Medicare and DME supplies: HHAgency

Published

So I found out today that Medicare doesn't supply bathroom equipment like shower bench, grab bars so forth. What do I do next. I feel horrible having to tell the family that it's not going to be covered and it's going to have to come out of their pocket..at least I'm assuming.There is no secondary insurance to go through. Is there any nurses who have gone down this path and know what options are available. I am looking up equipment now to recommend for them to go through to find the equipment they need at a decent price.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Contact your local Elks lodge. They often have brand-new equipment that they will either loan or donate to families with a need. The lodges near me have walkers shower mold shower chairs wheelchairs crutches

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
Contact your local Elks lodge. They often have brand-new equipment that they will either loan or donate to families with a need. The lodges near me have walkers shower mold shower chairs wheelchairs crutches

They'll loan me shower mold? :roflmao:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
They'll loan me shower mold? :roflmao:

So much for proof reading. Let me try again (I swear it said commode before I hit "reply"

They will loan or give

Shower chairs

Commodes

Walkers

Manual wheelchairs

Crutches

Canes

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

Some VFWs or American Legion Posts also have equip that can be loaned out for vets and their families.

I'm unsure but could some equip be found at Goodwill or similar consignment stores?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! I just hate seeing all that money put into equipment that may not be needed in a matter of months.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

The health department in my town has what they call "the nurses closet". They have all kinds of equipment, including hospital beds, that they will loan. Maybe your health department would have something similar.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hospice thrift store.

Senior centers.

Get your MSW and OT working on this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Talk to the patient's doctor. Often times if they can put in consult to PT and OT they can get Medicare part A (inpatient) to pick up the cost of many of the prosthetics and DME that patients require and get it covered by Medicare part A.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion