What is Durable Medical Equipment?

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is equipment that helps people complete their daily activities. Items can range from mobility equipment like walkers and wheelchairs, to oxygen tanks and masks, ventilators, hospital beds, lifts, pumps, commodes, canes, etc. It is called “durable” medical equipment because it can withstand repeated, daily use.

Medicare covers a good part of DME if the following criteria are met:

• It is durable - able to withstand repeated use
• It serves a medical purpose
• It is appropriate for use in the home (as well as outside the home)
• It is likely to last for 3 years or more 

To be covered by Medicare Part B, DME must first be prescribed by a primary care provider. For people living in a skilled nursing facility or inpatient at a hospital, DME is covered by Medicare Part A.

DME can help patients to stay active, mobile, and healthy. With a walker, cane, or powered wheelchair, patients can regain mobility around their homes and administer more self-care. Getting across the house can become easy again. DMEs can greatly decrease the chance of falling and causing self-injury. Increased mobility can help diabetic patients better manage their symptoms. COPD patients can get relief from a manual or mobilized wheelchair instead of trying to get around with a cane or a walker. Ramps can make moving in and out of the home much easier so that patients can get out of the house and grocery shop again, visit family, and make it to their grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts. Even a simple walk down to the mailbox or a neighbor’s house can make a difference in improving someone’s day.

There are other DME apparatuses that make daily life easier such as commodes for the toilet, breathing apparatuses like nebulizers, oxygen equipment, and CPAP machines. Diabetics can get their blood sugar monitors and blood sugar test strips. Prosthetics are available as well as hospital beds. Many pieces of DME cannot only make life easier for the patient but also relieve worry for family members, knowing that their loved one has the equipment that they need to make daily life easier and safer.

To learn more about all the DME that Rogers Pharmacy in Maryville carries, please visit our website at or give us a call (660)562-2300. We have durable medical equipment both for sale and for rental to best fit your needs. We are here to serve you!

Sources:

https://www.medicare.gov

https://www.medicareinteractive.org