Durable Medical Equipment, Unsolicited Vendor Requests

Family physicians may receive unsolicited requests to prescribe durable medical equipment (DME) or supplies on behalf of their patients. These requests are often initiated from direct to consumer marketing to patients and may not be medically necessary. It is the policy of the American Academy of Family Physicians that when a family physician receives such unsolicited requests for DME or supplies from vendors, the physician may disregard the request without need to respond to the vendor or notify the patient. However, the physician is encouraged to discuss and educate their patient at the next appropriate clinic visit regarding the appropriate indication of the DME or supply. (2011 COD)