Vibralung..where can I find it? And for how much?

[MyBabyCeline]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody knows where I can find the Vibralung device for airway clearance? I tried contacting the company more than once but had no answer. I found it through an online retailer but it is sold for $5000 which I feel is too much after going through some posts in this form that discussed its pricing.

I am visiting the US in about 2 weeks and would love to buy one for my daughter after reading great reviews about it.

Any help would be really appreciated.

TIA

 

[Rebjane]

I do not know the answer to your question. I have seen the Vibralung online at the price you stated. I was going to mention about another device that is alot cheaper called the Aerobika.
http://www.aerobika-therapy.com/aerobika-pep-therapy/

I was going to ask our CF clinic about it at my daughter's next appointment. She has never used the Aerobika but it is relatively inexpensive(I've heard). You can attach your nebulizer treatments through it too. I think it runs around $100.

 

[MyBabyCeline]

I do not know the answer to your question. I have seen the Vibralung online at the price you stated. I was going to mention about another device that is alot cheaper called the Aerobika.
http://www.aerobika-therapy.com/aerobika-pep-therapy/

I was going to ask our CF clinic about it at my daughter's next appointment. She has never used the Aerobika but it is relatively inexpensive(I've heard). You can attach your nebulizer treatments through it too. I think it runs around $100.

Thank you for you reply Rebjane!

I just watched the video explaining how the aerobika works and it sounds a lot like the acapella. The problem - in our case - with this kind of devices is that they need positive expiratory pressure which I know my daughter won't be so cooperative with. This is why I really liked the vibralung, as it doesn't need any effort from the patient's part, it only relies on ultrasonic sound waves that go through and break down mucus. The problem is I have no idea where I can buy it or how to check if the price stated online is the best price I can get.

 

[Mg930]

I am in the process of trying to obtain a vibralung. I believe the company is called westmed. Matt is the sales rep and his phone number is 316-371-0339. He is not great with returning messages but is very helpful when I do get him on the phone. I have also been interacting with a woman named Karla who does a lot of the insurance leg work. Her number is 316-390-7000. good luck!

 

[Mg930]

Just realized I mixed up their numbers. Matt is the 7000 number. Sorry!

 

[MyBabyCeline]

I am in the process of trying to obtain a vibralung. I believe the company is called westmed. Matt is the sales rep and his phone number is 316-371-0339. He is not great with returning messages but is very helpful when I do get him on the phone. I have also been interacting with a woman named Karla who does a lot of the insurance leg work. Her number is 316-390-7000. good luck!

Thanks a lot Mg930! This is very helpful I will try contacting him as soon as possible.

 

[mmcpeck]

Maybe I can shed some light on this question. The best way for a patient who hears about the Vibralung Acoustical Percussor to get one is to discuss it first with their CF program care team. It is a prescription device and must be dispensed by an authorized provider who can fill the prescription and initiate billing.


Most CF programs have heard about it over the past couple years at the annual NACFC meetings and from the Westmed sales team. Many have already trialed it and have patients using it. If you mention it to your particular CF program, and they are unaware of it or haven't tried it because they haven’t seen a demand yet, you can be first to request that they investigate it, and you could be the first in their program to trial it.


The MSRP is $5,600. A durable medical equipment (DME) provider will first bill it to the patient’s insurance at this usual and customary price. There have been a number of private insurance companies that have reimbursed for it so far. In the event that it is denied by insurance, after appeals, there may be discounts or alternative mechanisms for obtaining it.


The manufacturer is Westmed, Inc. of Tucson AZ. Matt Washburn, mentioned in one of the messages in this thread, is associated with a device provider named Airway Advancements (AWA) that is authorized by Westmed to distribute the device. AWA is responsible for receiving physician’s prescriptions for Vibralung devices and therapy, conducting insurance billing and providing delivery and patient/family education at the patient’s home plus any other related support responsibilities.


It is best if Matt is not contacted directly by a new patient wishing to try the Vibralung because there is nothing he can do prior to receiving a prescription. However, once you have a prescription, Matt may be contacted at (316) 390-7000. He is on the road a great deal and may take a little while to return the call.


AWA customer service (844) 835-6464) may be contacted by the care team to obtain a special prescription form that can be used (where legally acceptable), which facilitates ordering Vibralung through AWA an starts the process.

I hope this clarifies things. vibralungACT.com

Mike


Michael McPeck, RRT FAARC
Director, Clinical Education
Vibralung Clinical Specialist
Westmed, Inc.
5580 S. Nogales Highway
Tucson, AZ 85706
Cell: (516) 729-9989

mmcpeck@westmedinc.com