DME
Also written as: DME — Durable Medical Equipment
Standard abbreviation for Durable Medical Equipment; appears throughout rehabilitation prescriptions, insurance documents, and discharge plans.
Full Definition
DME is the universally accepted abbreviation for durable medical equipment in US rehabilitation and insurance documentation. It is used in CMS billing codes, physician orders, and home health agency records. Editors should ensure DME is spelled out on first use in patient-facing or general-audience documents. The extended form DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) is used in Medicare supplier contexts and should not be shortened to DME when the broader category is intended. In Canadian documents, the equivalent term is 'medical devices' rather than DME.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from DMEPOS when the broader supplier category is intended.
In Context
- "The physiatrist's DME order specified a lightweight manual wheelchair with elevating leg rests." — Physiatric prescription
- "Insurance denied the DME claim, citing lack of documentation of medical necessity." — Insurance denial letter