Education Center
Understanding your equipment prescription
What a DME order needs to include so your claim goes through the first time.
Key takeaways
- A valid order names the item, diagnosis, functional need, and the provider's signature and date.
- Chart notes must show why it's medically necessary — function, not just diagnosis.
- Some items (power chairs, lift chairs) need extra forms or exams; we coordinate them.
Why the paperwork matters
For insurance to pay, the equipment has to be backed by the right documentation. A missing detail is the most common reason an order stalls — so it helps to know what your provider needs to write.
What a complete order includes
- Your name and date of birth
- The specific item ordered (and quantity, for supplies)
- The diagnosis and the functional reason you need it
- The ordering provider's name, signature, and date
- Length of need, for rentals or ongoing supplies
Chart notes do the heavy lifting
Insurers want to see why the item is medically necessary, not just the diagnosis. The chart notes should describe the functional limitation — for example, “unable to walk 10 feet without resting” rather than only “arthritis.”
Items with extra requirements
- Power wheelchairs and scooters: a face-to-face mobility exam
- Lift chairs: a specific CMS form plus a qualifying condition
- Wound dressings: wound type and measurements
- Compression garments: a qualifying diagnosis and an order
We handle it with your provider
You don't have to manage this alone. Send us the order and we coordinate any missing pieces with your provider's office, then prepare the file so the claim goes out clean. See how to get started or call us 24/7.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Medicare coverage depends on medical necessity and documentation and is not guaranteed.