Learn About Medical Beds and Bed Related Medical Equipment
Is A Home Hospital Bed Considered Medical Equipment?
Across North America, public and private insurance policies classify them as “durable medical equipment” (DME). It’s a classification that includes commode chairs, crutches, oxygen equipment, and walkers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also classifies hospital beds as Class I and II devices. These devices are for patients in need of acute, long-term, or in-home care.
So long as a health care provider certifies that a person needs the bed for use in their home, some plans will cover the costs. Many common medical conditions include:
- bone and joint conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis
- heart conditions that require the patient to keep the head, heart, or limbs elevated
- spinal cord conditions or injuries
- neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s
- mobility or medical condition that requires a patient to take on new positions to relieve pain or pressure
Regardless of the condition, these care beds can be necessary for independence. For example, the assist rails – which the user or medical staff can adjust to various heights – provide support when the patient wants to get in or out of bed without professional assistance. It’s not the only feature separating hospital beds from conventional options, though.
What Makes A Hospital Bed Different From Conventional Beds?
Some public and private insurance programs will only consider an adjustable bed as DME if the bed can adjust the head or foot for elevating certain body parts and includes side rails that a patient or medical staff can lower or raise. Others will qualify any adjustable bed as DME when prescribed by a doctor as a “medical necessity.” However, they aren’t designed or built to have the same capabilities as hospital beds.
Adjustable beds aren’t made for hospital conditions; as such, they aren’t appropriate for most age-related or medical needs. Hospital beds have high-low features to help those with medical needs get in and out of bed. Side rails provide safety during the night and stability when it’s time to rise. A pressure-relieving mattress offers more comfort for patients who need to spend a lot of time in bed; SonderCare’s specialized mattresses have a firm perimeter edge to provide further support during transfers into and out of bed.
A standard hospital bed measures 36 inches in width and 80 inches in length. SonderCare beds come in wider models like the AURA™ PREMIUM 48” Extra Wide and the AURA™ PLATINUM 48” Extra Wide. All models are fully expandable, accommodating patients who may need a longer bed. Specifically, this bed expands from 80″ to 88″ in length.
How Do I Know Which Medical Bed is Right for Me?
Whether it’s for the safety of the patient and caregiver or wanting to help a senior maintain their independence, autonomy and quality of life, a hospital bed can be an at-home necessity. The high-quality hospital beds you’ll find on the market – including all SonderCare beds – are fully electric, with a hand controller operating all the adjustable capabilities.
The first step in picking a home hospital bed is deciding the length and width that are best suited for the patient. Our extra-wide models give users more space should they feel more comfortable with it. After narrowing down their choice, it’s time to figure out the details, such as your mattress, sheet sets, the style of the frame, and accessories.
Even though a care bed can be essential for in-home mobility and medical care, SonderCare ensures its customers won’t have to settle for a model that reminds them of the hospital. Our luxury hospital beds will look right at home in any setting, letting the patient rest easier and feel more comfortable on a piece of medical equipment that looks and feels like a premium residential bed.
- Hospital beds are classified as “durable medical equipment” (DME) in North America.
- The FDA classifies hospital beds as Class I and II devices for patients needing acute, long-term, or in-home care.
- Hospital beds are necessary for independence, with features such as adjustable assist rails and pressure-relieving mattresses.
- Hospital beds are different from conventional adjustable beds, with features like high-low adjustments and side rails for safety.
- SonderCare offers luxury hospital beds that look like premium residential beds, fully electric with adjustable capabilities.
- Choosing a home hospital bed involves deciding on length and width, mattress, sheet sets, frame style, and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions Medical Equipment Status of Hospital Beds
Hospital beds are necessary for patients with bone and joint conditions, heart conditions, spinal cord conditions or injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, or mobility issues that require position changes for relief.
Hospital beds have high-low adjustments, side rails for safety, and pressure-relieving mattresses, while conventional adjustable beds lack these features and are not appropriate for most medical needs.
Some public and private insurance policies cover the costs of a hospital bed if a health care provider certifies the bed is necessary for the patient’s use at home.
Consider the length and width of the bed, the mattress, sheet sets, the style of the frame, and any accessories needed.
SonderCare offers luxury hospital beds that look like premium residential beds, fully electric with adjustable capabilities and customizable options to suit the patient’s needs and preferences.
