There is a variety of medical equipment on the market. They are designed to help doctors and nurses provide proper medical care to patients. The equipment that doctors use depends on the needs, situation, and preference of the patient.
Healthcare providers also order durable medical equipment for discharged patients to continue the aftercare at home. These equipment provide support and protection to patients who remain at a vulnerable state upon leaving the hospital. What exactly is durable medical equipment? How does it help patients? Read on to find out.
What is Durable Medical Equipment?
Durable medical equipment is the equipment medical providers prescribe or recommend to their patients to aid them after discharge or monitor their condition. The purpose of such equipment is to provide continuity of care for the patient even at home. Durable medical equipment is not disposable and should provide the patient with years of use.
Listed below are the most common durable medical equipment healthcare providers order for their patients:
Blood Sugar Meters and Blood Sugar Test Strips
These are usually required in patients with diabetes to help manage and observe their sugar levels at home.
Cane, Crutches, and Walkers
These equipment are for patients who recently broke a bone in their leg or foot, or had surgery in the lower extremity. They help take the weight off of the affected limb while walking and keep balance while doing daily activities.
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is one of the most common DME used by patients. Wheelchairs are assistive devices that help with mobility, especially for patients who have difficulty walking.
Nebulizer and Nebulizing Agents
A nebulizer is a small—usually portable—machine that turns liquid medicine into mist. This is employed when the drugs needed to administer to the patient are done through the inhalation route. This equipment is commonly used by patients with asthma and other lung conditions.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
This is a device used by patients who have a low oxygen level in their blood. The portable oxygen concentrator gathers air, purifies it, and concentrates its oxygen content for the patient. These can either be electric or battery operated.
Ventilators
Ventilators are used to help patients breathe when they have trouble doing so on their own. They are usually used by patients who have just undergone surgery or are too sick or injured to breathe normally on their own.
Orthopedic Braces
These are medical devices that limit the mobility of an affected limb to promote proper healing of the broken bone. Orthopedic braces are commonly used by patients who were recently injured. This is usually used during the recovery and rehabilitation period.
Hospital Beds
Hospital beds, also called hospital cots, are designed specifically for hospitalized patients. Hospital beds have sidebars to keep the patient from falling off. They also have a mechanism to help raise and lower the head and leg part of the bed to prevent patients from having bedsores and too much pressure on their backs.
Traction equipment
These are devices that help pull a specific body part to put tension on a dislocated bone or joint. Sometimes, this is used to keep the muscles stretched to prevent muscle spasms.
Commode Chair
A commode chair is a mobile toilet that is often used by patients who cannot walk a relatively long distance to the bathroom. It has a removable basin where the waste is collected and should be cleaned after every use to maintain proper sanitation.
Is Durable Medical Equipment Covered by My Health Insurance?
Your health insurance provider may only cover your DME expenses if your doctor and your DME supplier are enrolled under their service. Enrollment under healthcare providers requires strict adherence to standards to ensure the best quality healthcare possible. If your doctor and your DME provider are not enrolled, you may have to pay for your DME expenses.
You may either rent or buy the equipment you need. It all depends on your financial budget and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. Make sure to check if your doctor and DME supplier are enrolled under your insurance provider. This will help you with your finances and maximize your healthcare insurance perks.
Durable Medical Equipment Providers in Southwest, TX
Healthcare providers order and recommend the use of DMEs to ensure patients receive proper care even at home. Different patients need different equipment, so it’s best to talk to your doctor to make sure which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for a place to source your medical equipment, look no further than Reliance Medical, Inc. Our institution provides quality equipment for both home and hospital use. You may opt to swing by our store to pick up your order or have it delivered straight to your home— whichever is convenient for you.
If you want to know more about our services, you may give us a call at (325) 692-7443 or check in online anytime. We are looking forward to assisting you!
