procedures
DME (Durable Medical Equipment)
耐久性医療機器（DME） (taikyūsei iryō kiki)
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) refers to medical devices prescribed by a physician for repeated use in the home to treat a medical condition. Examples include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, CPAP machines, blood glucose monitors, and prosthetics. Medicare Part B covers DME when it is medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. Private insurance DME coverage varies; prior authorization is commonly required. DME must be purchased from a Medicare-approved supplier for Medicare coverage to apply.
Patients should verify that both the DME supplier and the specific equipment are covered under their plan before ordering to avoid unexpected costs.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | DME (Durable Medical Equipment) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 耐久性医療機器（DME） |
| Chinese (中文) | 耐用医疗设备 |
| Korean (한국어) | 내구성 의료 장비 |
| Portuguese | Equipamento Médico Duradouro |
| Spanish | Equipo Médico Duradero |
| Filipino | Durable Medical Equipment |
| Thai | อุปกรณ์การแพทย์ที่ใช้งานได้ยาวนาน |
| Vietnamese | Thiết bị y tế lâu bền |
| Romanization | taikyūsei iryō kiki |
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Browse US healthcare guides →Last reviewed: September 2026