Terms of Use

UniversalMed Supply Terms of Use

Effective Date: February 1, 2021

Authorization/Consent for Care/Service: The patient or representative (“patient”) has been informed of the home care treatment and product options available to them and of the selection of providers from which the patient may choose. The patient further authorizes UniversalMed Supply under the direction of the patient’s prescribing physician, to provide home medical equipment, supplies and services. The patient has acknowledged that the Patient Service Agreement has been explained and that the patient understands the information.

Advanced Directives (Appendix A): The patient understands their right to formulate and to issue Advance Directives to be followed should they become incapacitated.

Assignment of Benefits/Authorization for Payment: All benefits and payments must be made directly to UniversalMed Supply, for any UniversalMed Supply furnished home medical equipment, products and services. UniversalMed Supply will seek such benefits and payments on the patient’s behalf. It is understood that, as a courtesy, UniversalMed Supply will bill Medicare/Medicaid or other federally funded sources and other payers and insurer(s) providing coverage, with a copy to UniversalMed Supply. The patient is responsible for providing all necessary information and for making sure all certification and enrollment requirements are fulfilled.

Any changes in insurance coverage must be reported to UniversalMed Supply within 10 days of the change.

Release of Information: The patient requests and authorizes UniversalMed Supply, the prescribing physician, hospital, and any other holder of information relevant to service or equipment provided by UniversalMed Supply, to release information upon request, to UniversalMed Supply, any payer source, physician, or any other medical personnel or agency involved with service. The patient also authorizes UniversalMed Supply to review medical history and payer information for the purpose of providing treatment, equipment or products.

Financial Responsibility for Non-Covered Items: By accepting these Terms and Conditions, the patient agrees that if the patient’s insurance does not cover all items ordered, even if the item is one that the patient or the healthcare provider has good reason to think is necessary, UniversalMed Supply will not charge the insurance company and the patient will have financial responsibility for payment for the non-covered item(s). The patient also agrees that UniversalMed Supply has offered alternative covered items (if any) and the cost of the non-covered item, and that the patient has then accepted financial responsibility for the non-covered item.

Consent for Contact: By signing and submitting this form, the patient or representative consents to receive phone calls, texts, e-mails, and pre-recorded messages from UniversalMed Supply or any of its subsidiaries regarding UniversalMed Supply products and services, at the phone number(s) or email address provided; including wireless number if provided. These calls may be generated using an automated technology and normal carrier charges may apply.

Please be aware that most standard email is not a secure means of communication and the patient’s protected health information that may be contained in UniversalMed Supply emails to the patient will not be encrypted. This means that there is risk that the patient’s protected health information in the emails could be intercepted and read by, or disclosed to, unauthorized third parties. Use of alternative and more secure methods of communication with UniversalMed Supply, such as telephone, fax or the U.S. Postal Service are available to the patient. If the patient does not wish to accept the risks associated with non-secure unencrypted email communications from UniversalMed Supply containing the patient’s protected health information, please indicate that the patient does not wish to receive such emails from UniversalMed Supply by contacting UniversalMed Supply at 972-228-1820. If the patient agrees to receive information from UniversalMed Supply via email or text, the patient agrees to accept the security and privacy risks of this type of communication.

The patient agrees that if the patient consents to SMS notifications regarding their order, text alerts will be sent to the number the patient provides. The patient understands that anyone with access to the mobile phone or carrier account associated with the number the patient has provided will be able to see this information.

Communication with Minors: UniversalMed Supply is committed to protecting the privacy of children. UniversalMed Supply’s websites and ordering ability are not directed at users under the age of 18. If the patient under the age of 18, you are not permitted to register with UniversalMed Supply, submit personal information, or place orders.

Replacement Equipment & Warranty Information: UniversalMed Supply is only responsible for equipment repairs and replacement for rented equipment during the rental period. The patient will be notified of warranty coverage for any covered UniversalMed Supply equipment sold or rented. UniversalMed Supply will honor all warranties under applicable law and according to manufacturer’s guidelines. The patient will need to refer to the manufacturer’s warranty guidelines for what constitutes a voided warranty.

