Durable Medical Equipment Education (DME) & Complex Equipment Overview for Clinicians

Durable Medical Equipment Education (DME) & Complex Equipment Overview for CliniciansThis is an on demand course which is designed for learners to engage with content at their own convenience and pace, without the need to attend live sessions. DESCRIPTION This self paced, on demand course, "Durable Medical Equipment Education (DME) and Complex Equipment Overview for Clinicians", introduces the process for occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) to order durable medical equipment (DME) (e. g., walkers, basic

• This is an on-demand course which is designed for learners to engage with content at their own convenience and pace, without the need to attend live sessions. 

DESCRIPTION
This self-paced, on-demand course, "Durable Medical Equipment Education (DME) and Complex Equipment Overview for Clinicians", introduces the process for occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) to order durable medical equipment (DME) (e.g., walkers, basic wheelchairs, commodes, hospital beds, and hydraulic lifts.) Equipment ordering requires extensive knowledge in documentation, justification, the ordering process and insurance guidelines for DME coverage. This training program is intended for OTs, PTs and SLPs to raise clinician’s ability to educate their patients on equipment coverage and medical necessity and properly order equipment items as appropriate.

INSTRUCTORS
Anna Hindelang, PT, DPT, Michael Klonowski, PT, DPT and Sally Taylor, PT, DPT

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Speech-Language Pathologists

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
After completion of of these modules the learner should be able to: 

Module One: Getting to Know the DME Process Introduction

1. Establish a working knowledge of durable medical equipment, complex rehabilitation technology and the process to procure both as well as identify the key stakeholders involved in obtaining this equipment
2. Demonstrate appropriate application of medical justification, documentation requirements and insurance guidelines to facilitate ordering of durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology for patients

Module Two: Durable Medical Equipment Conversations

1. Examine appropriate equipment recommendations with patients and their family to improve functional mobility
2. Apply scripting to improve ability to have challenging equipment discussions with patients and their family members

Module Three: Wheelchairs

1. Discuss the seven types of manual and three groups of power wheelchairs available for patients, and identify the wheelchair parts/components associated with the operation of each
2. Establish working knowledge of how to take proper measurements for a wheelchair for a patient
3. Determine the appropriate chair to recommend for a patient

Module Four: Clinical Problem Solving DME Selection

1. Identify the qualification requirements for a patient and recommending appropriate durable medical equipment to meet their functional mobility needs
2. Accurately complete an equipment progress note (EPN) so it is accepted the first time it is submitted and avoid delays in equipment orders and patient discharge

Module Five: Navigating Challenging Equipment Situations

1. Discuss the equipment ordering process to patients/family members/caregivers
2. Empower individuals to be able to be self-advocates and work with alternative equipment options at home

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapy

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID#03031. This distance learning-independent course is offered at .35 CEUs [Intermediate/Foundational Knowledge/OT Service Delivery]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Physical Therapy
This course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 3.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069.

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 3.5 Contact Hours on 3/3/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathology

DISCLOSURES
None of the presenters have any financial or non-financial disclosures.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.