Do you ever have to buy supplies for your patients?

[startofcare]

Do you ever have to buy supplies for your patient in order to provide them their care ?Because the DME didnt send enough supplies or the right supplies? .

[toomuchbaloney]

Don't do it IMHO.

You are stepping outside of appropriate boundaries to place yourself in that position of responsibility and accountability.

Notify your employer and the medical provider.

I look forward to hearing from those who might disagree with me.

[enuf_already]

Do you ever have to buy supplies for your patient in order to provide them their care ?Because the DME didnt send enough supplies or the right supplies? .

If the wrong supplies are delivered or an inadequate amount are supplied for safe care, someone needs to be on the phone with the DME ASAP. If the patient/agency is aware you cannot deliver safe care because you do not have supplies, then document who you told and when, and the plan to remedy, but do not spend your money to buy supplies. Ever.

When nurses start buying supplies for patients, there is no reason for the DME to supply an adequate amount and potentially no reason for anyone else to advocate to make it right.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

NO. If the DME does not send the right supplies or enough supplies, I call them and say "you need to send out these supplies ASAP" and then reschedule the visit for the next day when the supplies will be in the home.

[caliotter3]

DME companies will usually do an emergency same day delivery if you call them in time.

[toomuchbaloney]

If the DME will deliver supplies emergently, charge the company for 2 routine visits, not one, since you actually had to travel there twice at your own expense and it did take time out of your day.