Home healthcare has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the medical industry. Many patients prefer receiving treatment at home rather than staying in hospitals for long periods. Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment (HME) services help patients access professional-grade medical devices in their homes for recovery, chronic disease management, and long-term care.
Through its division Sanford Health Equip, the healthcare system provides equipment such as hospital beds, oxygen machines, wheelchairs, CPAP devices, and rehabilitation aids. These services improve patient independence while reducing hospital visits and healthcare costs.
This guide explains everything about Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment, including products, pricing, packages, locations, comparisons, and alternatives.
Table of Contents
What Is Home Medical Equipment (HME)?
Home Medical Equipment refers to durable medical devices used at home to assist patients with medical treatment or daily activities.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Explanation |
| Durable | Designed for long-term repeated use |
| Doctor Prescribed | Many items require medical approval |
| Home Use | Safe for patients or caregivers |
| Reusable | Built to last months or years |
These devices support patients with mobility problems, breathing disorders, or recovery after surgery.
History of Home Medical Equipment
| Year | Development |
| 1950s | Hospitals begin sending oxygen equipment home |
| 1970s | Medicare starts covering durable medical equipment |
| 1990s | Growth of home healthcare services |
| 2000s | Digital monitoring devices introduced |
| 2020s | Telehealth integration with home equipment |
Healthcare systems like Sanford Health expanded home equipment programs to support rural and remote patients.
Equipment Categories Offered by Sanford Health
- Mobility Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose | Typical Users |
| Wheelchairs | Mobility assistance | Disabled patients |
| Walkers | Walking support | Elderly patients |
| Mobility Scooters | Powered movement | Long-term mobility issues |
| Crutches | Temporary injury support | Post-surgery patients |
Average Price Range
| Equipment | Price Range |
| Wheelchair | $150 – $900 |
| Walker | $40 – $200 |
| Mobility Scooter | $800 – $3000 |
| Crutches | $20 – $80 |
2. Respiratory Equipment
Respiratory devices are among the most commonly prescribed home medical equipment.
| Equipment | Use |
| Oxygen Concentrator | Provides oxygen therapy |
| CPAP Machine | Treats sleep apnea |
| Nebulizer | Delivers inhaled medications |
| Ventilator | Supports breathing |
Respiratory Equipment Price Table
| Equipment | Average Cost |
| CPAP Machine | $500 – $1500 |
| Oxygen Concentrator | $600 – $2500 |
| Nebulizer | $50 – $200 |
| Portable Oxygen Tank | $150 – $500 |
3. Hospital-Style Home Equipment
| Equipment | Function |
| Adjustable Hospital Beds | Comfortable patient positioning |
| Pressure Relief Mattresses | Prevent bed sores |
| Patient Lifts | Help move patients safely |
| Bedside Commodes | Assist bathroom needs |
Price Estimates
| Equipment | Price |
| Hospital Bed | $500 – $5000 |
| Patient Lift | $600 – $3000 |
| Pressure Mattress | $200 – $1000 |
| Bedside Commode | $60 – $300 |
Home Safety and Daily Living Aids
| Product | Benefit |
| Grab Bars | Prevent bathroom falls |
| Shower Chairs | Safe bathing |
| Raised Toilet Seats | Easier sitting and standing |
| Reachers | Help pick items without bending |
These devices improve independence for seniors and people with disabilities.
Packages Offered by Sanford Health Equipment
| Package | Includes | Best For |
| Basic Recovery Package | Walker, shower chair | Post-surgery patients |
| Respiratory Care Package | CPAP, oxygen concentrator | Sleep apnea and lung disease |
| Senior Safety Package | Grab bars, commode, walker | Elderly home safety |
| Rehabilitation Package | Braces, mobility aids | Injury recovery |
Locations and Service Regions
Most Sanford Health equipment centers operate in the Midwest United States.
| State | Cities |
| North Dakota | Fargo, Dickinson |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls |
| Minnesota | Bemidji, Detroit Lakes |
| Iowa | Spirit Lake |
Insurance Coverage
| Insurance | Coverage Details |
| Medicare | Covers many durable medical equipment items |
| Medicaid | Coverage varies by state |
| Private Insurance | Depends on policy |
| Self Pay | Direct purchase option |
Patients often need a doctor’s prescription before receiving equipment.
