How Long is Too Long to Wait for a Device?

Gema Ramos, RN, Care Services Coordinator, ALS United Illinois

Typical Waiting Times to Receive Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

After a clinic visit, the ALS Clinic Team typically recommends Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Medicare defines DME as equipment that can withstand repeated use and serves a medical purpose. As an ALS patient, you may require various DMEs, ranging from walkers to communication devices. Understanding the typical process and waiting times for DME delivery is essential to advocate effectively for yourself or a loved one. Therefore, let’s explore the typical DME process and waiting times for common DME used in ALS.

Typical DME Process:

1. The doctor sends or faxes orders to a DME vendor.
2. If the DME requires evaluation, it is done in the clinic, an outpatient facility, or at your home. Scheduling the evaluation may involve contacting the clinic, facility, or DME vendor.
3. The DME goes through the insurance process.
4. The DME vendor contacts you, the patient, to schedule delivery, or the DME is shipped directly to your home.

Below is a list of common DMEs used by individuals with ALS and their typical waiting times:

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)	Typical Waiting Time	Notes
Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO) and neck brace	Orthotic vendor should be in touch within two weeks of receiving an order from the doctor	Fitting or measurements may be needed at the vendor facility
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device, Speech Generating Device (SGD)	After the AAC evaluation is done, the insurance process can take five to six weeks or longer depending on insurance	AAC evaluation required
Canes, Commodes, Rollator, Shower chair, Walker	DME vendor should be in touch or the DME delivered to the patient’s home in about two weeks of receiving an order from the doctor
Hoyer lift and hospital bed	DME vendor should be in touch within two weeks of receiving an order from the doctor
Motorized Wheelchair/Powerchair, Manual Wheelchair*	After the wheelchair evaluation is done, the insurance process can take up to six months depending on the insurance	Wheelchair evaluation required
Respiratory Equipment: BiPAP, CPAP, Cough Assist Machine, Nebulizer, Suction Machine, Ventilator	Respiratory vendor should be in touch within two weeks of receiving the order from the doctor

*A special note for wheelchairs: Medicare covers one mobility device every 5 years, including manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and scooters. The powerchair is the higher-priced option. For a manual wheelchair, like a transport or standard wheelchair, please contact your care service coordinator, as they are included in ALS United Illinois’s loan equipment program.

In case the DME vendor has not contacted you, or the equipment has not arrived within the specified time frame, please reach out to your clinic team or care service coordinator for assistance. There may be an error or delay in the DME process.