What is durable medical equipment?

As the name suggests, this equipment is designed to meet the needs of people in long-term use. Durable medical equipment refers to a set of devices that strengthen the patient’s quality of life. Examples of DME include:

  • Walkers
  •  Wheelchairs and scooters
  •  Commode chairs
  • Shower chairs
  • Patient lifts
  • Traction equipment
  • Suction pumps
  • Ventilators
  • Blood sugar monitors
  • Blood sugar test strips
  • Oxygen equipment
  • Infusion pumps and supplies
  • Lancet devices and lancets
  • Nebulizers & nebulizer medications
  •  Hospital beds

As a caregiver or patient, you must be familiar with some of these items. The importance of having proper equipment such as a walker is indisputable. Making an informed decision about these items is particularly important when either your health or the health of someone you love is at stake. The use of improper equipment can seriously endanger the health and well-being of the patient.

 

Who needs durable medical equipment?

Durable medical equipment is designed for people who have a particular functional limitation as a result of their medical condition. These devices help to manage the basic needs or medical care of seniors, ill or disabled people.

In some cases, the need for these aids is quickly apparent, for instance, when a senior has a pelvic fracture. But in some other cases, the need appears over time.

 

How to choose the right durable medical equipment?

Caregivers must consider the potential needs of their patients. In some cases, the elderly hide their increasing disabilities. Even a visit to the doctor does not indicate there is a problem with walking or cooking.

The patient’s limitation and the duration of impairment usually specify if a device is needed and, if needed, what type of equipment helps improve that impairment. For example, people with debilitating strokes need a different wheelchair than those who have difficulty walking long distances. The number of hours per day a patient has to use an item is another important factor in determining the type of equipment. The patient’s ability to work independently with the medical device, as well as the availability of a caregiver, determine whether a product should be prescribed and, if so, which product.

Convenience is another factor in deciding which assistive devices a patient needs.

 

Who orders durable medical equipment?

If the patient is hospitalized for a reason such as a pelvic fracture, the hospital (usually a nurse or social worker) will order the appropriate equipment. Home Care centers also provide the necessary equipment through a certified agency. Regardless of how the equipment is provided, the patient or caregiver must make sure that the correct equipment is ordered and delivered on time.

 

Who pays for durable medical equipment?

As a national health insurance program, Medicare has Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B for people with disabilities, 65 years and over, or people with chronic kidney failure. Durable medical equipment is only somewhat covered under Part A if the patient qualifies for the Home Health Benefit. In other words, if your patient is not able to leave home and needs skilled nursing care, he/she can use this possibility. Otherwise, Medicare covers 80% of the allowable amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.

There are other government programs involved in providing durable medical equipment.

 

What to remember when purchasing

Note that products used in various health centers are not necessarily the most proper equipment because these products are not tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each patient. On the other hand, the brands with which you are familiar may not provide high-quality products for your patient. So when you decide to buy an item, try to learn about the range of products and their differences. It can be said that the best way to choose the most suitable product for your patient is trial and error.

Medical Equipment

Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part B pays for medically required DME ordered by a Medicare-enrolled physician or other health care professional for use at home. DME covered by Medicare includes, but is not limited to:

  • Blood sugar meters 
  • Wheelchairs
  • Blood sugar test strips
  • Patient lifts 
  • Traction equipment
  • Nebulizers & nebulizer medications
  • Infusion pumps & supplies
  • Continuous passive motion equipment
  • Crutches
  • Commode chairs
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment
  • Home infusion services
  • Oxygen devices & accessories
  • Lancet devices & lancets
  • Hospital beds
  • Canes 
  • Pressure-reducing support surfaces
  • Suction pumps
  • Walkers
  • Scooters 

 

You pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount once you have met the Part B Deductible. Medicare pays for various types of DME in various ways. For example, based on the equipment type:

  • You might be required to rent the necessary equipment.
  • You may have to purchase the necessary equipment.
  • You can select between renting and purchasing the equipment.

 

Medicare will only fund your DME if your doctors and DME providers are both Medicare participants. Doctors and suppliers must fulfill stringent requirements to enroll in and remain in Medicare. Medicare will not reimburse claims submitted by doctors or suppliers if they are not registered.

Check that your doctors and DME providers are Medicare-enrolled. Before you acquire DME, you should also ask a supplier if they accept Medicare. If a supplier participates in Medicare, they must accept the assignment. Suppliers can charge you whatever they like if they do not participate and do not take assignments.

 

What are the Durable Medical Equipment Criteria?

  • It is durable (can survive repeated usage)
  • It is used for medicinal purposes
  • It is rarely beneficial to someone who is not ill or injured.
  • It is used in your house
  • It has a minimum projected lifespan of three years.

What durable medical equipment is covered by Medicare?

According to the Medicare official website, “Medicare Part B covers medically necessary DME in case your doctor prescribes it for home-usage. Some of the equipment covered include but is not limited to:

  • Wheelchairs & scooters
  • Patient lifts  
  • Traction equipment
  • Pressure-reducing support surfaces
  • Crutches
  • Canes 
  • Continuous passive motion devices 
  • Blood sugar test strips

 

What does DME mean in medical terms and healthcare?

DME in medical terms stands for Durable Medical Equipment. They are the supplies and equipment ordered by a health care provider for extended and everyday use. The page explained well details about the DMEs.

Durable medical equipment(DME) near me

At Health and Care Professional network, we make the necessary arrangements so that durable medical equipment providers can deliver these types of equipment to you in the shortest possible time. If you live in Las Vegas and need help for yourself or your loved ones, you can contact our consultants right now.

5 Comments

  1. patrick says:

    I am 61 years old, and I had to use a wheelchair for a while. The Health & Care Professional Network helped me a lot to provide the wheelchair. Their staff was very kind and responsible.

  2. Nicholas says:

    As I receive service from them, they helped me purchase the appropriate equipment. Thanks.

  3. Namis says:

    It’s a relief that Medicare covers some durable equipment.

  4. Mick says:

    I needed some information to buy a few medical stuff for my father, the content on this page was useful.

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