Medical Devices Purchasing Guide

OAOP members may provide a variety of medical products that are commonly eligible for insurance reimbursement. Understanding product categories, documentation requirements, and insurance standards can help improve claim approval rates and ensure compliance.

Support Braces and Orthopedic Supports

Common products include:

  • Back Braces and Lumbar Supports
  • Shoulder Braces
  • Knee Braces
  • Elbow Braces
  • Wrist Supports
  • Ankle Braces

Medical Support Products

Common products include:

  • Medical Compression Stockings
  • Custom Orthotics

These products are frequently covered under extended health benefit plans when supported by appropriate medical documentation.

Therapeutic Devices

Common products include:

  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Units
  • Mobility Aids
  • Walkers and Related Assistive Devices

These products are often eligible under medical equipment or medical device benefit categories.

⚠️ Important Insurance Requirements

Before purchasing or recommending any medical product, practitioners should verify the following:

  • A Doctor's Note or Physician Prescription is usually required.
  • Coverage varies significantly between insurance plans.
  • Medical device benefits are typically separate from treatment benefits such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or osteopathic treatment.
  • Clients should review their individual insurance policies to confirm eligibility and reimbursement limits.

Product Selection Guidelines

When selecting products for insurance reimbursement purposes:

  • Choose reputable medical-grade brands whenever possible.
  • Ensure products include complete packaging and manufacturer information.
  • Keep product labels and specifications for documentation purposes.
  • Verify that the product description on the receipt matches the actual product information.

🛒 Compliance Requirements for Braces and Supports

For insurance reimbursement, braces such as back, shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, and ankle supports should generally contain rigid or semi-rigid structural components, such as metal or hard plastic supports.

Soft elastic supports designed primarily for comfort or sports use may not qualify as reimbursable medical devices. Insurance companies often verify product specifications through publicly available product information.

⚠️ Best Practices to Improve Claim Approval

To maximize reimbursement success:

  • Select products specifically designed for medical use.
  • Maintain complete product packaging and documentation.
  • Ensure receipts accurately reflect the product name and model.
  • Match all product information with the manufacturer's labeling.
  • Avoid submitting products intended solely for comfort, fitness, or recreational use.

Back Brace/Support

Typically, each person can be reimbursed $1000~$1200, and each guest can reimburse one per year. The cost is about $250-300 each.

Sample ordering

Shoulder Brace

Typically, each can be reimbursed for $600~$800, and each guest can reimburse one per person per year. The cost is about $200-250 each.

Sample ordering

Knee Support/Brace

Typically, each pair can be reimbursed up to $3,000, and each guest can reimburse one pair per year. The cost is about $450-900 per pair.

Sample ordering

Elbow Braces

Typically, each pair can be reimbursed $500~$800, and each guest can reimburse one pair per year. The cost is about $100-200 per pair.

Sample ordering

Wrist Braces

Typically, each pair can be reimbursed $500~$800, and each guest can reimburse one pair per year. The cost is about $100-200 per pair.

Sample ordering

Ankle Braces

Typically, each pair can be reimbursed $500~$800, and each guest can reimburse one pair per year. The cost is about $100-200 per pair.

Sample ordering

Compressing stockings

Typically, each pair can be reimbursed for $200, and each person can reimburse 4-6 pairs per year. The cost is about $30-35 per pair.

Sample ordering

Custom-Made Orthotics

Typically, each pair can be reimbursed $450~$650, and each guest can reimburse one pair per year. The cost is about $65-80 per pair.

Sample ordering

TENS Machine

Typically, each person can be reimbursed $750~$1500, and each guest can reimburse one per year or every two years. The cost is about $180-250 each.

Sample ordering