm confused why you need tape. When I was on PD the only thing I used tape for was my showers. I would tape my tube to my belly during the shower because I didn't like it hanging down. I didn't even know Baxter provided tape.

It's ok to be upset when you're not getting the things you need. Dialysis is tough.

[Riki]

I'm confused why you need tape. When I was on PD the only thing I used tape for was my showers. I would tape my tube to my belly during the shower because I didn't like it hanging down. I didn't even know Baxter provided tape.

It's ok to be upset when you're not getting the things you need. Dialysis is tough.

did you not have a dressing?  You need tape for that.. what I had for that was a specialized tape that was about 2 inches wide, and I'd tape my transfer set to it so that it wasn't getting in the way..

[Shaks24]

I got my first order from Fresenius. It included a box of 3m medical tape. It works real good. I use one strip to tack the catheter down 2 inches from exit site and 2 strips on the top and bottom of a 2x2 that covers the exit site. I change it every morning and every evening. I understand your frustration if you are supposed to get it and do not. Good medical tape is expensive as heck at retail outlets. They are supposed to supply us with what we need to do self care as they trained us which includes care of the catheter and the exit site. Thats a bunch of BS.

[jeannea]

No Riki actually I did not use a dressing. I'm an idiot that I didn't think of that. I would put gentamycin ointment on the site at night but then just let my underwear cover it. Twice the tube got pulled too hard and started bleeding (accidents of course) and then I would put a gauze on it for a couple of days. I would buy my own paper tape because I hate silk tape but like I said only 2 pieces for each shower. I forgot a lot of people use dressings. It just wasn't policy at my center. I would touch the area as little as possible and it stayed pretty healthy.

Sorry for being stupid.

[BattleScars]

I'm confused why you need tape. When I was on PD the only thing I used tape for was my showers. I would tape my tube to my belly during the shower because I didn't like it hanging down. I didn't even know Baxter provided tape.

It's ok to be upset when you're not getting the things you need. Dialysis is tough.

I guess everyone has different methods. I know some people don't use tape at all but I would be so nervous. How do you keep your transfer set in place without tape? I'm probably a tape freak and overdo it.

[BattleScars]

I got my first order from Fresenius. It included a box of 3m medical tape. It works real good. I use one strip to tack the catheter down 2 inches from exit site and 2 strips on the top and bottom of a 2x2 that covers the exit site. I change it every morning and every evening. I understand your frustration if you are supposed to get it and do not. Good medical tape is expensive as heck at retail outlets. They are supposed to supply us with what we need to do self care as they trained us which includes care of the catheter and the exit site. Thats a bunch of BS.

I think that's what gets me so upset is the point I have to get permission to have tape, like I might OD on tape or something lol. I did stop by CVS but they had a very limited selection. I like using the cloth medical tape. I can't remember what it's called now but I think I have the order number. I ended up searching through some boxes and found some tape that will have to work for the rest of the weekend until I can call Baxter on Monday.

[jeannea]

BattleScars, I didn't do anything to keep my transfer set in place. When I got in bed I just put it on the bed or on me or whatever. If I rolled over while awake I just moved it with my hand. If I was asleep whatever happened was fine. But I totally understand. If you need tape then you should get tape. And they should tell you if they're not going to ship something that you ordered.

I'm often surprised what we need orders for. Once in the hospital I was too weak to walk. They had taken out my catheter. But even with those two pieces of information I needed a separate order for a bedside commode. The nurse isn't allowed to use her common sense and get one. I suspect with your tape if they don't have an order then they can't get paid.

[BattleScars]

Yeah it's probably some policy in place that has to do with money. It's sad though that we can't order simple stuff like that on our own. And yeah I'm too paranoid to not use tape. I mean I wish I wasn't because I deal with the sticky residue all the time on my skin. I just feel so much safer having it super secure lol

[obsidianom]

Micropore Tape Paper Tape by 3M BUY Options.Related Products.
 
 # Size or Variation Unit Quantity Price Qty
15300 1/2 Inch x 10 Yards, White Box of 24 $9.09   
15300 1/2 Inch x 10 Yards, White Case of 240 $90.05   
15300 1/2 Inch x 10 Yards, White Each $0.39   
15301 1 Inch x 10 Yards, White Box of 12 $8.68   
15301 1 Inch x 10 Yards, White Case of 120 $86.83   
15301 1 Inch x 10 Yards, White Each $0.78   
15302 2 Inch x 10 Yards, White Box of 6 $7.48   
15302 2 Inch x 10 Yards, White Case of 60 $74.77   
15302 2 Inch x 10 Yards, White Each $1.53   
15303 3 Inch x 10 Yards, White Box of 4 $7.29   
15303 3 Inch x 10 Yards, White Case of 40 $66.99   
15303 3 Inch x 10 Yards, White Each $2.30   
15330 1/2 inch x 10 yards Tan Box of 24 $16.

