Patient considerations: Fitting surgical supplies

Surgical supplies can be grouped as either durable medical equipment or nondurable surgical supplies. The amount of health care dollars spent for nondurable and durable medical supplies in 1994 is projected to be approximately $95.7 million. Medical supply expenditures will increase at the rate of about 13.5% per year for the next five years. To assure compliance, pharmacists must know how to fit surgical supplies/appliances accurately and to instruct patients on proper use.