DME pads will have much lower temperature limits and additional safety devices. Look up "whelping mat" at a pet supply house. They have temp limits of 98-101, they are wet-proof and have reinforced heavy duty cords. They cost a lot more than the drugstore pads, but are a lot safer.
I just looked at a dme site I've used. The heating pads they sell are a range of devices, one electrical, most microwavable. The electric one has a "patient lockout setting" meaning the person using it can't adjust it, only an attendant can. The prices for these devices was the same on amazon and on my dme site.
If a doctor writes and order for a heating pad as dme, it's paid for by a third party (insurance ,medicaid). It also means that the doctor wants a medical grade device, not the 15.00 model from CVS which may get too hot if an elder with neuropathy insists on keeping it on high.
Heating pad is a device, used to warm up different body parts for managing and alleviating pain. It increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles that helps in decreasing pain signals to the brain. Traditionally "hot water bottles" were used in place of them but now with the developing technology heating pads occur which used electrical or chemical composition.
Whereas durable medical equipments are generally a health care device which helps disabled person to perform their daily activities easily. It includes products such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, medication dispensers and much more. Medical suppliers like ilexmedical and many alike can provide such products to the patient at their home. I hope you understand the difference among both.
You will likely pay more at a DME company. They supply wheelchairs, walkers, bathroom equipment etc. A heating pad from CVS is just fine. Watch your loved one carefully as the elderly usually have impaired sensory system and not feel when they are getting burned and nobody should go to sleep with one
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If a doctor writes and order for a heating pad as dme, it's paid for by a third party (insurance ,medicaid). It also means that the doctor wants a medical grade device, not the 15.00 model from CVS which may get too hot if an elder with neuropathy insists on keeping it on high.
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Whereas durable medical equipments are generally a health care device which helps disabled person to perform their daily activities easily. It includes products such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, medication dispensers and much more. Medical suppliers like ilexmedical and many alike can provide such products to the patient at their home. I hope you understand the difference among both.