Best Practices for Purchasing Home Medical Equipment

As more and more patients take advantage of advances in medical devices, the market for home medical equipment now includes monitoring devices once reserved for the doctors’ office only. Some patients have been able to synchronize their home monitors to interface directly with their electronic medical chart and keep their physician’s records current.

Buying home medical equipment is relatively simple. Most equipment requires a doctors’ prescription in order to be reimbursed from their insurance company for the needed equipment. Some equipment, like oxygen, must be prescribed by a physician whether the patient is seeking reimbursement or not, because it is regulated by the FDA.

In many cases, the physician will recommend the best source for buying home medical equipment, but many patients will want to research this on their own. Supply companies vary in size and scope, from very large retailers like Apria, Walgreens and LinCare, to small local proprietors. However, many patients are looking to the Internet for the best prices. Because ecommerce companies operate with much lower overhead; they can offer some of the best prices for consumers.

Once the medical equipment is delivered, it is important that the patient or caregiver is properly trained in using and maintaining the equipment. When a device is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, some strict laws govern the suppliers who can sell this equipment. Customers who are using Medicare/Medicaid can only purchase from suppliers who have attained the mandated third-party accreditations, as outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Home medical equipment suppliers are obligated to provide proper delivery and setup of the equipment, and they must also ensure the home is suitable for the safe and proper use of the equipment. Family and caregivers should be trained in the proper use of home medical equipment, and thereby informed of their rights and responsibilities as users, as well as the instructions about periodic maintenance services.

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