Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic Devices, Prosthetics, Orthotics, & Supplies (DMEPOS)

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary equipment, devices, and supplies falling under several benefit categories defined under section 1861 of the Social Security Act, commonly referred to as DMEPOS:

• DME (such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, ventilators, and oxygen equipment)
• Prosthetics and Orthotics (artificial legs, arms, and eyes, and leg, arm, back and neck braces)
• Prosthetic Devices (such as ostomy bags, which replace an internal body organ)
• Surgical Dressings, and Splints, Casts, and Other Devices used for Reduction of Fractures and Dislocations
• Therapeutic Shoes (extra-depth shoes with inserts or custom molded shoes with inserts for an individual with diabetes)
• Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items (standard and custom fitted gradient compression garments and other lymphedema compression treatment items).

Most of the DMEPOS items and services listed above are furnished by Medicare-enrolled DMEPOS suppliers, who are responsible for submitting Medicare claims for the items and services to the DME Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). Medicare claims for some of the items and services listed above are processed by other MACs (such as splints, casts, and other items and services furnished by physicians, and items and services furnished by hospital outpatient departments or home health agencies).

DMEPOS suppliers, manufacturers, consultants, and advisors – visit these pages for more detailed DMEPOS information: 

• DME & Supplies & Accessories Used with DME
• Prosthetics & Orthotics, Prosthetic Devices, & Therapeutic Shoes
• Surgical Dressings
• Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items
• Payment Policies for DMEPOS Items & Services
• Requesting DMEPOS Benefit Category Determinations
• DMEPOS Payment Determinations for New Items & Services
• DMEPOS Laws & Regulations
• DMEPOS Fee Schedule Files
• DMEPOS Archive

Important Links