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How to Order Ostomy Supplies: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to order ostomy supplies - a step by step guide

Are you looking for one of the best ostomy supply companies? If you’re ready to order ostomy supplies from a trusted supplier, 180 Medical is here to help.

Thousands of healthcare professionals and ostomy patients nationwide rely on 180 Medical for our reliable service and friendly support. Our compassionate team of Ostomy Specialists will guide you every step of the way so you can easily find the right ostomy bags, ostomy care accessories, and other related products.

How to Order Ostomy Supplies in 5 Easy Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with ordering ostomy supplies through 180 Medical.

Step 1 - find a reliable ostomy supply company

Step 1. Find a reliable ostomy supply company.

Whether you’re new to having an ostomy or have been wearing your ostomy appliances for years, you need one of the best ostomy supply companies that will go above and beyond for you.

When choosing a local, national, or online ostomy supply company, consider their reliability, reviews, and commitment to customer service and satisfaction.

180 Medical's 100 percent satisfaction guarantee

We’ll handle all the little details so you can relax and focus on healing after your ostomy surgery.

We’ll work with your doctor’s office to obtain any needed documentation, including a prescription. Then, we’ll help you learn how to use your ostomy supplies while we customize your order with the best ostomy products that work and feel right for you, your stoma, and your unique needs and preferences.

We want to remove your worries and be your trusted partner in your ostomy journey. We’re not here just for that first order; we’re here for the long haul to support you every step of the way.

step 2 - measure your stoma size to get the right fit

Step 2. Learn how to measure your stoma.

Before we work on your first order of ostomy supplies, you should measure your stoma to get an accurate size. Getting the right size for your skin barriers and ostomy pouching system is essential for avoiding leaks and keeping your peristomal skin healthy.

Keep in mind that as you recover from ostomy surgery, your stoma can change in size while it heals. This is completely normal, and our Ostomy Specialists are here to help when it’s time to change the sizes of your ostomy pouch and skin barrier.

There is no one-size-fits-all product because stomas can vary so much from person to person in size and even protrusion levels above or below the skin surface. That’s why it’s important to size your stoma.

How do you measure a stoma?

Stomas are measured by diameter, making it easy to use coins to compare stoma size quickly. For example, some stomas can be as small as a dime, requiring a different ostomy wafer size than a half-dollar-size stoma.

Take a look at Convatec’s handy guide for measuring stomas here. 180 Medical can also provide a stoma measuring guide to ensure an accurate fit.

step 3 we'll verify your insurance coverage for ostomy supplies

Step 3. We’ll verify your insurance coverage for ostomy supplies.

Does insurance pay for ostomy supplies? In many cases, yes! We can quickly verify your insurance to determine if your ostomy supplies are covered on your plan. We just need a little info to get started.

Here’s the quick info we need to start your order of ostomy supplies with 180 Medical:

  • Simple demographic information (name, address, best contact options)
  • Ostomy surgery type (colostomy, ileostomy, and/or urostomy)
  • Health insurance information so we can verify your coverage
  • Prescribing doctor’s contact information

Once we’ve gathered the information and confirmed your insurance coverage, we’ll go over the order details, including shipment frequency and any out-of-pocket costs. You don’t have to worry about coordinating between your doctor’s office and our team. 180 Medical will handle everything for you.

Wondering if 180 Medical is in-network with your insurance? We’re contracted with a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and state Medicaid plans, and private insurances like BlueCross® BlueShield®, Cigna®, UnitedHealthcare®, AARP®, Humana, Covenant Health, Aetna®, Tricare®, MultiPlan®, and more!

Want more info? Check out our handy guide for insurance coverage for ostomy supplies.

What happens if we’re out-of-network with your insurance? If, for any reason, 180 Medical can’t supply you, we’ll go above and beyond to find an in-network ostomy supply company that can handle your needs.

step 4 - Find the ostomy products that will work best for you.

Step 4. Find the ostomy products that will work best for you.

180 Medical’s trained Ostomy Specialists will be thorough with you as we work to customize your order. In addition to answering all your questions about ostomy products, we’ll discuss your activity level, skin sensitivities or allergies, and preferences to help match you with the right supplies.

We understand that navigating the many different product options can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help!

  • Do I need a one-piece or two-piece pouching system? We can help you determine which type of pouching system might work best for you, your average stoma output and surgery type (ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy), and your activity levels. Some people prefer a combination of both, depending on insurance coverage.
  • Do I need ostomy care accessories? Some ostomy products, like adhesive removers, barrier strips, and ostomy pouch deodorizers, can make all the difference in your comfort and confidence while preventing skin irritation, odors, and leakage.

180 Medical can also send you free ostomy samples to help you determine what will work best for you.

Request Free Ostomy Samples

Then, it’s time to get your first order!

step 5 - we'll discreetly ship your order of ostomy supplies to your home

Step 5. We’ll ship your ostomy supplies to your home.

Once you’re ready to place your order of ostomy supplies, we’ll get right to work.  Now, all you have to do is sit back and relax while 180 Medical does the heavy lifting for you!

Our Shipping Specialists will pack your order with care in our warehouse. Then, we ship your ostomy supplies right to your home with free shipping. Plus, it will arrive in discreet packaging, so no one but you has to know about your ostomy needs if you don’t want them to.

With 180 Medical, there are no upfront costs for supplies; instead, we bill your insurance directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About How to Order Ostomy Supplies

To make things easier, here are some answers to common questions about ordering ostomy supplies.

Do I Need a Prescription for Ostomy Supplies?

Yes, insurance companies require a prescription to cover ostomy supplies. Some plans may also require additional documentation or prior authorization.

Don’t worry, though. 180 Medical will contact your doctor to get the necessary paperwork and handle it all.

How Do I Know Which Ostomy Products I Need?

With your prescription and insurance information on hand, we can work together with you to determine the right products for your specific needs. We’ll consider factors like stoma size, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle to recommend ostomy bags and accessories that may work best for you.

Does Insurance Cover Ostomy Supplies?

In many cases, yes. We can verify your insurance benefits for you. Then, we’ll make you aware of the allowable types of products and limits as well as any out-of-pocket costs.

Again, there are no upfront costs when you order ostomy supplies through 180 Medical. We’ll handle billing your insurance first.

Can I Get Free Ostomy Samples?

Yes! 180 Medical offers free samples to help you try certain products before committing to a full order. Contact us to learn more about available samples.

Request Free Ostomy Samples

Why Choose 180 Medical as Your Ostomy Supply Company?

At 180 Medical, we don’t just specialize in and supply ostomy products. We offer dedicated support with a team of trained experts who can be there for you when you need support.

Also, when you choose 180 Medical as your ostomy supplier, you get access to a team of certified ostomy nurses who can assist you with any issues that require medical advice. You can rest easy knowing that specialized ostomy support is only a phone call away when you need it.

Ready to start your order today? Take that first step by contacting 180 Medical today!

experience the 180 medical difference - contact us

Call Toll-Free (877) 688-2729

About the Author
How to Order Ostomy Supplies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Jessica is the Sr. Marketing Specialist at 180 Medical, and she has been with the company for 15 years. She loves getting to be creative in her role and hearing from customers about the positive impact we've made on their lives.

Outside of work, you can find her hanging out with her husband and their dogs or browsing garden centers (where she will almost certainly buy another houseplant she doesn't really need).