Rentals

Why Should I Rent Durable Medical Equipment?  

If you have recently been diagnosed with a condition that requires you to use Durable Medical Equipment [DME], then it is quite possible that you will need to have medical equipment at home. DME includes portable oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, home hospital beds, CPAP ventilators, and mobility scooters. DME is quite costly. Therefore, there are many benefits to renting this kind of medical equipment. Southeastern Medical Equipment provides a rental service for DME. As a result, we have provided for you the following guide to help you navigate the world of DME rental. 

Rental Period Length

One of the most important factors in deciding whether or not you should buy or rent your medical equipment is the length of time that you will be using it. Many times an aging patient will not know how long they will need the equipment. Plus, their illness could progress. Either way, if you do know how long you will need the equipment, Southeastern Medical Equipment offers month-to-month rentals on DME. Plus, the rental price can decrease as the rental period increases. Thus, the first step in renting DME (i.e. electric beds, stationary oxygen concentrators, or a patient lift) is to fill out our Rental Request Form.  Our staff will then connect with you to discern what product(s) suit your needs best. You can also call 1-800-653-6888.

Value of Resale

Another factor that impacts the decision of whether to rent or buy DME is the value of resale. Let’s say you are going to spend, for example, $2000 on a piece of medical equipment you are only going to use for a few months. If the resale value is half of that, chances are you are better off renting for a fraction of the price. Don’t forget the labor involved in the resale. There is shipping and advertising to consider when reselling an item, so you must take that into consideration as well. 

Repair and Service

DME is not maintenance free. When you purchase DME, you are responsible for the cost of repairs and service. Sure, the cost varies from product to product, but you must consider this. For example, a hospital bed may require light maintenance, but a scooter or lift often requires expensive recalibration and servicing. Thus, Southeastern Medical Equipment rental agreements cover the cost for service and repair. 

Medicare and DME Rental

Medicare and insurance providers will cover the cost of rental for some Durable Medical Equipment. Most of the time, coverage is based on the length of time the patient needs the equipment and how frequently it needs to be serviced. For more information about renting durable medical equipment, please contact our clinical support staff at support@equipmentandoxygen.com.