Buying Groups

[HearingAidGirl]

I've been looking into joining up with a buying group to get better rates on hearing aids. I was wondering what buying groups are represented here on hearingaidforums.com? Please tell me about your experiences. Gripes and raves, etc. My practice is a small, retail practice with two dispensers, no audiologist on staff. We do around 200 units per year.

[Cosmo]

What manufacturers do you fit? Do you use several? If only one sign up with their group. If several try EarQ, they give negotiated pricing and give you your independence.

[DoubleL]

I had researched and for me the VA recommended Bolero Q90p. So I convinced my wife to try them. Her regular audiologist of 10 years was not enthusiastic but could get them for about $3200 each. Lately our news papers have ads for hearing aids from little 4" x 6" to up to 4 page spread. I called around, asking prices for the Q90s and found one that offered then at $2150 each. So we told her regular audiologist but she would not match the price or even come down.
Also, if you are on Humana, they have a buying agreement with TruHearing, where the audiologist agrees to the lowered price, ususally about 30% discount for the aids, with the normal service for 90 days. Then they revert to a normal office call but for $2000 we can make many $50 office calls.