Obtaining and using home medical equipment

For most home medical equipment to be reimbursed by insurance, a patient must have a doctor's prescription for the equipment needed. Some equipment, such as oxygen, is FDA regulated and must be prescribed by a physician before purchase whether insurance reimbursed or otherwise.

The physician may recommend a supplier for the home medical equipment, or the patient will have to research this on their own. HME / DMEPOS suppliers are located throughout the country.

There is no established typical size for HME / DMEPOS suppliers. Supply companies include very large organizations such as WalGreens, Lincare, and Apria to smaller local companies operated by sole proprietors or families.
A new evolution in the home medical equipment arena is the advent of internet retailers who are operating with extremely low margins and cutting the ultimate cost for end consumers, but often without the in-home setup and training.[citation needed] In all cases, however, strict rules and laws govern HME / DMEPOS suppliers that participate Medicare and Medicaid program.

 In addition to rules outlined the National Supplier Clearinghouse, of division of CMS (centers for Medicare and Medicaid), all Medicare DME suppliers must obtain and maintain accreditation by one of many approved accrediting bodies.

Once a patient or caregiver selects an appropriate HME / DMEPOS supplier, he/she presents the supplier with the prescription and patient's insurance information.

HME / DMEPOS suppliers maintain an inventory of products and equipment, so fulfillment of the prescription is rapid, much like a Pharmacy.

The HME / DMEPOS supplier is obligated to perform certain functions when providing home medical equipment.
These include:

• Proper delivery and setup of the equipment
• Ensuring the home environment is suitable and safe for proper usage of the equipment
• Training the patient, family and caregivers on the proper usage and maintenance of the equipment
• Informing the patient and/or caregiver of their rights and responsibilities
• Providing periodic maintenance services (e.g., refilling oxygen, servicing equipment, etc.)
• All HME / DMEPOS suppliers are required to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patients' confidentiality and records.