Senior Care in Deerfield Beach FL
If your aging parents are receiving home care services, chances are they are going to need durable medical equipment to help them live as independently as possible. When it comes to senior care and the utilization of durable medical equipment, consider following the guidelines below.
Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment must meet the following criteria:
- Ability to withstand repeated use
- Must be used for medical reasons only
- It is not usable for anyone who is not sick, injured, or receiving treatment of any kind
- Must be used for those receiving in-home care
Some examples of durable medical equipment that may be used by seniors in their home include:
- Wheelchairs or scooters
- Home oxygen
- Safety railing system
- Canes and crutches
- Catheters
- Telephone alert systems
- Shower chairs
While all of these supplies and pieces of equipment are considered durable medical equipment, it’s important to note some items are not covered by insurance or Medicare.
Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment
If a piece of medical equipment is considered an item of comfort or convenience, it will not be covered by insurance or by Medicare. A few examples of this would be massage devices or communication devices. Some items, such as bathtub lifts, would seem to be medically necessary for certain seniors, especially if they have a difficult time getting in and out of the tub. This is not the case however, as Medicare deems this device an item of convenience. This means bathtub lifts would not be covered.
Sometimes a physician will write a prescription to enable their patient to get certain supplies like catheters. However, just because there is a prescription does not guarantee it will be covered. Before renting or purchasing any type of durable medical equipment, it is the best practice to contact Medicare or the insurance company to find out if it is covered or not. A list of durable medical equipment covered by Medicare can be found on their website. It is always the responsibility of the policy holder to know their benefits and what is covered and not covered.
Renting Versus Purchasing
Some types of durable medical equipment is only covered as rent-to-purchase. This means the policy holder pays a monthly fee to “rent” the item and after a specified amount of time, the policy holder will eventually own it. Some supplies, such as crutches, are not meant for long-term use, so they are covered as a rental only. Most insurance companies require prior authorization for any type of rental. They also require authorization for purchases over a certain dollar amount. The process of getting prior authorization is handled by the doctor or medical equipment supply company.
If you or a family member near Deerfield Beach, FL are in need of senior care services, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.
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