Getting discharged from the hospital after a knee surgery is great news, but now you and your loved ones are faced with a different challenge: knee surgery recovery or, in other words, home care. A vital part of this is having the right knee recovery equipment to continue medical care at home.
But, let’s face it. Medical equipment, even those for home use, can be costly. So, you hope your health insurance and/or Medicare will shoulder all or a huge chunk of it, or that you’ll only have a minimal amount to pay out of pocket, if any. This is where you might come across the term “Durable Medical Equipment (DME).”
What is DME, and what is considered DME for those who have undergone knee surgery?
(Photo Credit:X10 knee recovery equipment)
What is DME?
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) defines durable medical equipment (DME) as “equipment that is considered medically necessary, as prescribed by a physician, to assist individuals with disabilities, injuries, or chronic health conditions in performing tasks or achieving greater functional independence.” The AAPM&R is the national medical specialty organization that represents over 10,000 physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
In addition, for a durable medical equipment to be qualified for Medicare, it must meet the following criteria:
- Durable (can withstand repeated use),
- Used for a medical reason,
- Typically only useful to someone who is sick,
- Used in your home, and
- Expected to last at least 3 years.
For those recovering from knee surgery, here are what’s typically considered durable medical equipment.
Mobility Aids
Devices that are used for getting around the house and outside are almost always considered to be durable medical equipment. If they are prescribed, they are typically covered by insurance.
Walkers
Standard or rolling walkers are often necessary for moving around immediately right after surgery. If the patient is recovering at the hospital, they’ll be provided one for hospital use. If the patient is moving back to their house to recover, they’ll be given a prescription if they are not provided one by the hospital.
Walkers provide stability and take weight off the joint during the first few weeks after surgery, so they are an essential equipment to have, especially for home care.
Crutches
Crutches or forearm crutches provide short- to mid-term mobility support. They are often used for younger patients or those with specific weight-bearing restrictions, such as patients who underwent meniscus repairs or ACL reconstruction.
Cane
During the later recovery stages, the patient will transition from a walker to a single-point or quad cane.
Knee Scooter
Knee scooters are more commonly used by patients who have had a foot or ankle surgery. However, knee surgery patients who are strictly required by their physicians to remain non-weight bearing might also use the knee scooter as an alternative to crutches.
Some knee scooter models can accommodate 300+ lbs., and the knee pads and handlebars can both be adjusted for height. They also feature hand brakes and four wheels. Many models come with baskets for storage as well.
Wheelchairs
Manual or transport chairs are used by patients with limited weight-bearing ability.
Fall Prevention & Home Adaptation Equipment
The DMEs in this category help the patient adapt to their home, especially in the bathroom which has the highest risk for falls.
- Raised Toilet Seat
This equipment makes sitting and standing easier by reducing the distance that the patient has to “drop” to sit. This is an essential feature for those who cannot yet fully bend their knees.
- Bedside Commode Chair
This is essentially a portable toilet that is helpful for those with limited access to the bathroom or cannot yet navigate to the bathroom.
- Shower Chair or Bath Bench
When it’s time to bathe, patients can use this to sit securely and avoid the risk of falling.
- Toilet Safety Rails
These standalone frames or rails help a patient push themselves up using their arms.
- Bed Rails or Assist Handles
These assist the patient in getting in and out of bed. They often come with non-slip grips, safety straps, and storage pockets.
- Patient Lifts
Those with severe mobility limitations use these to safely manage transfers without putting excessive pressure on the healing joint.
- Hospital Beds
If extended bed rest is needed, a hospital bed allows for proper elevation and adjustable heights. They also often come with assist rails.
Therapy & Recovery Aids
This category of durable medical equipment includes:
- Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Machine
The CPM machine is a motorized device used to gently move the patient’s leg. It increases joint flexibility, reduces swelling, and prevents stiffness.
- Compression Pumps (DVT Pumps)
These are portable and inflatable sleeves that stimulate blood circulation. They can prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Bracing & Stabilization Support
These devices provide essential stability and movement control to patients recuperating from knee surgery.
- Knee Braces (Hinged or Immobilizers)
Hinged knee braces are used to support and stabilize a patient’s movement, while immobilizers restrict or prevent unwanted movement early in the recovery phase.
What Doesn’t Count as DME?
There is a wide range of essential devices that are considered to be durable medical equipment, including walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment, but not everything a recovering patient uses at home is considered DME.
Items that are used for convenience and which are disposable are rarely classified as DME. The golden rule for durable medical equipment is this: If you toss it in the trash after one use, then it’s a medical supply.
Here are some examples of medical items that don’t fit the criteria for DMEs:
- Latex gloves or bandages (classified as medical supplies),
- Disposable ice packs,
- Compression stockings,
- Reachers or grabbers used to pick up items without bending,
- Sock aids and long-handled shoe horns that are helpful for dressing, and
- Wedge pillows used to elevate the leg to reduce swelling.
Why DME Classification Matters
Understanding what devices and equipment fall under the durable medical equipment classification is important. It empowers you and your loved ones to confidently make informed decisions about healthcare needs and insurance coverage.
If a specific item’s DME qualification isn’t clear to you or if you’re unsure if it will be covered by your healthcare insurance, the best course of action is always to ask. Don’t hesitate to talk with your physician, healthcare provider, or insurance company for clarification.