What Is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
A plain-language guide to understanding DME, Medicare coverage, and how to get started.
What is DME?
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is defined as equipment that:
- Can withstand repeated use
- Is used for a medical reason
- Is typically only useful to someone who is sick or injured
- Is used in the patient's home
- Is expected to last at least 3 years
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary DME. Covered items include, but are not limited to:
How Does the Process Work?
Doctor Visit
A physician or other licensed health care provider must evaluate you and prescribe the DME as medically necessary for use in your home.
Prescription
The prescription must document your medical condition and specifically state why the equipment is required.
Supplier Evaluation
Our certified team (including an ATP for complex wheelchairs) will evaluate your home environment and physical needs to select the right equipment.
Approval & Delivery
We submit all documentation to Medicare for approval. Once approved, we deliver the equipment and train you on how to use it safely.
What Does It Cost?
After meeting your Medicare Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. The DME supplier must be enrolled in Medicare and must accept assignment for your cost to be limited to that 20%. Depending on the type of equipment, Medicare may require you to rent, buy, or choose between the two. Some rented items become your property after a set number of rental payments.
How MES Mobility Helps
Navigating Medicare requirements can be overwhelming. As a DMEPOS-accredited supplier, our team handles the entire process—from coordinating with your doctor to submitting the prior authorization. We make sure you get the right equipment with zero hassle.