Tools Used in Home Healthcare
| Tool | Purpose |
| Pulse Oximeter | Measures oxygen levels |
| Digital Thermometer | Tracks body temperature |
| Blood Pressure Monitor | Measures cardiovascular health |
| Glucose Meter | Monitors blood sugar |
Jobs in Home Medical Equipment Services
| Job Role | Average Salary |
| Respiratory Therapist | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Medical Equipment Technician | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Orthotic Specialist | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Customer Care Specialist | $35,000 – $50,000 |
Qualifications for Working in HME
| Position | Required Qualification |
| Respiratory Therapist | Medical degree + certification |
| Technician | Biomedical or technical training |
| Orthotist | Prosthetics certification |
| Customer Support | Healthcare service training |
Pros and Cons of Home Medical Equipment
Advantages
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Comfort | Patients remain at home |
| Lower cost | Less expensive than hospitalization |
| Independence | Patients manage daily tasks |
| Faster recovery | Home environment supports healing |
Disadvantages
| Issue | Explanation |
| Equipment maintenance | Requires regular servicing |
| Training required | Patients must learn proper use |
| Insurance delays | Authorization may take time |
Comparison of Major Home Medical Equipment Providers
| Provider | Equipment Variety | Coverage | Specialty |
| Sanford Health Equip | High | Midwest US | Full medical equipment |
| Apria Healthcare | High | Nationwide | Respiratory equipment |
| Lincare | Medium | Nationwide | Oxygen therapy |
| Rotech Healthcare | Medium | Nationwide | Respiratory devices |
Alternatives to Sanford Health Equipment
| Provider | Service |
| Apria Healthcare | Respiratory therapy equipment |
| Lincare | Oxygen and sleep therapy |
| Medline | Medical supply distribution |
| Cardinal Health | Hospital and home supplies |
Where to Buy Home Medical Equipment
| Option | Description |
| Hospital equipment stores | Medical-grade devices |
| Healthcare providers | Prescription equipment |
| Online medical stores | Convenient purchasing |
| Insurance providers | Approved vendors |
Real-World Patient Scenarios
| Patient Situation | Equipment Needed |
| Hip replacement surgery | Walker and raised toilet seat |
| COPD patient | Oxygen concentrator |
| Sleep apnea patient | CPAP machine |
| Elderly fall risk | Grab bars and a shower chair |
Real-Time User Reviews
| Rating | Feedback |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Professional equipment support |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good insurance assistance |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Delivery delays sometimes |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Helpful staff and training |
Safety Guidelines for Patients
- Always follow doctor’s instructions.
- Keep equipment clean and disinfected.
- Check oxygen tubing for leaks.
- Replace filters regularly.
- Keep electrical equipment away from water.
FAQ’s
What is Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment?
It is a service by Sanford Health that provides medical devices for patients to use at home.
Do I need a prescription for medical equipment?
Yes, most durable medical equipment requires a doctor’s prescription.
Does Medicare cover home medical equipment?
Many devices are covered if medically necessary.
Can equipment be rented instead of purchased?
Yes. Many items such as oxygen concentrators and hospital beds are available for rental.
Who installs the equipment?
Professional technicians from Sanford Health Equip typically install and explain how to use the equipment.
Conclusion
Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment provides essential medical devices that allow patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their homes. Through Sanford Health Equip, individuals gain access to mobility aids, respiratory devices, hospital beds, and rehabilitation equipment supported by trained healthcare professionals.
Home medical equipment reduces hospital stays, improves patient independence, and supports long-term disease management. As healthcare continues to shift toward home-based treatment, services like Sanford Health Equip will play a crucial role in delivering convenient, cost-effective medical care to patients who need it most.