Information for Medicare Patients: The products and/or services provided to the patient by UniversalMed Supply are subject to the supplier standards contained in the federal regulations shown at 42 Code of Federal Regulations Section 424.57(c). These standards concern business professional and operational matters (e.g., honoring warranties and hours of operation). The full text of these standards can be obtained at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov. Upon request we will furnish you a written copy of the standards.

On-Call/After-Hours Service: UniversalMed Supply maintains 24-hour availability through our main telephone line: 972-228-1820. This on-call service is free to patients/clients. Should a life-threatening medical emergency arise, the patient or caregiver should contact their local emergency services number immediately for assistance (usually 911).

Medicare Capped Rental: Medicare will pay a monthly rental fee for a period not to exceed 13 months, after which ownership of the equipment is transferred to the Medicare beneficiary. After equipment ownership is transferred, it is the beneficiary’s responsibility to arrange for any required equipment service or repair through the manufacturer. Examples of this type of equipment include, but not limited to: hospital beds, wheelchairs, nebulizers, enteral pumps, mobility equipment, and CPAP/BIPAP/ASV/RAD.

Patient Complaint/Grievance Process: In the event the patient should become dissatisfied with any portion of their UniversalMed Supply provided home care experience, a complaint may be lodged with UniversalMed Supply without concern for reprisal, discrimination, or unreasonable interruption of service. The patient has the right to present questions or grievances to a UniversalMed Supply staff member and to receive a response in a reasonable period of time. For concerns regarding quality of care or other services, please contact UniversalMed Supply’s office by phone or mail.

Email: info@universalmedsupply.com
Mailing Address: UniversalMed Supply, 1329 W Walnut Hill Ln Ste 100, Irving, TX 75038

The following procedure details the steps that UniversalMed Supply will take when a patient’s complaint/grievance is received:

After receiving the concern, the UniversalMed Supply Customer Service Director will take the following steps:

Contact the person making the concern within 5 days, if contact hasn’t already been established.
Determine what actions the caller feels should be initiated regarding the concern.
Arrange for the replacement of defective items if the concern involves a product.
Speak with involved employees and conduct additional training as appropriate.
Attempt to resolve the concern to the patient’s satisfaction.
Report status of activities to patient within two days following receipt of concern.
Send complaint information to the Compliance Department so they can record it to the Compliant Log.
If the complaint remains unresolved, the Compliance Department will have a department Director contact the patient within 5 working days.
Within 14 days the company shall provide written notification to the patient of the results of the investigation.
Patient Satisfaction Surveys: UniversalMed Supply may conduct patients satisfaction surveys. Survey results may be shared with managers.

Appendix A

Advanced Directives

What is an Advance Directive? An advance directive is a set of directions you give about the medical and mental health care you want if you ever lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. There are two ways for you to make a formal advance directive. These include: Living Wills and Healthcare Powers of Attorney. Forms & additional information may be obtained from the Secretary of State website.

Do I have to have an Advance Directive and what happens if I don’t? Making an advance directive is your choice. If you become unable to make your own decisions, and you have no advance directive, your physician or mental health care provider will consult with someone close to you about your care. Discussing your wishes with your family and friends now will help ensure that you get the level of treatment you want when you can no longer tell your health providers what you want.

What is a Living Will? A Living Will is a legal document that tells others that you want to die a natural death if you: become incurably sick with an irreversible condition that will result in your death within a short period of time; are unconscious and your physician determines that it is highly unlikely you will regain consciousness; or have advanced dementia or a similar condition which results In a substantial cognitive loss and it is highly unlikely the condition can be reversed. You can direct your physician not to use certain life-prolonging treatments such as a breathing machine (“respirator” or “ventilator”), or to stop giving you food and water through a tube (“artificial nutrition or hydration” through feeding tubes and IVs). The document goes into effect only when your physician and one other physician determine that you meet one of the conditions specified in the Living Will. You can cancel anytime by communicating your intent to cancel it in any way.

