Final answer:
Durable medical equipment must be ordered by a physician, used in the patient's home, medically necessary, and capable of repeated use for Medicare coverage. Medicare covers various medical services including prescription drugs, physician's services, and hospital services.
Step-by-step explanation:
For durable medical equipment (DME) to qualify for Medicare payment, it must meet several criteria. It has to be ordered by a physician and must be for use in a patient's home. DME includes items such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and other materials that can withstand repeated use. They are intended for long-term use to assist the patient with a medical condition or illness. The item must also be categorized as medically necessary and must have the ability to withstand prolonged use.
Medicare coverage includes a wide range of medical care aspects, including prescription drugs, medical supplies, physician's services, eyeglasses, eye care, and hospital services. The introduction of Medicare prescription benefits is a notable improvement in public health, though it has also raised concerns about costs and potential inflationary effects on the pricing of prescription drugs.