There are so many factors to consider when choosing medical equipment. We strongly advocate that a home visit by a therapist be conducted BEFORE hospital discharge and/or ordering the any medical equipment. Insurance companies pay for most medical equipment when a doctor orders the equipment.
1. Who will use the equipment (how many people needed to operate it?)
2. What skills will be needed to operate the equipment?
3. Will it fit in your home? What are the options?
4. How long will this equipment be useful? What happens if physical or mental decline renders it useless?
5. Is the selection customized to the person? Is it sized right? What special features will make it right for you?
6. Who will assemble the equipment?
New equipment is most likely needed after a significant event such as a broken bone, car accident, medical crisis, or illness. Therefore, your DME decisions will be guided by the care team working with you at the time. Rehabilitation therapists (physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and recreational to name a few) will likely introduced the equipment you will use at home during your hospital stay. Additionally, the discharge planners, social workers and nurse educators also provide training and education to make sure the patient and family members can carry on with the right practices to continue recovery at home. Lastly, the home-based services and your primary care providers take over managing your recovery and DME use till it is no longer required.