DME & Enteral Supplies 101

A beginner's guide for pediatric therapists navigating durable medical equipment (DME) and enteral nutrition supplies.

What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?

DME includes any medical devices or equipment prescribed by a doctor for long-term use. For pediatric feeding therapists, that often means equipment that supports posture, positioning, or enteral nutrition.

💡 Example:
Adaptive seating, suction machines, and G-tube pumps all fall under DME.

What are Enteral Supplies?

Enteral supplies support feeding through a gastrointestinal (GI) tube. They include things like feeding bags, extension tubing, syringes, and connectors. Therapists need to understand these components to help troubleshoot, educate caregivers, and collaborate with the medical team.

“If you’re working with a G-tube-fed child, enteral supply literacy is essential.”

Key Equipment Pediatric Therapists Should Know

G-Tubes (Gastrostomy Tubes): placed directly into the stomach.
NG-Tubes (Nasogastric Tubes): temporary tubes placed through the nose.
Feeding Pumps like the Kangaroo Joey or Infinity pump.
Adaptive Chairs like the Rifton or Leckey for positioning.
Suction Machines for children with secretion management needs.

Billing, Prescriptions & DME Vendors

Most DME requires a prescription and prior authorization. Therapists don’t typically order equipment, but we play a key role in documentation, justification, and caregiver training that influences what gets approved.

🚨 Tip: Use objective data in your notes (e.g., time needed to complete feeding, frequency of aspiration) to support DME needs.

Partnering with Medical Teams

DME decisions are multidisciplinary. You may collaborate with gastroenterologists, nurses, dietitians, DME suppliers, and parents. Be prepared to speak their language, ask good questions, and advocate for the child.