Get NY Agreement for Basic Medical Supplies and Equipment 2014-2024

Durable medical equipment (DME)

Durable medical equipment is sometimes confused with disposable medical supplies. While both are needed and used by the elderly, ill and disabled, they are different. The main difference is that medical supplies are items that help a patient care for themselves, but are disposed of once used.

The main aspect that distinguishes durable medical equipment vs. medical supplies is that medical professionals apply medical supplies for short-term use, disposing of them after their initial use.

A DME supplier will need to be licensed by the NYS Department of Health Medicaid Program (with the exception of out-of-state DME suppliers providing DME items for injured workers residing outside of NYS).

Medical equipment is used for the specific purposes of diagnosis and treatment of disease or rehabilitation following disease or injury; it can be used either alone or in combination with any accessory, consumable or other piece of medical equipment.

Medical equipment is used for the specific purposes of diagnosis and treatment of disease or rehabilitation following disease or injury; it can be used either alone or in combination with any accessory, consumable or other piece of medical equipment.

Defibrillators, patient monitors, surgical tables, EKGs, anesthesia machines, sterilizers, lights, ultrasounds, and electrosurgical units, blanket/fluid warmers are all necessary pieces hospital equipment.

Medical Equipment and Supplies means items used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes essential for patient care, such as dressings, catheters, or syringes.