Hospital Bed for Home: What to Discuss Before You Request One

Planning for a hospital bed at home

When someone needs more support at home, a hospital bed can become part of the conversation. It may come up after a hospital stay or when a caregiver needs more support with daily routines. The right setup depends on the person, the care plan and the space. This guide walks through the questions worth discussing before you request a hospital bed for home.

Start with the prescriber’s order

A hospital bed for home use is typically requested with an order from a doctor or other treating provider. The order explains what the person needs and why.

If you are not sure what the order includes, ask the prescriber’s office. They are the right people to explain why a particular bed or feature was ordered. The equipment that is supplied should be matched to your prescription.

• Who wrote the order and how to reach their office
• What type of bed, mattress or accessories the order describes
• Whether the prescriber’s office has sent supporting notes or documentation

Understand the main types of home hospital beds

Home hospital beds share a basic purpose: they adjust in ways a standard bed does not. The differences usually come down to which parts adjust and how.

Features such as height adjustment may help a caregiver work at a more comfortable level. The prescriber, therapist or care team can explain which features fit the person’s situation. No single bed type is right for everyone.

• Semi-electric beds typically use a motor to raise and lower the head and foot sections, while the overall bed height is adjusted by hand.
• Full electric beds typically use motors for the head, the foot and the overall height of the bed.
• Low-height beds are designed to sit closer to the floor at their lowest setting.

Ask about the mattress and accessories

The bed frame is only part of the picture. The mattress, rails and accessories are often confirmed separately, so ask about each one.

• Mattress: mattresses vary in materials and design. If the order names a specific mattress type, share that detail when you call.
• Rails: side rails and assist rails come in different styles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published safety information about bed rails, including the risk of entrapment in gaps. Talk with the care team about whether rails are appropriate and how they should fit.
• Other items: an overbed table, a trapeze or transfer equipment may also come up.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hospital bed entrapment FAQ
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Recommendations for consumers and caregivers about adult portable bed rails

Measure the room before the bed arrives

A hospital bed is longer and often heavier than a typical home bed. A few measurements can prevent surprises.

Share these details when you request the bed. They help the supplier plan the setup and confirm what will fit in the space.

• Measure the room where the bed will go, including space on both sides for a caregiver to stand.
• Measure doorways, hallways and any turns the bed will need to pass through.
• Note stairs, elevators or tight entryways.
• Check for a nearby electrical outlet for an electric bed, and plan cords so they are not a tripping hazard.

Think about the caregiver, too

Home care often involves a family member or another caregiver. Their needs are part of the setup. Consider who will help with repositioning, transfers and daily care, and whether they will need instructions on using the bed controls safely. Keep the user instructions somewhere easy to find.

Coverage questions to ask

Coverage depends on the person’s plan and situation, so it is best to ask before the bed is supplied.

Medicare. Medicare Part B may cover hospital beds as durable medical equipment when a doctor or other health care provider orders the bed for use in the home and the person meets Medicare’s requirements. After the Part B deductible, the person generally pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare pays only when the equipment comes from a supplier enrolled in Medicare, and costs can be higher if the supplier does not accept assignment. Medicare Advantage plans may have their own rules.

Medicaid and commercial insurance. Medicaid programs and commercial health plans set their own coverage rules. Many require prior authorization, specific documentation or an in-network supplier.

In every case, coverage, costs and eligibility are confirmed with the plan for the person’s specific situation. You can learn more on our cost and coverage page. Useful questions include:

• Does my plan cover a hospital bed for home use with my provider’s order?
• Is prior authorization required?
• What will my share of the cost be?
• Are there documentation requirements the prescriber’s office needs to meet?

• Medicare: Hospital beds coverage

What to have ready when you call

A short list can make the first call easier. For more tips, see our guide on what to have ready when requesting equipment.

• The person’s name, date of birth and address
• Insurance information, including any secondary plan
• The prescriber’s name and office contact information
• A copy of the order, if you have it
• Room and doorway measurements
• Any questions about the mattress, rails or accessories

How OHC Medical Supply can help

OHC Medical Supply is an ACHC-accredited durable medical equipment supplier based in Houston, serving patients in multiple states. Our team can review your provider’s order, talk through room and access questions and explain the next steps for your request. Availability, coverage and setup details are confirmed for each request.

You can browse hospital beds and other home medical equipment on our website, or call 844-407-4440 to start a request.

Sources

• Medicare: Hospital beds coverage
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hospital bed entrapment FAQ
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Recommendations for consumers and caregivers about adult portable bed rails