CONSUMER
Consumer
Consumer
How to
CHOOSE A MEDICAL
EQUIPMENT PROVIDER
If you find that you need to rent or
purchase medical equipment, you may
want to research providers carefully before
making any decisions.
People with long-term or chronic ill-
ness find that medical equipment can
improve their comfort and quality of life.
Your doctor can prescribe the type of
device or equipment you need. Follow the
correct guidelines, and then choose a com-
pany in your area who has the equipment
and supplies that best meet your needs.
RESPIRATION EXPERTISE
People with respiratory problems
should look for a medical equipment pro-
vider whose staff has training and exper-
tise with CPAP machines and supplies,
bottled oxygen and other equipment.
A certified respiratory therapist on
staff can guide you on how to use the
equipment safely and effectively.
Choose a company that delivers the
correct supplies at the right time and
that employs skilled and compassionate
people.
PERSONAL SERVICE
Locally-based providers are always
best. You are likely to receive personalized
service. They can also respond quickly in
case of trouble.
10 HOW TO GUIDE
Equipment fails and supplies run out.
When your provider is in your community,
you can usually reach someone right away.
A local provider can send someone
quickly. Larger companies may stock sup-
plies a few hundred miles away. That
means you may have to wait days for a
technician or urgently needed supplies to
arrive.
INSURANCE/GOVERNMENT
BILLING
Medicare, Medicaid and Insurance
often cover medical equipment and sup-
plies. Choose a provider who is experi-
enced in handling patient billing for these
plans.
Government regulations and docu-
mentation are often complicated. There are
deadlines to meet and rules to follow. The
equipment provider may be able to bill
Medicare or Medicaid directly, which less-
ens the deductible you will have to pay. It
also speeds up the entire billing process.
MOBILITY EXPERTISE
When you are dealing with mobility
issues, look for a provider with experi-
ence in mobility aids. They should offer
you a wide range of walkers, scooters and
wheelchairs.
While you may only need a simple
cane now, you might need more advanced
aids in the future.
Creating a good working relationship
with a medical equipment provider will
help you as your needs change over time.
OTHER SUPPLIES
Medical needs change over time. Be
sure to choose a company that carries a
wide array of medical supplies.
In the future, you might need ostomy
supplies; diabetic shoes, hosiery and sup-
plies; home oxygen; CPAP machines and
supplies and other types of treatment and
monitoring equipment. Choose a medical
equipment provider who becomes familiar
with your needs over the years and who
can develop a sense of you as a person.
Speak with your doctor and staff
about good companies in your area. Their
recommendations will help you find the
right company for your needs.
A good track record of customer ser-
vice, the ability to handle Medicare and
Medicaid billing, and trained staff should
be the factors to guide you in your search
for an excellent medical equipment pro-
vider.