Durable Medical Equipment Resource
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is equipment that is required for the medical care of a child with special healthcare needs who is being cared for at home. Examples are as follows:
- Compressor and nebulizer for respiratory treatments
- Home oxygen supplies
- Pulse oximeter
- Pump and supplies, including enteral feeding formula, for gastrostomy-tube feedings
- Bath chair (for safe bathing of a child who cannot sit alone in a bathtub)
- Seating/positioning chair (for supporting a child who cannot sit alone for feeding)
- MAFOs (molded ankle-foot orthotics) that are used to prevent contractures in children with cerebral palsy
- Wheelchair
How to obtain DME
Most DME is obtained from a medical equipment and supply company. The cost of DME is typically covered by the child’s health insurance, including Medicaid, if deemed medically necessary. Often a letter of medical necessity must be written to the insurance company or Medicaid. This letter outlines the medical reasons for the equipment and stresses the negative outcome that would occur without the essential equipment. For common, low-cost supplies (e.g. compressor and nebulizer), a prescription is usually all that is needed. In general, the higher the cost of the item, the harder it is to obtain without a robust medical need. Wheelchairs will often require a letter from both the physical therapist and the physician before approval will be granted. In most cases, the patient can only obtain a new wheelchair every 3 years (this will vary by state).
See the Medical Statement Resource for additional information about letters of medical necessity.