Do You Need Durable Medical Equipment or Diabetic Management Supplies?

If a person who has been hospitalized and is being discharged with a treatment plan which includes durable medical equipment, the person responsible for getting those items will vary.

• If a return home is in the offing, the hospital discharge planner (usually a nurse or social worker) will assist with ordering.  
• If home care is planned through a certified agency, the nurse or supervisor should to arrange delivery of necessary equipment and disposable supplies.
• Is a trip to a rehabilitation and physical therapy facility is in the offing, equipment will be available – on release, a physical therapist is supposed to evaluate the need for home equipment and coordinate the ordering.

Doctors may also prescribe health management supplies such as nutrition supplements or needles for insulin injections and other diabetic supplies. For incontinent patients, extra bed and lifestyle supplies may be needed as well. A responsible person – whether the patient or the caregiver – must ensure the proper equipment is ordered and delivered on time.

If the discharge of a patient is sudden, the care plan may not be discussed until the last minute, leaving little or no time to plan for and obtain durable equipment and supplies. Equipment used in the hospital may not be available for home use, and some discharge planners may order inappropriate equipment and supplies if they are not aware of a patient’s specific needs and the home environment.

In addition, many discharge planners may have already had conversations with insurance companies, and may present the equipment option for which the insurer will pay – this may not be the best option, so ask for all the options and figure out what will work best for the patient’s unique needs and situation.  If more suitable equipment must be paid out-of-pocket, it may be necessary to find cost effective options.

2BenefitU’s Durable Medical Equipment Benefit can help you get the supplies and equipment you need for your loved one at a good price with fast delivery. You can order by phone, and enjoy quick service and exactly the supplies you need sent right to your door, including huge savings:

You can save 20% to 50% and an additional $5 on orders over $100. Save on walking aids, wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, bathroom safety, orthopedic products and more.

In addition, the 2BenefitU Diabetic Management Benefit can help you save money on things like test strips, lancets, and more – making your out of pocket medical costs lower and helping you keep your family member comfortable, safe, and healthy.