How to choose an equipment vendor:
tips from rehab
Toronto Rehab
If you think you might need some equipment to be able to
manage at home, you'll need to choose a supplier or "vendor".
Why should I choose a vendor now?
Patient Education
Improving health through education
Choose a vendor while you are still in the hospital. This gives you the chance to
select the appropriate items with the help of your health team. It also helps you get
everything ready for when you go.
If you are buying a wheelchair or a walker, choose your vendor early during your
stay to give you enough time to try it before you buy it.
Your health team can:
• help you choose the right model and learn how to use it
• help you find another model if one does not work for you
• help you fill out application forms for funding and insurance
If you do not make decisions about your equipment before you leave the hospital,
you will have to rent the equipment. Most insurance companies will only help pay
for equipment that is purchased.
Can I pick more than one vendor?
You can buy equipment from different vendors. However you cannot try out the
same piece of equipment from 2 vendors at the same time. For example, you can
try a commode from one vendor and a power wheelchair from another vendor.
Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca
© 2015 University Health Network. All rights reserved.
This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these
materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.
Author: TRI Patient & Family Education, adapted from: Haycock et al.
Revised: 12/2015
Form: D-5873
C034-D
How do I choose a vendor?
Your health team will give you a list of local vendors. Find out as much as you
can. You can meet vendor representatives. You can talk to other patients who
have already chosen a vendor. You can also go to the vendor’s website for more
information.
Talk to the vendor and ask questions like:
1. Do you keep items in stock for purchase, rental, and/or for trial?
2. Can I try the equipment out and how soon could I get one for trial?
3. If I need adjustments to the item, how quickly can you do this?
(same day, next day, 3 days?)
4. Does your company have a store or representative in
my area to help maintain the equipment after I leave?
5. Why should I choose you as my vendor?
Also ask questions about costs:
• How much do you charge for a service call to my home?
• What is your billing process? Can I pay by installments?
• Can I rent items or rent to own?
What happens next?
After you choose a vendor, you may be able to try out the equipment in hospital.
Then you will get a quote from the vendor and your rehab team can help you fill
out any forms if necessary. After you pay, you may have to wait to receive your
equipment. Your vendor may provide a similar item to use while you are waiting.
Adapted from Haycock et al., 2011.
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1. Haycock S, Schultz T, Thomson C. Choosing an Equipment Vendor. In: Delparte JJ, Chau BA, Mills
S, Burns AS, eds. Spinal Cord Essentials: Your spinal cord rehabilitation handbook. Toronto ON:
Toronto Rehab; 2011.
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