Overview of Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
According to the HealthCare.gov website, durable medical equipment is "equipment and supplies ordered by a health care provider for everyday or extended use." DME includes a range of tools with a specific medical purpose that can withstand repeated use, are for home use, and aren't useful to people without a medical condition.
DME can come in many different forms depending on the patient’s medical needs. The items can typically be purchased or rented. DME isn't only for people with long-term or chronic conditions—it can also be useful for recovery after an operation or serious injury.
What Are Examples of DME?
There are many types of durable medical equipment that may be needed depending on a patient’s medical condition. These range from simple mobility devices to advanced life-prolonging medical equipment. They can include but aren't limited to:
Nebulizers
CPAP/BiPAP machines
Blood glucose monitors and blood sugar strips
Certain prosthetic devices
Mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, and canes can either be purchased or rented. Rentals can be a short-term solution for recovery after an illness or surgery or for travel.
What Is Considered "Durable"?
Durable in this case refers to an item's ability to withstand repeated use. Many items of a medical nature—incontinence pads, surgical face masks, ace bandages—can't be considered durable medical equipment as they're disposable and therefore can't be reused.
Are Any "Durable" Medical Items Not Considered DME?
There are two categories of items used for medical purposes that aren't considered DME. They are:
1. Equipment With a Primary Purpose That Is Non-Medical
There are many items that, though useful for medical purposes, aren’t made exclusively for medical purposes and therefore aren't considered DME. This includes devices used for environmental control—for example, to regulate the temperature, humidity, or environment of a room (like electric air cleaners), or fitness equipment like exercise bikes. Safety grab bars are also not considered DME.
In the same way, devices used to improve the comfort of a caregiver such as elevators aren't considered DME as they aren’t a medical necessity.
2. Durable Items that Fall into Other Categories
There are some items that, though durable and used for a medical reason, may fall into other categories. This includes dental braces and prosthetic or artificial limbs or eyes.
Why Is Durable Medical Equipment Important?
People with chronic medical conditions, changing needs due to old age, or even severe injuries may wish to stay at home with their loved ones rather than be transferred to a care facility. Access to DME provides these patients with tools to keep them safe and comfortable while remaining at home.
Furthermore, according to a systematic review of reviews published in 2021, using a “hospital at home” approach resulted in similar or improved clinical outcomes for those who avoided admission compared with equivalent inpatient treatments. The study results highlight how important it is for people to be able to receive treatment in the comfort of their homes.
Reasons for DME Use
Because DME covers so many different types of equipment, there are items that can assist with a wide range of conditions and personal circumstances. For example, DME can be ordered by a healthcare professional:
To make a patient more comfortable and keep the weight off one or both limbs while they are dealing with a temporary disability. This could include equipment such as a wheelchair or crutches.
As part of a patient's long-term health care plan to help with their chronic or life-limiting condition, for example, a ventilator for somebody suffering from lung disease.
In addition to DME, many patients may also require simple or more extensive home modifications such as a wheelchair ramp. The modifications needed will depend on the nature of the patient’s condition and the DME and/or mobility aids the patient requires.
Stay Home Longer With DME
Having a long-term medical need or a serious injury doesn't necessarily mean leaving the comfort of your home. With options both to purchase and rent DME, patients can have access to the equipment they need without having to rely on Medicare coverage for inpatient costs.
It’s best to seek medical advice when choosing medical equipment for home use to ensure the equipment is the right type, size, and strength for the patient’s needs. The carer should also be trained in its proper use to ensure safety and comfort for both the patient and caregiver while using the equipment.