How does Medicare define DME and under what circumstances is it covered?
Durable medical equipment is equipment which 1) can withstand repeated use, 2) is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose; 3) generally is not useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury, and 4) is appropriate for use in the home. It includes items such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and crutches. Medical supplies of an expendable nature, such as incontinent pads, catheters, and ace bandages are not considered “durable” within the meaning of the definition. In order to be covered, the equipment must be necessary and reasonable for the treatment of an illness or injury, or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member. In addition, the equipment must be furnished to a beneficiary for use in the home in order to be covered under the Part B program, whether rented or purchased. For purposes of rental and purchase of DME, a beneficiary’s home may be his own dwelling, an apartment, a relative’s home, a home for the aged, or some other type of institution
