Looking for Medical Equipment?

When people are faced with needing medical equipment like a Hoyer Lift or a chair for the bath tub most of us do not know how to start the process.  The starting point is by having a Doctor sign an order that includes the consumer/ patient diagnosis written on a prescription pad. You would then need to take the order to a local home health agency, medical equipment store, or pharmacy that will follow up with the Doctor for more information and verifications.  

Most places do not take straight Medi-Cal anymore because of the low re-imbursement fees.   If you have an HMO like SCAN or Kaiser, etc. then you should contact your HMO member services. 

If you are looking for a Hoyer Lift, there is a difference in the Hydraulic Hoyer Lift and the Electric Hoyer Lift.  The electric version is usually not covered. A Hoyer Lift is equipment that mechanically assists in lifting a person out of bed and into a wheelchair, chair, or commode.

If you are 65 or older you must meet Medicare eligibility guidelines, which is:

        · Covered if patient transfer between bed and chair, wheelchair or commode requires the assistance of more than one person and without the use of a lift the patient would be bed confined.

Your Doctor or local hospital will have good recommendations regarding where you should get the equipment or PASC can also give you contact information, by calling toll free Information and Referral at (877) 565-4477.

The Convalescent Aid Society has equipment to loan , but they are limited in their service areas:

Equipment is available on loan to people of all ages who live within our service area and who are in need of equipment. There is no charge for borrowing equipment and equipment may be kept for as long as it is needed.

Equipment available: canes, commodes, walkers, wheelchairs, bath benches, transfer benches, hospital beds, trapezes. All equipment is repaired, cleaned, and sanitized. If equipment is too heavy or complicated to set up, such as hospital bed, delivery service is available at no charge.

Service Areas:

Greater San Gabriel Valley, west to Glendale/Burbank area and east to Glendora.

The Convalescent Aid Society is a non-profit organization and is entirely funded by private donations and endowments. Monetary and equipment gifts help us continue providing our service to others in need. These contributions are deeply appreciated and are tax deductible.

Call them at:  (626) 793-1696  or on line:   http://www.convalescentaidsociety.org

Sometimes local Senior Centers and Independent Living Centers have equipment that has been donated.  Goodwill and other thrift stores may have used equipment from time to time at lower costs.  They do not provide service repairs like a Medical Supply company would have. 

Start with a talk with your Doctor.  The Doctor has to write out the order for equipment and then take that order to a local Medical Supply store.  Many Medical Supply stores are located near the hospital in your community.