Products and services offered may include:
• respiratory products and services
o nebulizers and oxygen
o CPAP and Bi-PAP Systems to treat patients with obstructive, central and complex
sleep apnea
o aerosol therapy (treatment for asthma, emphysema, and Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD);
• home medical equipment
o power chairs
o SCOOTER products
o wheelchairs
o walkers
o canes
o lift chairs
o hospital beds
o grab bars
o TENS Units
o transfer benches
o tub seats
o other assistive devices;
• enteral nutrition products and services (tube feeding supplies);
• infusion therapy products and services (pumps and related supplies, infusion therapies and
treatments);
• diabetic shoes and socks;
• incontinence products;
• prosthetic (mastectomy), orthotic and certain supplies (POS);
• respiratory therapy;
• technicians who install and service your products;
• trainers who educate you or a family member about the proper use of equipment.
Some of the payment options for purchasing medical equipment and supplies include:
Medicare will cover certain types of medical equipment if it:
• is prescribed by a doctor;
• can withstand repeated use;
• is primarily and customarily issued to serve a medical purpose;
• is generally not useful to a person in the absence of an illness or injury;
• is appropriate for use in the home; and
• is provided by specific suppliers that Medicare has approved.
Medicare will cover some medical supplies,
such as catheters, tubing, lubricants, and feeding pumps. Medicare also will pay to purchase or replace certain equipment, such as wheelchairs, SCOOTERS, and other types of mobility-assistive equipment.
Most companies that sell medical equipment and supplies will help you determine whether Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance will cover the purchase. They also will send the bill directly to Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance company.
Find out if Medicare covers your test, item or service.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Checklist
Printable Version
Equipment and Supplies
_____ Do you offer all of the equipment and services I need?
_____ Do you sell used medical equipment or supplies?
_____ Will I be told if the equipment or supplies have been used?
_____ Can you dispose of my old/existing bed or chair when you deliver my new equipment?
_____ Will I own the equipment, or will I have to return it?
_____ Can you get supplies for me in an emergency?
Servicing of Equipment
_____Is my equipment covered by a warranty?
_____ Who will service or repair my equipment if I have a problem?
_____ Do you have trained service personnel on staff?
_____ If I need assistance, whom should I call?
_____ Under what circumstances may I return the equipment?
_____ Will someone come to my home and regularly service my equipment?
Ordering and Shipping
_____ How do I place an order?
_____ How long is the payment and approval process before I can receive the equipment?
_____ Will your staff work with my doctor or the facility discharge planner to ensure that I will have
everything I need when I arrive home?
_____ Will you train a family member or me about the proper operation, care, maintenance and
safety of the equipment?
_____ Will you ship or deliver products to my home?
_____ What is the cost of shipping or delivery?
_____ When will the products arrive?
_____ What is your return policy?
_____ Who pays for shipping back to you?
Payment
_____ Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid or other forms of insurance?
_____ Do you have someone on staff who will assist me in determining whether my purchases will be
covered by Medicare, Medicaid or my insurance?
_____ How much money will I pay out of my pocket?
_____ Will I receive a document that explains the method of payment and when I have to pay?
_____ Do you offer financing or payment options?
References
_____ How long have you been in business?
_____ Will you provide me a list of references from doctors or other medical professionals who are
familiar with the quality of your products and services you provide?
Complaints
_____ Whom should I call with questions or complaints?