Which of the following is included in Durable Medical Equipment?

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) specifically refers to equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need due to certain medical conditions and illnesses. Items classified as DME are intended for long-term use and can withstand repeated use.

Wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs are quintessential examples of DME because they are designed to aid in patient mobility and recovery, significantly enhancing patients' quality of life. These devices are durable, can be used repeatedly, and are primarily used for medical purposes.

In contrast, diagnostic imaging machines are not categorized as DME because they are not used directly by patients in a home setting for their ongoing care but rather as part of medical diagnostic procedures. Emergency respiratory devices may be used during acute care but are generally not classified as durable equipment intended for ongoing use. Surgical instruments, while important in clinical settings, are one-time use items or require sterilization and handling that fall outside the definition of durable medical equipment.

Therefore, the identification of wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs as part of DME aligns perfectly with the criteria for durable equipment, making it the correct answer.