Durable Medical Equipment Helps Maintain Quality of Life
Durable Medical Equipment Helps Maintain Quality of LifeDurable medical equipment helps improve the quality of home health care for those who need therapeutic aids or assistance in performing day-to-day tasks. Wheelchairs, shower chairs, hospital beds and walkers are examples of durable medical equipment that help disabled people perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult for them to do on their own. Equipment reduces the need for nurses or live-in help and supports independence in movement. Both indoor and outdoor mobility can be made easier with motorized wheelchairs and scooters. Some wheelchairs have lifts that assist people in getting in and out of the chair. Head-controlled steering is an option for those with limited arm movement. Bariatric wheelchairs support weight up to almost 400 pounds. Walkers, canes and crutches help those who need assistance with walking or standing. Specific diabetic durable medical equipment includes glucometers, syringes, injection pens, lancets and test strips. Home-care kits and self-monitoring supplies help diabetics take insulin injections at home. Blood glucose meters allow easy, fast and accurate evaluation of blood sugar levels, a requirement for determining appropriate insulin dosages for insulin-dependent diabetics. Durable medical equipment is often covered under Medicare or health insurance plans. To qualify, it must be prescribed by a doctor as a necessary part of patient care. It must also be able to be used repeatedly, meaning that it is not disposable or discarded after use. It must be appropriate for use in a home and serve a medical purpose. Certain types of disposable medical supplies used by diabetics are covered. In order to qualify for coverage or reimbursement by Medicare, approved medical equipment suppliers must be used. Coverage by Medicare of durable medical equipment varies by state. Several states require use of specified contract suppliers.
