Patient Guide
Key Information for Your Stay
Durable Medical Equipment
Durable Medical Equipment
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.
Additional Resources:
Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov
Medicare: www.medicare.gov
U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy: www.dol.gov/agencies/odep