What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney? A Healthcare Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you can name a person(s) as your health care agent(s) to make medical and mental health decisions for you if you become unable to decide for yourself. You can say which treatments you would want and not want. You should choose an adult you trust to be your health care agent. Discuss your wishes with that person(s) before you put them in writing. The document will go into effect when a physician states in writing that you are not able to make or to communicate your health care choices. You can cancel or change while you are able to make and communicate your decisions.

How do I make an Advance Directive? There are several rules to protect you and ensure your wishes are clear to the physician who may be asked to carry them out. An advanced directive must be: (1) written; (2) signed by you while you are still able to make and communicate health care decisions; (3) witnessed by two qualified adults; and (4) notarized. A qualified witness is a competent adult who sees you sign, is not a relative, and will not inherit anything from you upon your death. The witness cannot be your physician, a licensed employee of your physician or any paid employee of a healthcare facility where you live or that is treating you.

Who should I talk to about an Advance Directive? You should talk to those closest to you about an advance directive and your feelings about the health care you would like to receive. Your physician or health care provider can answer medical questions. A lawyer can answer questions about the law. Give copies to your family, your physician or mental health providers, your health care agent(s), and any family members or close friends who might be asked about your care should you become unable to make decisions. Please furnish UniversalMed Supply with a copy of your advance directives.

Appendix B

Infection Control

It is the policy of UniversalMed Supply to conform to the acceptable standards of infection control pertaining to equipment and home health services issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in order to ensure the safety of clients/patients and employees, and also to ensure quality patient service

How infections occur and are spread: An infection occurs when germs enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction of the body.

Three things are necessary for an infection to occur:

Source: Places where infectious agents (germs) live (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin)

Susceptible Person with a way for germs to enter the body

Transmission: a way germs are moved to the susceptible person

There are a few general ways that germs travel in healthcare settings:

Through contact (i.e., touching)

Sprays and splashes (when an infected person coughs or sneezes)

Inhalation (when germs are aerosolized in tiny particle)

Sharp injuries (i.e., when someone is accidentally stuck with a used needle or sharp instrument).

How to prevent infection:

Wash your hands often

Get vaccinated

Get vaccinated and use antibiotics sensibly

Stay at home if you have signs and symptoms of an infection.

Cover your mouth and nose

Disinfect the ‘hot zones’ in your residence – the kitchen and bathroom

Don’t share personal items

Make sure health care providers clean their hands or wear gloves

Clean equipment and supplies regularly

Replace equipment on a regular schedule. Contact UniversalMed Supply at 972-228-1820 when your supplies are to be thrown out.

Symptoms of Hepatitis infection: Extreme fatigue, mild fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB) infection: fatigue, anorexia, productive cough, coughing up blood, weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, night sweats, chills, flu-like symptoms and fever. Some people with TB may show no symptoms. NOTIFY YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE BECOME INFECTED.

Appendix C

How to Make Your Home Safe for Medical Care

At UniversalMed Supply, we want to make sure that your home medical treatment is done conveniently and safely. Many of our clients/patients are limited in strength, or unsteady on their feet. Some are wheelchair or bed-bound. These pages are written to give our clients/patients some easy and helpful tips on how to make the home safe for home care. Discuss these plans with your family members.

Fire Safety and Prevention

Smoke detectors should be installed in your home: make sure you check the batteries at least once a year. If appropriate, you may consider carbon monoxide detectors as well. Ask your local fire department if you should have one in your home.
Have a fire extinguisher in your home, and have it tested regularly to make sure it is still charged in working order. And, have a plan for escape in the event of a fire.
If you are using electrical medical equipment, make sure to review the instruction sheets for that equipment. Read the section on electrical safety.

Electrical Safety

Make sure that all medical equipment is plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
If you have to use a three-prong adapter, make sure it is properly installed by attaching the ground wire to the plug outlet screw.
Use only good quality outlet “extenders” or “power strips” with internal circuit breakers. Don’t use cheap extension cords.

