Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment is any equipment that assists a person with certain medical conditions or illnesses in their home or in a care setting. Common medical equipment may include oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches, while supplies could include replacement CPAP masks, nutritional formulas, support braces, diapers and catheter supplies. A healthcare provider prescribes the medical equipment and supplies necessary for a person’s care. Learn more about these services at Intermountain Healthcare.

Following an injury or illness, durable medical equipment and/or supplies may be essential tools to help with recovery at home. Durable medical equipment is any equipment that assists a person with specific medical conditions or illnesses. Home care medical equipment benefit those who have limitations because of his or her medical condition. These conditions may be temporary, or they may be chronic.

Regardless, medical equipment gives the flexibility to manage a condition while at home. A physician can help determine specific equipment and supply needs, and write a prescription if required. For durable medical equipment, options typically include either purchasing the equipment or renting it, depending on the patient’s needs and insurance requirements.

Standard medical equipment and supplies may include the following:

• Oxygen equipment
• BiPAP and CPAP machines and masks
• Ventilators
• Photo Therapy for babies
• Oxygen saturation monitors
• Hospital beds
• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Crutches
• Oxygen Saturation and Blood Pressure Monitors
• Compression Stockings
• Limb braces and supports
• Patient Lifts
• Diapers and Catheters

Some common questions to consider before purchasing (or renting) medical equipment and supplies:

• What is the best equipment for me?
• Will my insurance cover the equipment and the supplies?
• Where can I get medical equipment and supplies?
• Where can I get equipment and supplies when I travel?

Intermountain Homecare will assist you with your specific medical equipment needs by setting up the equipment and showing you how to use it properly. We will also assist you if the equipment needs repairs. If you no longer need the medical equipment, Intermountain Healthcare will arrange to pick it up.

Medical equipment and supplies often require prior authorization from your insurance and may also require a prescription from you doctor. Be sure to talk to your insurance provider about what is covered. Some insurance companies will provide coverage for medical equipment when it is determined to be medically necessary. Coverage may also depend on the cost of the medical equipment. Certain supplies may or may not be covered under your insurance.

If you think you would benefit from using durable medical equipment at your home, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can discuss what options would work best for your circumstance and provide a referral or authorization to receive the equipment. You can then visit any of Intermountain Healthcare’s homecare medical equipment facilities to receive your equipment, or you can have it delivered to your home.

• Medicare