DAN gets attacked by commercial spammer

[drbill]

I received it as well, but from a local dive travel agency owner. I posted the message on another board asking if it was credible. Glad to hear that it probably isn't.

 

[cowjazz]

Listened to a DAN rep last night at a local dive club meeting. She was reluctant to discuss in detail issues they had with a chamber in Cozumel treating people who were not suffering from DCI, sequestering people after treatment, and encouraged us to call DAN after every step in the treamtent process, even if the chamber physicians tell you to not call DAN. She said DAN hoped to make a formal statement in the near future, and work out the problems they have been experiencing.

And that's what I know about that,
Jeff

 

[Storm]

Medical Hyperbarics, Inc.
3418 Lovers Ln
Dallas, TX 75225 - 7630
(214) 890-7733

From yellowpages.com

I find it interesting that the number is actually listed to Quantum who is mentioned on the SSS website as "recommended (though not mandatory) to be used by the SSS Recompression Chamber Network for insurance paper handling. It is in the business of processing medical claims for foreign (Non-US based) medical providers and offers its affiliates a vehicle to assign to Quantum the right to process their claims for a more standardized and smoother administration of the claim. " From the currently available info, it looks like DAN America is disputing some claims by Quantum on behalf of a chamber in Mexico and is trying to pressure DAN.


Jackie

Okay here's what I got from a limited search of the data available so far.

Whois search show the following

sssecure.com The actuall site for SSS - In use by SSS

sssecure.net Unrelated registrar, contact info, and tech contact -- Parked (not in use)

sssecure.org Unrelated registrar, contact info, and tech contact -- Parked (Not in use)


Google searches

"Medical Hyperbarics Incorporated"
"Medical Hyperbarics Inc"
"Medical Hyperbarics Inc."

Absolutley no hits
According to a corportion search engine they may not even be a regestered corporation in Texas


SSS said they have no knowledge of such a claim.
DAN flat out denies this claim.

Smells too much like a fear mongering attempt.

Prudence for thoses traveling to one of the SSS suplied desintations would be in order. Call in advace to confirm, bit other than that is sounds like a Quantum is trying to put a vise grip on DAn through a campaign of fear mongering.

 

[Doc]

Our SCUBA Maven counterparts at SCUBADiving.com have absolutely bought into this. The leader of the Experienced Diver Group says it is so.

 

[String]

Although having zero effect on me (not a member of dan, wont ever be) it appears there COULD be issues depending on other chambers available and so on. There may well be a DAN payment dispute so anyone going to an area it maybe worth at least checking who owns the chamber and so on before travelling.

The googling doesnt really prove anything at all - not every company has a web presence even in these days. Only thing to do is to see exactly what chambers they do own, where and enquire with them and if needed, make alternative arrangements if it bothers you.

All we're seeing here is both sides rubbishing the others claim. Unproductive and gets nobody anywhere.

 

[tedj01]

DAN has posted a press release: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=709

 

[Doc]

The googling doesnt really prove anything at all - not every company has a web presence even in these days.

Be sure you understand what was said. The writer of the e-mail claimed a corporate presence. There is none. The website that was alluded to is a dummy shell- something that is put up to "hold this space" by a web designer. Nothing more.

Only thing to do is to see exactly what chambers they do own, where and enquire with them and if needed, make alternative arrangements if it bothers you.

Precisely correct.

All we're seeing here is both sides rubbishing the others claim.

No, wrong. DAN has made no statement. All we have heard from is one dubious fellow with no bona-fides. There is no corporate existence of who he claims to be, none. The supposedly affected chambers website shows that they still honor DAN insurance. You would assume if there was a "news release", the website might be updated. In fact, neither the chamber's website, nor even the supposed corporate shell has any such notation.

Unproductive and gets nobody anywhere.

It's all very pleasant and proper post that you make. Very nice. But you missed what's going on... or better said- what is not going on!

As I said, and it bears repeating- I am not a fan of DAN. [It is just an insurance company] But I also know a stinky post when I see one. This one really stinks.

 

[Storm]

The googling doesnt really prove anything at all - not every company has a web presence even in these days.

Agreed. Not all companines have a web presence. However, most major corporations will appear in some way on the web, either through a web presence, news item, coporate report, stock ticker, discission thread etc. But as you have said, this is only speculation.

Only thing to do is to see exactly what chambers they do own, where and enquire with them and if needed, make alternative arrangements if it bothers you.

Agreed again. Regardless if you have, or support DAN insurance, this something that all divers should do during their pre-trip investigation, and planning. Just as ensuring that what ever insurance you purchase (personal, via airlines, credit card gold platinum plans or whatever) covers dive related medical calims.

The one small advtantage of being Canadian, is that our hospitalization plan covers us when overseas but that still does not stop me from doing my due dilgence to ensure that IF I need this type medical attention, I am covered and will have no issues to keep me from getting the medical services I need.

As far as the claim isconcerned, I'm sure that either of the sides in this dispute will be making an announcement shortly.

 

[String]

Cant see how. websites arent always updated immediately. Neither side as officially verified their stance so at the moment either could be correct. Best checking with the chambers involved or supposedly involved.
Some official statement from BOTH sides is needed here.

email headers and googling isnt always the idea way to verify a company as some have no web presence, others have outdated web presene and so on.

 

[RadRob]

I see a lot of posts here about not liking DAN. Which do all of you prefer?

The following is a few that I know of:

PADI
Diver's Security Agency (DSI)
DiveAssure
DiveSafe

I am sure there are more, but these are the ones I know of. What do each of you prefer?