If You Need: Medical Equipment At Home
Much of the medical equipment found in the hospital is also available for home use. These items are called "durable medical equipment." They include equipment like hospital beds, walkers, commode chairs, and wheelchairs. This equipment can be rented or purchased. Insurance groups, Medicare, state programs, and other payment sources all have their own guidelines as to what they will pay if you rent or purchase.
People often wonder if they should rent or buy a piece of medical equipment. The answer to this question depends on how long the equipment is needed. For instance, if a walker is needed for a long time, it may cost less money to buy it than to rent it.
The company that provides the equipment will usually demonstrate how it is used when the equipment is delivered. If this does not happen, ask to see how the equipment works. You should be sure you are using the equipment properly.
How Medical Equipment Can Be Helpful
- A commode chair is used when a person cannot walk up and down the steps to
use the bathroom.
- A hospital bed is used to raise or lower the patient's head easily.
- A cane or walker may be needed when it is hard for the patient to get around.
- Oxygen is given when a person is chronically short of breath.
How Do You Find Medical Equipment?
If you are in the hospital, many people can help, including:
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Social worker
- Discharge planner
They will suggest medical equipment for home use if you need it.
Medical equipment for home use is provided either by medical equipment companies or by pharmacies. Medical equipment companies have equipment for rent or for sale. If you are at home and need equipment, check the Yellow Pages of your phone book under "Hospital Equipment and Supplies" or "Pharmacies."
If you need help in ordering equipment, contact your doctor, nurse or social worker.
Helpful Hints
It is always wise to consult with your doctor, nurse or therapist before renting or buying equipment. Then you can be sure you are getting just what you need. In order for your insurance company to cover the cost, your doctor must write the company a letter stating a medical need for the equipment. Check with the equipment company to see if it will obtain this letter from your doctor or if you must do so.
If you are not sure whether your insurance will pay for renting or buying medical equipment, ask the equipment company for help. If your insurance does not cover the entire cost, find out how much you will need to pay.
Check with more than one equipment company to be sure you are getting the best price. Before you choose an equipment company, ask if it will bill your insurance, Medicare or your state program directly. You may find you cannot pay for the things you need. If so, check with some community agencies that loan equipment for free. These groups include:
- Your local American Cancer Society Unit
- Fire departments
- Churches or synagogues
- Home-health service
There are many people who can help you with your equipment needs, including:
- Your doctor
- Your nurse
- Your social worker
- A local home health-care service
- Your local American Cancer Society Unit
Oxygen may also be obtained from a medical equipment company. As with other equipment, the insurance guidelines for payment will vary. Medicare has special rules that must be met before it will pay for oxygen. Discuss this with your doctor and your medical equipment company.
This Fact Sheet is adapted from the book, Helping People Cope: A Guide for Families Facing Cancer, written by Joan F. Hermann, ACSW, Sandra L. Wojtkowiak, RN, MSN, Peter S. Houts, Ph.D., and S. Benham Kahn, MD, and supported by the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health; 1990 Revised Edition.
c 1993, American Cancer Society, Inc.
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