Insurance issues

[J&Jsmomee]

Hello! Everyone! Get this and tell me if you think its ridiculous. Joel's South Carolina Medicaid will pay for 15 trachs a month , but only one suction canister and one suction tubing!! I just got a bill for $50 to pay for the other canisters and tubing I need for the month.
Who comes up with these rules??? Obviously, someone who knows nothing about caring for trachs!! I just don't get it!
Sorry, but I had to vent!
Does anyone know where I can order cheap suction canisters and tubing online???

[Shari]

Lisa-
Why are you having to use so many? We've had the same tubing and canister for 6 or 8 months. I just keep one extra incase the canister cracks. Every night, we empty the canister, rinse with really hot water, then suction a little Listerine mouth wash up the tubing. That really helps disinfect it. And, the mouth wash in the canister really keeps down smells and makes cleaning easier. Then, once a week, I soak the canister and tubing in vinegar water. Jacob has had his trach for 18 mths and we've had no problems with this method.
-Shari

[J&Jsmomee]

We need 3 only because we have 3 suction units. One stationary and 2 portable. I was told by the Respiratory Therapist and the nurse that we are supposed to change them out monthly. Its a form of "infection control" I guess. If noone else is doing it though, I guess I won't either! I still think its a silly rule though!

[Ann]

Shari,
Great idea about using Listerine. Â*I'm going to try that. Â*We were always told to control everything, but I never have the time. Â*In the past, when I had a night nurse, she would do it. Â*But now that I don't, it seems I never get Jack's equipment cleaned Â* The Listerine will be an easy solution!

Ann

I have three suction canisters a month, due to they break easily (crack). We clean with Control 3 solution everynight, it kills anything. Good luck.
Jodi