Patient Resources
Patient Forms
New Patient Information
Other Resources
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Pam Sommerhauser & Matt Markelz
D.M.E Coordinator
Office: (314) 336-2555
Fax: (314) 392-5097
Email: DME@toc-stl.com
Durable Medical equipment (DME) may be recommended for treatment of your orthopedic condition. The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis has a DME department that can meet most of the DME needs of our patients. Our DME staff are highly trained in fitting, use, and maintenance of the medical devices.
Not all DME is covered by insurance plans. Our staff will bill your insurance for the DME as with any other medical service or procedures. Most insurances consider DME an item separate from office visits, and separate co-insurance frequently applies. We are under preset, contracted rates with most insurance plans for the DME that we dispense. The fees are usually not negotiable.
Because insurance does not always cover DME and because there is frequently coinsurance that applies, we require an insurance deposit on the DME when it is dispensed. If insurance covers the entire cost, the deposit will be refunded or applied to other bills on your account. You may choose to purchase the DME outright and not have our office bill your insurance. Please notify the DME specialist at the time it is dispensed it this is your preference.
Our office may not be the least expensive supplier of DME for you. You may find less expensive DME at other facilities or on the internet. You may have gently used DME from friends or family members that would work well. Please feel free to use other sources for your DME needs if desired. Please confirm with Dr. Krause that the alternative DME is acceptable for the treatment provided. If you choose to obtain the DME product from our office, the cost of the product is non-negotiable and may not be returned.
Because of self-referral laws, we are unable to supply DME to any patient who has insurance through a federally funded payor (Medicare, TRICARE, etc).
DME commonly used by Dr. Krause:
- Walking boot
- Night Splint
- Surgical Shoes
- Lace up Ankle Brace
- Velocity Ankle Brace
- Tuli Heel Cups
- Crutches
- Walker
- Cane
- Cold Therapy Units
- Cast Protectors
- Knee Braces
PLEASE CONTACT THE DME OFFICE AT THE ORTHOPEDIC CENTER OF ST. LOUIS IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS