Durable Medical Equipment (DME) at AFC Urgent Care Wichita, KS

At AFC Urgent Care in Wichita, we recognize that proper healing and recovery don't end when you leave our clinic — often, the right durable medical equipment (DME) can make all the difference in your comfort, safety, and long-term outcome. We offer and support a selection of high-quality orthopedic and mobility aids that help stabilize injuries, reduce pain, and assist in daily function while you heal.

Below is a detailed look at some of the DME we carry or can prescribe, and how they benefit you.

What Is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?

“Durable medical equipment” refers to medical devices and aids that:

• Are reusable and durable (not single-use)
• Serve a medical purpose (e.g., support, stabilization, mobility)
• Are prescribed by a clinician
• Are appropriate for use in the home or in daily life

Unlike consumables (like bandages or dressings), DME is designed for extended use during recovery.

Benefits of using proper DME include:

• Stabilization & protection: immobilizing or supporting injured structures to prevent further harm
• Pain reduction: by limiting unwanted motion, reducing muscle strain, and distributing force
• Improved healing environment: allowing soft tissues, bones, or ligaments to recover more optimally
• Functional assistance: enabling safer movement, ambulation, and daily tasks while injured
• Patient confidence & safety: reducing fall risk or misuse
• Compliance: better adherence to physician instructions (e.g., wearing a brace) when equipment is comfortable and well fitted

At our Wichita location, we ensure that all DME options are properly sized, fitted, and explained to help you get the full benefit.

Our DME Offerings & Their Uses

Below is a breakdown of some of the specific equipment we offer or support, and how they are used in clinical practice.

Fitting, Training & Patient Education

Owning or prescribing DME is only half the job — proper fitting, instruction, and ongoing follow-up are equally essential. At AFC Urgent Care Wichita, we make sure:

1. Accurate measurement and fit: We size and adjust braces, slings, boots, or crutches to your body to avoid pressure points, sliding, or instability.
2. Usage instructions: We walk you through how to put on, adjust, remove, clean, and care for the device.
3. Gait training / mobility training: If using crutches or a walking boot, we teach safe gait patterns, turning, avoiding obstacles, stairs, and transfers.
4. Progression and weaning: As you heal, your needs will change. We reassess and adjust or taper off use of DME.
5. Safety checks & follow-up: We verify there are no skin breakdowns, misalignments, or improper usage over time.

Why Choose DME Through AFC Urgent Care Wichita?

• Convenience: You may receive your DME prescription, fitting, and training at the same location where you were seen, reducing the need for multiple referrals.
• Expert oversight: Our medical team ensures the prescribed DME is appropriate for your injury, minimizes risks, and is integrated with your overall treatment plan.
• Continuity of care: We follow up on proper use, progression, and any needed changes.
• Insurance / billing support: We work with common payers and can provide documentation to support coverage (where applicable).
• Local availability: Located in Wichita, we have local stock or sourcing pathways for prompt access to devices.

Tips for Patients: Getting the Most from Your DME

• Wear it as prescribed — skipping usage often delays healing
• Watch for pressure spots, red areas, or pinching — report them right away
• Keep the device clean and dry (follow manufacturer care instructions)
• Use padding or socks as directed to improve comfort
• Practice movement and mobility gradually (within physician/physical therapist limits)
• Report discomfort, pain, or instability — adjustments may be necessary