Doctors prescribe durable medical
equipment (DME), sometimes
called home medical equipment, for
use at home. DME helps to speed
recovery and ease some of the
physical burden on caregivers.
DME can help you live
independently and perform daily
activities so you don’t have to get
long-term nursing care. Without
this technology, some activities
might be harder to do or not even
possible. Some equipment, like
walkers, makes moving around
easier. Others, like electric scooters,
help you go longer distances.
DME includes, but is not limited to:
blood sugar monitors
crutches
hospital beds
oxygen therapy
therapy shoes or inserts
walkers
wheelchairs
Before buying or renting DME, check
with a Medicare representative
first to make sure you are using a
contract supplier. Medicare usually
will help pay for your DME from an approved supplier.