Safety in the Bathroom

Use non-slip rugs on the floor to prevent slipping.
Install a grab-bar on the shower wall and non-slip footing strips in the tub or shower.
Ask your medical equipment provider about a shower bench you can sit on in the shower.
If you have difficulty sitting and getting up, ask about a raised toilet seat with arm supports to make it easier to get on and off the commode.
If you have problems sensing hot and cold, you should consider lowering the temperature setting of your water heater so you don’t accidentally scald yourself without realizing it.

Safety in the Bedroom

It’s important to arrange a safe, well-planned and comfortable bedroom since a lot of your recuperation and home therapy may occur there.
Ask your home medical provider about a hospital bed. These beds raise and lower so you can sit up, recline, and adjust your knees. A variety of tables and supports are also available so you can eat, exercise and read in bed.
Bed rails may be a good idea, especially if you have a tendency to roll in bed at night.
If you have difficulty walking, inquire about a bedside commode so you don’t have to walk to that bathroom to use the toilet.
Make sure you can easily reach the light switches, and other important things you might need through the day or night.
Install night-lights to help you find your way in the dark at night.
If you are using an IV pole for your IV or enteral therapy, make sure that all furniture, loose carpets, and electrical cords are out of the way so you do not trip and fall while walking with the pole.

Appendix D

Emergency Planning

Every patient receiving care or services in the home should think about what they would do in the event of an emergency. Our goal is to help you plan your actions in case there is a natural disaster where you live and to try to provide you with the best, most consistent service we can during an emergency.

Know what to expect: If you have recently moved to this area, take the time to find out what types of natural emergencies have occurred in the past, and what types might be expected. Find out what, if any, times of year these emergencies are most prevalent. Find out when you should evacuate, and when you shouldn’t. Your local Red Cross, local law enforcement agencies, local news and radio stations provide excellent information and tips for planning.

Know where to go: One of the most important pieces of information you should know is the location of the closest emergency shelter. These shelters are open to the public during voluntary and mandatory evacuation times. They are usually the safest place for you to go, other than a friend or relative’s home in an unaffected area.

Know what to take with you: Some shelters may have restrictions on what items you can bring with you. Not all shelters have adequate storage for medications that need refrigeration. We recommend that you call ahead to find out if you can bring your medications and medical supplies. In addition, let them know if you will be using medical equipment that requires an electrical outlet. During our planning for a natural emergency, we will contact you and deliver, if possible, at least one weeks’ worth of medication and supplies. Bring all your medications and supplies with you to the shelter.

Reaching us during an emergency: In the case of an emergency, please call our main phone number (866-864-6332). If the office is closed due to an emergency, our on-call services are always available. If you have no way to call our number, you can try to reach us by having someone you know call us from his or her cellular phone. Should a life-threatening medical emergency arise it is suggested the patient or caregiver contact their local emergency services number for assistance (usually 911).

Appendix E

Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

Patient has the right to:

Receive reasonable coordination and continuity of services from the referring agency for home medical equipment services.
Receive a timely response from UniversalMed Supply when services/care are needed or requested.
Be fully informed in advance about service/care to be provided, including the disciplines that furnish care and the frequency of visits, as well as any modifications to the Plan of Care.
Participate in the development and periodic revision of the Plan of Service or the Plan of Care.
Informed consent and refusal of services, care or treatment after the consequences of refusing services, care or treatment are fully presented.
Be informed in advance of the charges, including payment for service or care expected from third parties and any charges for which the patient will be responsible.
Have one’s property and person treated with respect, consideration, and recognition of patient dignity and individuality.
Be able to identify visiting staff members through proper identification.
Voice grievances/complaints regarding treatment of care or lack of respect of property, or recommend changes in policy, staff or service/care without restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.
Have grievances/complaints regarding treatment or care that is (or fails to be) furnished, or lack of respect of property investigated.
Choose a health care provider and have access to information regarding the provider’s work history and training.
Confidentiality and privacy of all information contained in the patient record and of Protected Health Information.
Receive appropriate service/care without discrimination in accordance with physician orders.
Be informed of any financial benefits when referred to an organization.
Be informed in advance of care/service being provided and their financial responsibility.
Be fully informed of one’s responsibilities and UniversalMed Supply’s policies regarding patient responsibilities.
Be informed of patient rights under state law to formulate advance care directives.
Be informed of anticipated outcomes of service or care and of any barriers in outcome achievement.
Be informed of UniversalMed Supply’s on-call service.
Be informed of UniversalMed Supply’s patient satisfaction survey process.
Be informed of supervisory accessibility and availability.
Fair treatment, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, age, health status, or source of payment for care.
Be advised on UniversalMed Supply’s policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of clinical records, clinical guidelines, and management of care.
Be advised of UniversalMed Supply’s procedures for discharge.
Report fraud, waste, or abuse.
Be notified within 10 days if UniversalMed Supply’s license is revoked, suspended, canceled, annulled, withdrawn, recalled, or amended.
Know of their rights and responsibilities in the treatment process (and the laws that relate to them), and to make recommendations regarding the organization’s rights and responsibilities policy.
Be informed about advocacy and community groups and prevention services.
Access care easily and in a timely fashion.
Candid discussion about all their treatment choices, regardless of cost or coverage by their benefit plan.
The delivery of services in a culturally competent manner.
Receive information about the scope of services that the organization will provide and specific limitations on those services.
Be free from mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of unknown source, and misappropriation of patient property.

