FAQs
Home Medical Equipment (HME) FAQs
Does insurance cover your products and services?
- This will vary depending on your insurance type, your prescribing physician’s order, and what product(s) or service(s) you require. Your insurance company can tell you about your policy’s terms and conditions. In addition, our experienced staff will work with you to determine your coverage, help set expectations, and navigate the process of determining your insurance coverage.
When will I receive my orthotics?
- Each orthosis is custom measured, cast, or fabricated to each patient’s individual needs. Depending on the fabrication, materials, individual components, and other factors, delivery times can be one or more weeks. Each individual will be properly educated to understand what delivery timeframe to expect.
When will I receive my prosthesis?
- We understand that receiving your new limb quickly is of utmost importance. In most cases, a new amputee will be healed enough to begin the process within 2-4 weeks after surgery. The first step after suture removal is called “Shrinking.” During this time, you will wear a compression-type sleeve called a “shrinker” that will help to reduce the remaining swelling from your residual limb & shape your limb for optimum fit of your socket. Most patients wear this for 1-3 weeks. Your practitioner will discuss your goals with you during this period, & formulate a treatment plan with you. During the next phase of treatment, you will be fitted for your “Test/Temporary Socket.” Making certain the fit of the test socket is customized and comfortable is a priority. The socket will be clear, which allows the practitioner to visualize pressure points and locate the areas in need of modification prior to the fabrication of your final socket.
Do I need to “break in” my new prosthesis or “toughen up” my residual limb?
- The answer to both of these questions is no. The technology available today allows us to fabricate a prosthesis that is very easy to put on, wear, take off & care for. Materials such as silicone, polyurethane, & thermoplastic elastomers are very gentle to the skin & require no adjustments for you to get used to wearing them.
Will my orthotics or prosthetic limb hurt?
- No. Once again, technology is in place to allow you to have a comfortable & pain-free prosthesis. Pain is an indicator of a problem in your socket. If you experience any issues with pain, please contact us immediately. We never want you to hurt in any way.
Will my prosthesis look natural?
- Yes & no. Initially, we use materials that are clear so that we can see precisely how your residual limb fits inside your socket. Then, once your residual limb has stabilized & we are confident in the fit, we can cosmetically cover the limb with a “skin” that matches your natural color.
Can I shower or swim in my prosthesis?
- You will not be able to get your primary prosthesis wet. However, there are special materials we can use to fabricate a “wet prosthesis” for you in addition to your primary. Bathing & swimming in your primary prosthesis will cause damage to your componentry & could put you at risk for injury.
Will I be able to return to sports & other physical activities when I receive my prosthesis?
- As a general rule, we always say that if a person could do something before amputation, they will be able to do that same activity afterward. That said, communication is vital, & you must discuss all concerns/questions with your practitioner & physical therapist. Learning from the experts is essential to your success in obtaining your goals. Also, some obvious factors play a role here, such as your overall health or other injuries. Rest assured; we are committed to doing anything & everything we can to work with you, your surgeon, & your physical therapist to return you to a full life!
Home Medical Equipment (HME) FAQs
Do you require a prescription from a physician to purchase durable medical equipment?
- Yes. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is provided by prescription based off of your physician’s evaluation and determination of need.
Are there any warranties or guarantees for durable medical equipment?
- All DME items come with warranties. These warranties are explained and provided to each patient so that you know what to expect.
Can I try out the equipment before I purchase it?
- Millennium DME’s trained staff will educate each patient on proper use by in-office training on the specific device. Because your DME service is individually prescribed and provided, only in-office and warranty-specific use is allowed by law.
Are there any financing options available for medical equipment?
- Yes. Our office staff will discuss all available financial options.
How do I clean and maintain my medical equipment?
- During your appointment, we will go over both verbally and provide written instructions on how to best maintain your device.
Are there any training or instructions available for using the equipment?
- All training, use, and warranty instructions will be provided to you so that you have the most optimal use of your device.