The Difference Between HME & DME – And Which Do I Need?

Home medical equipment (HME) and durable medical equipment (DME) are two terms medical and insurance professionals use to describe largely the same thing: products used to provide essential medical aid to patients in the home.

While commonly mistaken as interchangeable, HME and DME serve distinct purposes and are often used in different healthcare contexts.

What is HME (Home Medical Equipment)?

By definition, HME includes more than just the actual medical devices patients and caregivers use at home (like wheelchairs, hospital beds, patient lift equipment, and CPAP machines).

HME is a multi-dimensional term, encompassing both the physical DME items (see section below) and a range of related services, including:

Home safety assessments
Equipment delivery & set-up
Product demonstration
Equipment maintenance & failure assistance
Insurance verification & billing
Document gathering
Emergency assistance
Advocacy on behalf of the patient to insurance

What is DME (Durable Medical Equipment)?

On the other hand, DME simply refers to the medical equipment itself. Some common examples of qualified DME include:

Prosthetic devices
Orthotic braces
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines
Insulin pumps & other diabetic supplies
Nebulizers
Oxygen concentrators
Oxygen equipment
Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
Incontinence supplies
Patient lift equipment
Hospital beds
Bathroom safety equipment

Equipment must meet specific criteria to be considered DME:

It must be durable (it should withstand repeated use for at least 3 years).
It must be medically necessary.
A doctor should prescribe it.
It is intended for use in the patient’s home.
It is generally only useful for patients who are sick or injured.

Overlap Between HME & DME

As you can see, there is a lot of crossover between home medical equipment and durable medical equipment. Many items fall into both categories. For example, a wheelchair can qualify as both HME and DME, depending how it’s specifically used.

HME and DME have many shared characteristics:

Both are used in home healthcare settings.
They often require a prescription.
They aim to improve a patient’s quality of life.
They may be covered by insurance.

Key Differences Between HME & DME

Despite the similarities, there are a few important distinctions:

Durability: While DME is designed to last for a long time (a minimum of 3 years), HME may have a shorter lifespan.
Medical Necessity: DME is often prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition, but HME may be used for general health and wellness.
Insurance Coverage: Different insurance plans may cover HME and DME differently. Medicare typically only covers HME if it meets all the DME criteria.

Which Do I Need?

Ultimately, the specific category of home healthcare equipment you need depends on a range of personal factors, including your:

Specific medical condition
Doctor’s recommendation
Insurance coverage
Personal lifestyle & healthcare goals
Budget considerations

Your physician is the best resource to help you determine whether HME or DME is the right choice for your needs.

Find an HME Supplier Near You!

Need help finding a local HME or DME supplier? Use our HME Supplier Locator Tool to find home medical equipment suppliers in your area.

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