---
id: orders-dme-create-dme-order
title: Create a DME order
module: orders-dme
audience: [clinician, admin]
roles: [clinician, medical_director, admin]
type: how-to
estimated_minutes: 4
last_reviewed: 2026-07-08
app_route: /facility/{facility_uuid}/patients/{patient_uuid}/orders-dme
related:
  - orders-dme-overview
tags: [orders, DME, durable-medical-equipment, prescription]
---

# Create a DME order

Generate a durable medical equipment prescription from the Orders & DME module or directly within the Visit Wizard.

## Before you start

- The patient must exist in your system.
- You must have prescribing authority or be creating the order on behalf of a supervising provider.
- Know the required equipment category and any payer-specific HCPCS codes.

## Steps

1. **Open Orders & DME.** From the patient's chart open **Orders & DME**, or reach it from the **Orders & DME** section (section 12) of the Visit Wizard (the link carries the patient context automatically).
2. **Select the DME tab.**
3. **Click New DME Order.**

   ![DME order creation form](../../assets/orders-dme/dme-create.png)

   *DME order creation form — fill fields from top to bottom.*

4. **Select the Patient.** Begin typing the patient name or date of birth. Choose the correct record from the autocomplete list.
5. **Select Equipment Category.** Choose the appropriate category (e.g., wound care supply, compression device, mobility aid). Available HCPCS codes filter based on your selection.
6. **Choose the Item.** Select the specific item from the filtered product list. The HCPCS code populates automatically.
7. **Set Quantity and Units.** Enter the prescribed quantity and select the unit of measure (e.g., each, box, roll).
8. **Enter Duration.** Specify the length of need (e.g., 3 months, lifetime). This field appears on the prescription and is required for Medicare compliance.
9. **Add Clinical Justification.** Enter the diagnosis or ICD-10 code that supports medical necessity. Type to search the ICD-10 picker.
10. **Select the Ordering Provider.** Confirm or change the provider name — their NPI populates automatically from their profile.
11. **Select the Vendor.** Choose a supplier from the enabled-vendor list for DME. If the vendor has a custom order form, select it to capture the vendor-specific fields.
12. **Add Notes** (optional). Include any special fitting instructions or delivery requirements.
13. **Save or send.** Save the order as a **Draft**, or **Send Fax** / **Send Email** to dispatch it to the vendor. On sending, the order moves to **Submitted**.

## Result

The DME order appears in the **DME** tab with its status (**Draft** until sent, then **Submitted** → **Received** → **Provisioned** as the vendor works it). When results or confirmations come back, use **Upload Results** on the order. The order is linked to the patient record for tracking.

<Compliance>
DME orders for Medicare beneficiaries must include an ICD-10 code, duration of need, and ordering provider NPI. Missing any of these fields may result in a denied claim.
</Compliance>

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Patient not found | Patient not yet created | Add the patient via Referral Intake or the Patients module |
| HCPCS code not shown | Wrong equipment category selected | Change the category — HCPCS codes are category-scoped |
| Submit button disabled | Required field missing | Check Patient, Equipment Category, Item, Quantity, Duration, and ICD-10 |

## Related

Auto-rendered from `related:` in frontmatter.