U.S. Durable Medical Equipment Market: Improving Life Quality

The world of healthcare involves the use of various equipment and devices. As such, keeping up with all the healthcare terms can be confusing. One term that individuals are likely to hear as they age is durable medical equipment (DME). For some, the term may be self-explanatory, while others may need a detailed explanation.

We’ve put together this essential guide on DME that covers everything you need to know about DME. We cover the fundamentals of DME and its most commonly used types. We also shed light on why the U.S. durable medical equipment market demand is on the rise. Let’s dive in!

Durable Medical Equipment: Introduction

Durable medical equipment refers to medical items needed by people with medical conditions and disabilities. DME may also be needed by individuals who have sustained injuries. As a specific medical term, DME is commonly used by healthcare insurance companies such as Medicaid and Medicare.

DMEs are generally used by older adults who have serious illnesses or mobility challenges as compared to other age groups. The equipment can be used on a long-term basis. To qualify as a DME, the medical item must be solely used for a medical purpose and ordered by a healthcare provider. Additionally, the item must be used in the home and only by patients having an illness or disability.

Market Metrics

The U.S. is witnessing sustained demand for durable medical equipment. According to our latest assessment, the U.S. durable medical equipment market stood at USD 122.23 billion in 2024. The market is poised to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.40% between 2025 and 2034.

The market demand is primarily driven by the growing geriatric population. Older adults typically have chronic conditions, mobility issues, and other ailments that necessitate dependence on medical devices. Growing healthcare expenditure and expanding insurance coverage are further fueling the U.S. durable medical equipment market expansion.

Commonly Used Durable Medical Equipment

Below, we’ve given some of the most commonly used durable medical equipment types:

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are one of the most commonly used DME items. It is primarily designed for use by individuals with a mobility disability. Wheelchairs serve the purpose of locomotion indoors, outdoors, or in both environments. These chairs may be either manually operated or electrically powered. Wheelchairs assist individuals with limited leg strength or those who have experienced paralysis.

Walkers, Rollators, and Canes

Walkers are designed to be used indoors for recovery periods. They are extremely light and have a clamp for carrying essential items. Walkers with forearm trough supports are ideal for individuals with arthritis in their wrists or hands. Rollators are walkers with four wheels. Their design offers maximum stability, making them ideal for individuals who travel outside the home often.

Hospital Beds

Hospital beds are now a popular solution for home care. These beds combine advanced medical functionality with thoughtful design. They play an important role in providing medical support for individuals in home settings. Hospital beds are typically beneficial for patients recovering post-surgery and those with chronic illness.

Oxygen Equipment

Oxygen equipment includes masks and medical oxygen concentrators & oxygen cylinders. Home oxygen concentrators draw in air from the surroundings. They remove nitrogen and other gases from the air and deliver oxygen. Oxygen equipment is best for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

CPAP and BiPAP Machines

Sleep apnea, a breathing disorder, is commonly treated using positive airway pressure (PAP). CPAP machines provide constant air pressure, irrespective of whether the patient is exhaling or inhaling. BiPAP machines have two different pressure settings. These machines are capable of automatically switching between an inhalation pressure and a lower exhalation pressure.

Blood Glucose Monitors

Monitoring blood sugar is one of the key aspects of managing diabetes. Blood glucose monitors are devices that electronically measure blood glucose levels. They are indicated for individuals with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2. Continuous glucose monitors are quickly becoming the preferred option due to the ability of these monitors to assess blood glucose levels on a near-continuous basis.

Besides these, other DMEs include patient lifts, commodes, shower chairs, infusion pumps, and nebulizers.

DME Coverage by Medicare

DME is covered under Medicare Part B (medical insurance). For that, the equipment must be prescribed as medically necessary by the patient’s Medicare-enrolled doctor or healthcare provider. Some other criteria need to be met. These include:

• The equipment can withstand repeated use
• Primarily needed for a medical condition
• Is generally not useful for a person if they don’t have an illness or injury
• Appropriate for home use
• The supplier is enrolled in Medicare

Based on the specific medical condition and patient need, the equipment may be covered for equipment rental. Patients can even be given the option to purchase the equipment. Whether renting or buying, the patient may be responsible for paying a certain percentage of the total cost of the equipment. Patients with supplemental insurance may have their out-of-pocket costs covered by the insurer.

AI Impact on the U.S. Durable Medical Equipment Market

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming several aspects of durable medical equipment. The ability of the technology to streamline inventory management and supply chains helps reduce costs and improve delivery times. AI ensures uninterrupted patient care by monitoring equipment performance and reducing downtime. AI can also analyze patient data to recommend tailored DME. This helps improve outcomes for chronic conditions or mobility issues. Furthermore, the technology can help save costs for insurers and Medicare/Medicaid by identifying fraudulent claims and billing errors.

To Conclude

Durable medical equipment plays a crucial role in improving life quality among individuals who have disabilities or have mobility issues. DME can include mobility gear such as cranes, scooters, and walkers. The term may also refer to airway pressure devices and continuous glucose monitors. Medicare and insurance plans cover many DME types.