[2] In the United States, durable medical equipment has a distinct meaning within government healthcare assistance programs including Medicare and the Social Security Administration.
[5] Other examples include iron lungs, oxygen tents, nebulizers, CPAP, catheters, hospital beds, and wheelchairs.
In the U.S., DME is regulated by various government agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees the safety and efficacy of medical devices.
[6] The growing global elderly population has significantly increased the demand for mobility aids and other DME that support independent living.
Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases has further fueled the need for DME.