I found this by doing a simple internet search with "surgical tape" as my search. I like 3m brand and use it myself at home  and in office. Notice you can purchase 2 inch tape at box of 6 for $7.48.  If you cant get it from your dialysis people use the internet for quick purchase to hold you.

[Riki]

that appears to be the paper tape, not the cloth tape

it was the cloth tape that I used for dressings, because it stuck better.  The paper tape doesn't stick well to me, even now, when it's used to hold my needles in, they sometimes have to use plastic tape over the paper tape to keep everything stuck

this is actually what I used.  It was 3m Medipore tape
http://www.3m.com/Product/information/Medipore-H-Soft-Cloth-Surgical-Tape.html

[BattleScars]

When I call baxter tomorrow I'll find out which tape it was I used. I really liked it. This stuff I'm using in the meantime rips my skin when I pull it off. It was def a cloth tape. It was also much wider. I think 2x2 squares

[Tío Riñon]

Sounds like you might be using a variation of Tagaderm.  It is a product made by 3M and is a very good option, but expensive.  I started ordering it directly from 3M and have also found it from medical supply companies on Amazon.

[BattleScars]

I need to find out who makes this. I'm starting to feel like it's worth more than gold. Today I find out my nurse only allows me to have one roll per month! WTH? I go through a roll a week. I called Baxter today and they finally called my nurse and she reluctantly said I could have 4 rolls a month. I had been getting 6 rolls every month. If I would have known just how stingy she was going to be I would have stocked some away. Doesn't my insurance pay for this tape anyways? She acts like it's coming out of her pocket. Still waiting to hear back from her to see if I can even get a couple rolls to get me by til my next order. Getting so frustrated at this tape saga. 

[Rerun]

Medicare and your insurance pays plenty.  I'm thinking these nurses get some sort of kick back if they keep costs down.  So, it really is coming out of their pocket.   

[BattleScars]

I think I found my tape. It's $70 a case for 12 rolls. http://www.amazon.com/3M-Medipore-Cloth-2962-Surgical/dp/B000ZP2TTA. I'm about ready to spring for my own. Baxter says it will take up to 10 days. It would be faster just to order it from amazon. Expensive but I'm tired of relying on dumb people.

[BattleScars]

Medicare and your insurance pays plenty.  I'm thinking these nurses get some sort of kick back if they keep costs down.  So, it really is coming out of their pocket.   

Didn't look at it that way but you're probably right.

[Simon Dog]

I deal with Fresenius (FMC).  All items on my monthly order must be on my Rx, and are quantity limited to the amount specified as the max in the Rx.  Some things don't make a lot of sense - I can order two cases of 24 hemo line sets in a month, but am limited to 3 cases of 12 filters.   The reason for this will probably be answered when someone explains why hotdogs come 10 to a pack and buns 8 to a pack.

On the good side - The limits are not generally problematic; I can order what I need or more; and nobody seems to be tracking me down to the last filter or pack of gauze.   When there is some thing I need that they carry, but is not on my Rx, I email the FMC customer service team requesting the item be added to my order and that they check with my RN for authorization.  I don't need to do this often, but when I do, it happens seamlessly and the item is added to my order without problem.

[obsidianom]

We deal with fresenius too. I find them fairly easy to deal with. If I want anything changed I call our nurses . Anything major i get the nephrologist to order first , then the nurses have to follow it up . They have been good to us other than the issue I am having trying to get shorter fistula needles(5/8 inch) . The doctor okayed it but the Fresenius beaurocracy is slow getting it okayed.
Nxstage is easy to deal with too. I fill out an on line order monthly and it comes 2 weeks later.
WE also deal with a company for my wifes feeding tube pump and supplies/food. It also comes monthly. Our second floor is full of cases of various supplies.

[BattleScars]

I feel like all this does is create a bunch a red tape and complications. I know what I need but can't get the supplies without jumping through all kinds of hoops. I understand prescriptions for things like controlled substances but this is absurd. I could also understand that I'm not allowed to order 30 boxes of tape but I'm only asking for what I need. As I sit here tonight I'm still without my tape and the stuff I'm using to get by is tearing at my skin and causing major itching and rashes. My PD nurse informed me today on the phone that she has been "dealing with patients that have real emergencies" and she doesn't have time for this. I'm beyond annoyed. Look, it's tape. Why the F is it so complicated for her to just order me what I need? This is why I would love to cut out the middle man here. Unless I pay $70 out of my own pocket and order this from Amazon I won't be getting this tape until next week at the earliest. I'm the customer right? I mean my insurance is paying $20K a month for these bozos to do their jobs. I wish I could take my business someplace else but they don't care because they know as a dialysis patient my options are limited. I mean even Baxter is in no rush to get me this tape. What other business would just let their customer suffer?

