A device request is when your healthcare provider prescribes medical equipment you need - like a wheelchair, CPAP machine, glucose meter, or hearing aids. These records show what devices have been ordered for you and help ensure you get the right equipment.

Device requests serve as official documentation for insurance coverage and help coordinate your care between different providers who need to understand your equipment needs.

Note: Only your healthcare providers can create or update device requests to ensure proper medical authorization.

 

What's in Your Device Request Records

Basic request information:

  • Device requested - The specific medical equipment prescribed
  • Status - Current state (active, completed, on-hold, etc.)
  • Priority - How urgent the need is (routine, urgent, ASAP, STAT)
  • When recorded - Date the request was created
  • Related visit - The appointment that led to the device request

When you need the device:

  • Specific date - When you need the device by a certain date
  • Time period - When you need it during a range of time
  • Schedule - For devices with complex timing needs

Why you need it:

  • Medical reasons - Conditions or symptoms the device addresses
  • Linked conditions - Specific health problems in your record that justify the device
  • Supporting information - Test results or assessments that support the need

Who's responsible:

  • Provider type - What kind of healthcare provider will help get the device
  • Specific person/team - Who exactly is assigned to help you
  • Additional notes - Special instructions or requirements

 

Common Types of Device Requests

Mobility equipment:

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches
  • Hospital beds, lift chairs
  • Prosthetic devices

Breathing equipment:

  • CPAP machines for sleep apnea
  • Oxygen concentrators and nebulizers
  • Pulse oximeters

Monitoring devices:

  • Blood glucose meters for diabetes
  • Blood pressure monitors
  • Heart rate monitors and scales

Sensory aids:

  • Hearing aids and cochlear implants
  • Eyeglasses and magnification devices
  • Communication devices

Treatment devices:

  • Insulin pumps and compression stockings
  • Braces, supports, and pain management devices
  • Wound care equipment

 

How to Use Your Device Request Information

Getting your device:

  • Contact medical equipment suppliers with your request information
  • Provide complete documentation to your insurance company
  • Follow up if you don't hear back within expected timeframes
  • Keep track of request status and priority levels

Working with insurance:

  • Use the medical reasons to support coverage requests
  • Provide the clinical justification for medical necessity
  • Ask your provider for help if insurance denies coverage

Coordinating your care:

  • Share device information with all your healthcare providers
  • Let your care team know when you receive the device
  • Report any problems with delivery or function
  • Schedule follow-up for device training or adjustments

Questions to ask:

  • "What exactly is this device and how will it help me?"
  • "How urgent is it that I get this device?"
  • "How do I go about getting this device?"
  • "Will I need training to use it properly?"
  • "What should I do if my insurance doesn't cover it?"

Remember: Device requests are an important part of your treatment plan. Understanding them helps ensure you get the right equipment at the right time.