What is Durable Medical Equipment DME?

Durable Medical Equipment is often referred to as DME

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals with various medical conditions. From assisting mobility to supporting long-term health management, these essential tools ensure comfort, safety, and independence.

In this guide, we’ll detail what exactly DME is, its types, the regulations surrounding it, and how it applies to residents of Ohio.

What is Considered Durable Medical Equipment?

Durable Medical Equipment refers to medical tools designed to serve a therapeutic purpose for individuals with medical needs.

It has both a broad medical and specific legal definition.

Durable medical equipment is equipment which can withstand repeated use... and is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose... and generally is not useful to a person in the absence of an illness or injury...and is appropriate for use in the home.

- Social Security Adminstration

Medicare defines DME as equipment which meets the following criteria:

• Durable (can withstand repeated use)

• Used for a medical reason

• Typically only useful to someone who is sick or injured

• Used in your home

• Expected to last at least 3 years

Who Needs Durable Medical Equipment?

DME is prescribed for a wide range of conditions and situations:

• Post-surgery recovery: e.g., hospital bed, crutches

• Chronic conditions: e.g., COPD, arthritis, diabetes

• Elderly patients: e.g., walkers, commode chairs

• People with disabilities: e.g., power mobility aids

• Sleep disorders: e.g., CPAP for sleep apnea

• Cardiac or respiratory rehab: e.g., oxygen equipment

Common Types of Durable Medical Equipment

Wheelchairs and scooters are considered Durable Medical Equipment

DME covers a broad spectrum of devices tailored to meet diverse needs. Below are common categories of DME:

Category	Description	Examples
Mobility Aids	These devices assist individuals with impaired movement capabilities.	Walkers, Wheelchairs, Canes, Crutches
Home Care Beds and Accessories	Designed for individuals with limited mobility.	Adjustable hospital beds, Bed rails, Pressure-relief mattresses
Respiratory Equipment	Essential for individuals with respiratory disorders.	Oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines
Monitoring Devices	Devices which are critical for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes.	Glucose monitors
Bathroom Safety Devices	Providing safety and independence in personal care.	Shower chairs, commodes, grab bars

Oxygen concentrators are the most commonly used Durable Medical Equipment device within the United States.

Medicaid Coverage in Ohio

Ohio residents can access Durable Medical Equipment (DME) through Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, with each program outlining specific criteria for coverage. The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) offers extensive coverage for medically necessary DME. To qualify, equipment must meet accepted medical standards, be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, and be suitable for home use.

Additionally, certain high-cost items may require prior authorization or a Certificate of Medical Necessity, ensuring compliance with Ohio Medicaid guidelines.

Durable Medical Equipment Medicare

Medicare Part B also provides coverage for a wide range of DME items intended for home use. To qualify for Medicare coverage, equipment must be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a Medicare-approved doctor. Commonly covered items include wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen systems.

Patients are typically responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible, as outlined on Medicare.gov.

Regulations for Durable Medical Equipment

Strict regulations govern the provision and use of DME:

Provider Requirements

DME providers must:

• Be enrolled with ODM or Medicare.

• Maintain necessary certifications and licenses.

• Comply with billing and documentation standards.

Medical Necessity

Documentation must clearly establish the medical need for all DME provided. Providers often require detailed prescriptions and certificates to ensure compliance.

Prior Authorization

Some DME items require prior authorization to confirm medical necessity. Examples include motorized wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators.

Finding Durable Medical Equipment providers

The Medicare website features an interactive map where patients can search by Zip Code and Equipment type.

As a provider of Durable Medical Equipment, NPL Home Medical appears on Medicare's list of DME suppliers

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Durable Medical Equipment is a cornerstone of long-term and at-home care. From mobility aids to breathing devices, DME empowers patients to live safely and independently while managing health conditions. Understanding what qualifies, how to get it, and how it's covered helps prevent unnecessary expenses and ensures access to reliable equipment.

If you or a loved one requires DME, speak with a licensed physician and work with an accredited supplier. With the right knowledge and preparation, DME can dramatically improve quality of life—comfortably and cost-effectively.