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Medicare
coverage durable items
Medicare coverage of durable items such as, wheelchairs, hospital
beds and other durable medical equipment (DME) is a confusing for
some people to understand. Many people think what's there to cover
the equipment they work with. You rarely get to read about the medicare
coverage durable items. Many people with Medicare and their families
mistakenly think getting home medical equipment is as easy as going
to their local medical equipment supplier and bringing the equipment
home, or calling up a company that advertises on television and
having the equipment delivered right to their door. But getting
medicare coverage durable items requires the similar process, as
you would buy Medicare coverage for yourself.
Like buying any health insurance, medicare coverage durable items
also involves certain requirements and related rules for getting
them insured. Why do you think the Medicare coverage durable items
are required? As your health is prone to illnesses, the equipment
you use is also prone to breakage and deterioration it's crucial
for you and your clients to understand that durable medical equipment
is primarily medical, and the entire process of acquiring Medicare-covered
equipment starts with your client's physician. It's also important
to understand that each Medicare-covered piece of equipment has
specific requirements that your client must meet to ensure Medicare
payment. Most of us are unaware of the benefits of using the Medicare
covered durable items. All your durable items are covered from theft
and breakage.
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Durable
items refer to equipment that can withstand repeated use, and that
is used for a longer period of time. The equipment itself must meet
certain requirements for Medicare coverage. It must be:
· Able to withstand repeated use
· Primarily
used for a medical purpose
· Generally useful only in the presence of illness or injury · Appropriate
for use in someone's home
Medical durable items can be wheelchairs, Canes, walkers, hospital
beds and respirators. Items such as, incontinence pads, bandages
and surgical stockings are not covered under the durable medical
equipment benefit. However, certain items such as lancets and test
strips used by people with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels,
while used once and then discarded thereafter, are covered. Other
durable items eligible for Medicare coverage durable items are your
day to day usage devices and vehicles such as a scooter, your refrigerator,
etc. Medicare coverage durable items pays for equipment that is
mainly for use inside your homes. Medicare approves some DME items
for purchase, others for rent and others for either purchase or
rent. Your Medicare-certified supplier should know and explain whether
Medicare requires purchase or rental of your client's physician-ordered
DME. Understand the requirements for the medicare coverage durable
items before you seek coverage. Ask us if you need help or assistance
in defining the eligibility of your durable items.
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