What is durable medical equipment?

Durable medical equipment is an important term to identify since there are certain rules and limitations on what Medicare and other health insurance companies will cover. DME (durable medical equipment) is reusable medical supplies and equipment that gives individuals the ability to function normally (in their homes) without the help of others. Mobility aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, rollators, hospital beds, oxygen therapy, wheelchair ramps, CPAP, wheelchair lifts, and more are considered durable. Essentially anything that can be reused and not consumed (used then thrown away) is considered durable medical equipment. Some insurance companies also categorize diabetic testing supplies like glucose monitors and strips as durable.