Patient has the responsibility to:

Patient agrees that rental equipment will be used with reasonable care, not altered or modified, and returned in good condition (normal wear and tear excepted).
Patient agrees to promptly report to UniversalMed Supply any malfunctions or defects in rental equipment so that repair/ replacement can be arranged.
Patient agrees to provide UniversalMed Supply access to all rental equipment for repair/replacement, maintenance, and/or pick-up of the equipment.
Patient agrees to use the equipment for the purposes so indicated and in compliance with the physician’s prescription.
Patient agrees to keep the equipment in their possession and at the address, to which it was delivered unless otherwise authorized by UniversalMed Supply.
Patient agrees to notify UniversalMed Supply of any hospitalization, change in customer insurance, address, telephone number, physician, or when the medical need for the rental equipment no longer exists.
Patient agrees to request payment of authorized Medicare, Medicaid, or other private insurance benefits are paid directly to UniversalMed Supply for any services furnished by UniversalMed Supply.
Patient agrees to accept all financial responsibility for home medical equipment furnished by UniversalMed Supply.
Patient agrees to pay for the replacement cost of any equipment damaged, destroyed, or lost due to misuse, abuse or neglect.
Patient agrees not to modify the rental equipment without the prior consent of UniversalMed Supply.
Patient agrees that any authorized modification shall belong to the titleholder of the equipment unless equipment is purchased and paid for in full.
Patient agrees that title to the rental equipment and all parts shall remain with UniversalMed Supply at all times unless equipment is purchased and paid for in full.
Patient agrees that UniversalMed Supply shall not insure or be responsible to the patient for any personal injury or property damage related to any equipment; including that caused by use or improper functioning of the equipment; the act or omission of any other third party, or by any criminal act or activity, war, riot, insurrection, fire or act of God.
Patient understands that UniversalMed Supply retains the right to refuse delivery of service to any patient at any time.
Patient agrees that any legal fees resulting from a disagreement between the parties shall be borne by the unsuccessful party in any legal action taken.
Patients/Clients have the responsibility to give providers the information they need, in order to provide the best possible care and to ask questions about their care.
Patients have the responsibility to treat those giving them care with dignity and respect and not to take actions that could harm others.
Patients/Clients have the responsibility to understand and help develop and follow the agreed-upon treatment plans for their care, including the agreed-upon medication plan and to let the provider know when the treatment plan no longer works for them.
Patients/Clients have the responsibility to keep their appointments. Patients should call their providers as soon as possible if they need to cancel visits.
Patients/Clients have the responsibility to let their provider know about any changes to their contact information (name, address, phone, etc.) and insurance coverage.
Patients/Clients have the responsibility to tell their provider about medication changes, including medications given to them by others.
Patients/Clients have the responsibility to let their provider know about problems with paying fees.