[Bill Peckham]

I feel like all this does is create a bunch a red tape and complications. I know what I need but can't get the supplies without jumping through all kinds of hoops. I understand prescriptions for things like controlled substances but this is absurd. I could also understand that I'm not allowed to order 30 boxes of tape but I'm only asking for what I need. As I sit here tonight I'm still without my tape and the stuff I'm using to get by is tearing at my skin and causing major itching and rashes. My PD nurse informed me today on the phone that she has been "dealing with patients that have real emergencies" and she doesn't have time for this. I'm beyond annoyed. Look, it's tape. Why the F is it so complicated for her to just order me what I need? This is why I would love to cut out the middle man here. Unless I pay $70 out of my own pocket and order this from Amazon I won't be getting this tape until next week at the earliest. I'm the customer right? I mean my insurance is paying $20K a month for these bozos to do their jobs. I wish I could take my business someplace else but they don't care because they know as a dialysis patient my options are limited. I mean even Baxter is in no rush to get me this tape. What other business would just let their customer suffer?

You're private pay insurance and you're getting jerked around by DaVita? What happened to the red carpet for Hippers? The tape is a basic supply item, it is already being billed for when they bill per PD treatment. I'd call your insurance company and let them know that DaVita is requiring separate prescriptions (and I assume billing separately) for items that are required to preform a safe treatment and are thus paid for when the PD treatment is paid for.

But the fastest way to resolve this is as a privately insured dialyzor all you have to do is let it be know that you're talking with an competing unit, thinking of transfering and you'll get all the tape you'd ever want

[BattleScars]

I feel like all this does is create a bunch a red tape and complications. I know what I need but can't get the supplies without jumping through all kinds of hoops. I understand prescriptions for things like controlled substances but this is absurd. I could also understand that I'm not allowed to order 30 boxes of tape but I'm only asking for what I need. As I sit here tonight I'm still without my tape and the stuff I'm using to get by is tearing at my skin and causing major itching and rashes. My PD nurse informed me today on the phone that she has been "dealing with patients that have real emergencies" and she doesn't have time for this. I'm beyond annoyed. Look, it's tape. Why the F is it so complicated for her to just order me what I need? This is why I would love to cut out the middle man here. Unless I pay $70 out of my own pocket and order this from Amazon I won't be getting this tape until next week at the earliest. I'm the customer right? I mean my insurance is paying $20K a month for these bozos to do their jobs. I wish I could take my business someplace else but they don't care because they know as a dialysis patient my options are limited. I mean even Baxter is in no rush to get me this tape. What other business would just let their customer suffer?

You're private pay insurance and you're getting jerked around by DaVita? What happened to the red carpet for Hippers? The tape is a basic supply item, it is already being billed for when they bill per PD treatment. I'd call your insurance company and let them know that DaVita is requiring separate prescriptions (and I assume billing separately) for items that are required to preform a safe treatment and are thus paid for when the PD treatment is paid for.

But the fastest way to resolve this is as a privately insured dialyzor all you have to do is let it be know that you're talking with an competing unit, thinking of transfering and you'll get all the tape you'd ever want

I once got a bill from Blue Cross by accident. My previous clinic was billing them just over $20K for one month! I don't know if this includes all my supplies, I assume it does, but you're right, I feel like something fishy is going on. I'm going on my 24th month of dialysis and I think after the 30th month or the 33rd I have to sign up for medicare? But for now all this fuss over tape is ridiculous.

[Simon Dog]

We deal with fresenius too. I find them fairly easy to deal with. If I want anything changed I call our nurses . Anything major i get the nephrologist to order first , then the nurses have to follow it up . They have been good to us other than the issue I am having trying to get shorter fistula needles(5/8 inch) . The doctor okayed it but the Fresenius beaurocracy is slow getting it okayed.
Nxstage is easy to deal with too. I fill out an on line order monthly and it comes 2 weeks later.
WE also deal with a company for my wifes feeding tube pump and supplies/food. It also comes monthly. Our second floor is full of cases of various supplies.

The RN I deal with told me that shorter needles aren't in the FMC formulary, and from what I see on the web the current FMC supplier does not even make the short needles.  Can you advise what particular needle you neph is ordering (blunt or sharp) and how things are going with regards to getting the approval?

I once got a bill from Blue Cross by accident. My previous clinic was billing them just over $20K for one month! I don't know if this includes all my supplies, I assume it does, but you're right, I feel like something fishy is going on. I'm going on my 24th month of dialysis and I think after the 30th month or the 33rd I have to sign up for medicare? But for now all this fuss over tape is ridiculous.

FMC bills my insurer over $3K/treatement, which works out to about $50K/month.  The "paid in full" price paid is a bit over $400/treatment.