The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) published a new report that examines medical equipment spending, including Durable Medical Equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and implants (POI), and Supplies.

Across accident year 2024, medical equipment represented 8.3% of total workers’ comp medical spending, with cost share by jurisdiction ranging from 4.1% to 12.8%. Across workers’ comp medical spending, supplies made up 3.3% of costs, POI made up 2.7% of costs, and DME made up 2.3% of costs.

According to NCCI data, equipment costs rise sharply in the early stages of a claim and then level off as the claim matures.

As for major trends, from 2012-2024,

• Average medical equipment costs increased 87%
• Miscellaneous DME share rose steadily
• Implantable device share declined, while anchors and screws for bone or tissue repair increased gradually
• General medical, sterile, and special supply categories continued to decline in share

Understanding medical equipment cost trends helps stakeholders anticipate shifts in medical spending and adjust strategies accordingly.