Who Provides Hoyer Lifts? — A Detailed Explanation of DME Companies and Their Key Role in Care Support

When a doctor writes a prescription recommending a Hoyer Lift for a disabled family member, you will soon encounter a professional term: DME company (Durable Medical Equipment Provider). These companies are not just sellers of equipment; they are also crucial bridges connecting medical needs with home care.

However, not all stores that sell wheelchairs or hospital beds qualify as legitimate DME companies. Choosing a formal, professional DME supplier with medical insurance eligibility directly impacts equipment quality, after-sales service, and even the success of reimbursement claims.

This article will comprehensively explain what DME companies are, which enterprises actually provide Hoyer Lifts, how to identify reliable suppliers, and practical operational advice for both China and the United States.

I. What Is a DME Company?

A DME company refers to a commercial entity certified by the government or medical insurance institutions, specializing in providing durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, transfer lifts, etc.). Its core characteristics include:

Holding a medical device operation license;

Supplying equipment that meets national/international safety standards (e.g., FDA, CE, ISO 13485);

Employing professional technicians capable of providing installation, training, and maintenance services;

If participating in the medical insurance system, obtaining official DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) qualification.

✅ Simply put: A DME company = a medical equipment service provider that is compliant, professional, and capable of connecting to medical insurance.

II. Which DME Companies Provide Hoyer Lifts?

1. International Brand Manufacturers (Also Acting as DME Suppliers)

These companies are both developers and producers of equipment, and also serve end-users directly through their own channels or authorized networks:

Arjo Group

A Swedish enterprise and the parent company of the Hoyer brand;

Offers a full range of manual, electric, bariatric, and ceiling track transfer systems;

Has DME service centers worldwide, providing clinical training and after-sales support.

Drive Medical

A well-known U.S. brand focusing on home-use DME;

Its product line includes multiple cost-effective Hoyer Lift models (e.g., Deluxe, Elite series);

Sold through large pharmacy chains, e-commerce platforms, and independent DME stores.

Invacare

A century-old U.S. medical equipment enterprise;

Its "Maxi Move" and "Perfecto2" series of transfer lifts are widely used in homes and institutions;

Emphasizes electric performance and adaptability for bariatric users.

2. Professional DME Distribution and Service Institutions

These companies do not produce equipment but act as agents for multiple brands, focusing on localized services:

United States

Apria Healthcare, Lincare, National Seating & Mobility;

All are Medicare-certified DMEPOS suppliers, capable of handling the entire insurance reimbursement process.

China

Sinopharm Healthcare Technology, and assistive device service centers under Yuwell Medical;

"Assistive Device Adaptation Centers" cooperating with local Disabled Persons’ Federations;

Some high-end elderly care communities have established their own DME support teams.

3. Online DME Platforms (Careful Screening Required)

Examples include 1800Wheelchair.com in the U.S., and the medical device sections on JD Health/Alibaba Health in China;

Advantages: Transparent pricing and a wide range of models;

Risks: Some merchants lack on-site service teams and cannot provide operation training or emergency maintenance.

⚠️ Warning: Ordinary hardware stores, second-hand markets, or online shops without medical device registration do not qualify as legitimate DME companies.

III. How to Choose a Reliable DME Company?

1. Verify Qualifications

China: Check the "Class II Medical Device Operation Registration Certificate";

United States: Search the CMS official website’s DMEPOS supplier directory (https://www.cms.gov).

2. Evaluate Services

Do they provide on-site assessments, equipment debugging, and operation training?

Is there 24/7 emergency technical support (especially for electric models)?

Are slings customized according to the user’s body type? Are accessories complete?

3. Inquire About Medical Insurance Cooperation

"Does your company accept direct payment from Medicare/Long-Term Care Insurance/commercial insurance?"

"Can you assist in preparing reimbursement documents such as prescriptions and functional assessments?"

4. Check Reputation

Consult recommendations from community nurses, rehabilitation therapists, or local nursing homes;

Review user feedback, focusing on the speed of after-sales response.

IV. The Key Role of DME Companies in Medical Insurance Reimbursement

In most medical insurance systems, patients cannot purchase equipment independently and then apply for reimbursement. Instead, they must complete the entire process of "prescription → assessment → delivery → invoicing" through a certified DME company. DME companies are responsible for:

Communicating with doctors to confirm medical necessity;

Submitting prior authorization to insurance companies;

Providing compliant equipment that meets HCPCS codes (e.g., E0630/E0635);

Issuing official invoices and delivery certificates for auditing purposes.