Healthcare Insights
Top durable medical equipment (DME) categories
Durable medical equipment (DME) refers to medically necessary equipment and supplies prescribed by healthcare providers for use in the home. DME supports patients in managing chronic conditions, recovering from illness or injury, or maintaining daily function, whether the need is short-term or long-term.
Orthotics are custom-made medical devices used to support the feet or ankles, improve posture, and provide relief from certain orthopedic conditions.
Definitive Healthcare tracks physician ordering activity for DME and orthotics using the Atlas All-Payor Claims dataset. Based on this data, we identified the top 10 most frequently ordered categories of DME and orthotics by share of total orders in 2025, the most recent full year for which data is available.
| Rank | DME/orthotic category | % of orders | Explore dataset |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxygen devices and accessories | 33.3% | Explore |
| 2 | Humidifier equipment | 31.3% | Explore |
| 3 | Temporary codes for durable medical equipment regional carriers | 10.3% | Explore |
| 4 | Walking aids and related devices | 4.1% | Explore |
| 5 | Hospital beds and related supplies | 3.3% | Explore |
| 6 | Other lower extremity orthotics | 2.2% | Explore |
| 7 | Wheelchair accessories | 2.1% | Explore |
| 8 | Wheelchairs and mobility devices | 1.8% | Explore |
| 9 | Knee orthotics | 1.6% | Explore |
| 10 | Wrist-hand orthotics | 1.3% | Explore |
Fig. 1 Data is from the Atlas All-Payor Claims dataset. Data accessed March 2026. Note: This analysis reflects provider-initiated orders billed through insurance during 2025 and does not include equipment patients may have purchased directly without a claim.
What are the most ordered DME and orthotics?
Oxygen devices and accessories topped the list, accounting for one-third (33.3%) of all DME and orthotic orders in 2025. These devices are commonly prescribed to support patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, emphysema, or long COVID.
Humidifier equipment followed closely behind at 31.3% of orders, often used alongside oxygen therapy or for patients with respiratory issues that require moisture regulation in breathing treatments. Together, these two categories made up nearly two-thirds of all provider-ordered equipment, reflecting the high demand for respiratory support in outpatient and home care settings.
The third most ordered category, accounting for 10.3% of all DME orders, is "temporary codes for DME regional carriers." This group includes HCPCS codes assigned to equipment and supplies that have not yet been given permanent classifications and can represent a wide range of DME items.
Why include orthotics and prosthetics with DME?
While DME is typically billed under HCPCS codes beginning with “E,” orthotic and prosthetic items often fall under “L” codes. Though not always considered DME from a reimbursement standpoint, these items are commonly ordered alongside DME and serve similar functions in patient care, such as supporting mobility and daily activities. We've included both categories to provide a broader view of provider-ordered equipment and supports.
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