Durable Medical Equipment: Great Tools for You

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
senior woman going on a walk in the woods

Durable Medical Equipment are doctor-prescribed tools that can be life-changing and life-saving. If covered by your insurance, this equipment will let you live your life to the fullest in your own home or can prevent injuries that would require dedicated care from a caregiver. There are specific criteria for what constitutes a ‘DME.’ A list of items that are covered by Medicare can be found here.

A DME must adhere to these standards to be covered by insurance.

  • Durable (can withstand repeated use)
  • Used for a medical reason
  • Not usually useful to someone who isn’t sick or injured
  • Used in your home
  • Generally has an expected lifetime of at least three years

While pretty easy to understand, the rules above simply ensure that the tools you use have decent longevity, are medically required, and are to be used by you, the patient. This is in order to keep costs down and manageable as well as to prevent misuse.

If a doctor recommends one of these devices to you, it’s good to seriously consider the many additional benefits it will bring to your life. Some products may seem cumbersome, but their use is often temporary. They’re simply to help you recover from an injury or illness that would otherwise put you at risk for lasting damage.

What kind of devices can be considered DMEs?

The following are just a few of the many that qualify:

  • Blood sugar meters
  • Canes
  • Commode chairs
  • Crutches
  • Hospital beds
  • Oxygen equipment & accessories
  • Walkers
  • Wheelchairs & scooters

With DMEs, there are so many opportunities to make both big and small improvements in your life. If you’re already using any of the above (or another medical device), reach out to your insurance and your doctor to see if it could be covered. Make sure to check at your next medical appointment to find out if you’d benefit from these tools. You have the right to live life to the fullest, and these devices will help you do it!

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Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Durable medical equipment (DME) is necessary for people with a variety of health needs. DME tools can help with a range of care requirements, allowing adults to decrease risk of injury and also limiting the need for caregiver assistance.