Durable Medical Equipment
Also written as: DME
Medically necessary equipment designed for repeated use by a patient with a medical condition or disability, prescribed as part of a rehabilitation plan.
Full Definition
Durable medical equipment (DME) is a defined insurance-billing and regulatory category encompassing items such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, crutches, and CPAP machines. In PM&R, DME prescriptions are a routine component of discharge planning and are documented in physiatric orders and home health plans of care. The term carries specific regulatory meaning under Medicare and Medicaid, which editors should preserve. DME differs from assistive technology (AT) in that AT may include items not covered under DME codes. Editors should watch for the non-standard forms 'durable equipment' and 'medical equipment' used erroneously as synonyms.
Usage
Usage note: Always define on first use as 'durable medical equipment (DME)'. Do not conflate with the supplier abbreviation DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies).
In Context
- "A durable medical equipment order for a power wheelchair and hospital bed was completed prior to the patient's discharge to home." — Inpatient rehabilitation discharge planning note
- "The case manager liaised with the durable medical equipment supplier to ensure timely delivery of the rollator walker." — Case management report