Obtaining Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment (DME) is equipment that is used mostly for medical
reasons at home, is needed due to an illness or disease, and is made for
long-term use. The following are some things to think about when getting your DME.
To find a company that sells medical equipment, look in the yellow pages
of a telephone book under “Home Health Care Equipment & Supplies.”
Below are some area companies that have DME.
Start by asking:
- How long will it take to get the equipment?
- What is the process for getting the cost paid?
- Will the cost be paid by your health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare?
- What are my co-pays?
- What is the lifetime expectancy of the equipment?
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NOTE: Medicare and private insurance does not pay for DME such as grab
bars, reachers, shoehorns, bathtub or shower equipment, toilet seats or commodes.
Before you buy equipment, ask:
- If it needs repair, is a temporary replacement available?
- How does the company service items such as hospital beds or wheelchairs?
- What is the company’s return policy?
- What options the options if your health condition changes and you do not
need the equipment anymore? Especially if it is before the lifetime expectancy
of the equipment.
- Will the new equipment work with equipment your already use?
- Will the new equipment fit into your living area?
- What can you do if it is not what you expected, or it does not work out for you?
When buying medical equipment, remember:
- If the company will accept “assignment”, it means they accept
what Medicaid or Medicare will pay for the equipment, so do not agree
to pay for any additional cost.
- Ask for a “prior authorization” or purchase order number. This
is needed if you need to call about the equipment.
As soon as you get the equipment:
- Check to see if the item is what you ordered.
- Fully check it to make sure it works for you.
- Ask for a demonstration on how to use it.
Some area companies that have Durable Medical Equipment
Loan Closets:
Service Area Pharmacies:
Medical Equipment Companies:
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Call to find out the closest retail showrooms