Workplace injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence. After suffering a workplace injury, one of the primary concerns is ensuring proper recovery and rehabilitation. An essential component of this process is the use of Durable Medical Equipment (DME). These devices play a crucial role in helping injured workers recover from their injuries, aiding them to perform daily activities and manage chronic medical conditions. Thus, it is important to have an essential checklist for DME after a workplace injury.
DME includes a wide array of devices such as blood sugar monitors and test strips, canes, commode chairs, continuous passive motion machines, crutches, oxygen equipment and accessories, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters among others. The exact equipment required depends on the nature and severity of the injury. For instance, after surgery, items like commode chairs, canes, and walkers are typically provided. For individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, blood pressure monitors and diabetic test strips might be necessary. Severely disabled workers might require more advanced equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, scooters, and lift devices.
However, procuring this equipment can sometimes be a challenge within the workers’ compensation system. Doctors need to provide a “Request for Authorization” for such equipment. The insurance companies can either approve this request or send it to Utilization Review. If the item is denied, the injured worker can seek an Independent Medical Review of the Utilization Review Determination.
Additionally, the use of DME can impact one’s Whole Person Impairment and Permanent Disability ratings. For instance, for lower extremity injuries, the use of assistive devices in ambulation can be a factor in assessing a level of impairment. It’s also important to note that there have been legal cases concerning DME, mainly regarding an injured worker’s entitlement to DME and the reimbursement for the DME from a provider.
In summary, DME is a critical aspect of recovery after a workplace injury. Understanding what equipment might be needed and navigating the authorization and reimbursement processes can make a significant difference in the recovery journey1234567891011.
1. Mobility Aids
– Canes
– Walkers
– Wheelchairs
– Scooters
2. Bathroom Safety
– Commode chairs
– Shower chairs
– Grab bars
– Elevated toilet seats
3. In-home Hospital Equipment
– Hospital beds
– Over-bed tables
– Patient lifts
4. Orthopedic Equipment
– Crutches
– Continuous passive motion machines
– Orthotic and prosthetic devices
5. Respiratory Equipment
– Continuous positive airway pressure devices and accessories
– Nebulizers and nebulizer medications
– Oxygen equipment and accessories
6. Therapy Equipment
– Traction equipment
– Infusion pumps and supplies
– Hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices
– Cold compression therapy units
– Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy devices
7. Pain Management
– Cold therapy machines
– TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units
– Heat therapy machines
– Massage therapy devices
8. Diabetes Management
– Blood sugar monitors
– Blood sugar test strips
– Lancet devices and lancets
– Glucose control solutions
9. Nutrition Support
– Enteral nutritional supplies and equipment
10. Hearing Aids
– Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids
– In-the-ear (ITE) aids
– Canal hearing aids
– Cochlear implants
11. Vision Aids
– Magnifiers
– Reading machines
– Braille embossers
12. Pressure Care
– Air-fluidized beds
– Pressure reducing cushions
– Pressure reducing mattress
13. Wound Care Supplies
– Wound dressings
– Wound care kits
– Negative pressure wound therapy devices
14. Home Safety
– Bed alarms
– Fall detection devices
– Medication management devices
Remember, not all equipment may be necessary for every injury. It’s important to consult with medical professionals to determine what DME is necessary for your specific injury and recovery plan. Also, keep in mind that acquiring these equipment can sometimes be a challenge within the workers’ compensation system, so understanding the authorization and reimbursement processes is crucial.