(Learn how and when to remove these template messages) Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need because of certain medical conditions and/or illnesses. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) consists of items which: 1  are primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose; 2  are not useful to a person in the absence of illness, disability, or injury; 3  are ordered or prescribed by a physician;  are 1  reusable; can stand repeated use, 2  and. are appropriate for use in the  home.