Setting Standards of Protocol for Replacement Schedules of Medical Equipment in a Life Care Plan

This article reviews issues associated with determining replacement schedules for some of the equipment that is commonly included in a life care plan. The author, with over 20 years experience as a rehabilitation equipment supplier, includes discussion on various protocols based on data from his equipment supply business as well as general issues and specific worksheets the life care planner can use to help determine replacement schedules of wheelchairs. One controversial factor in life care plans has been the replacement schedule allowances for medical equipment (R. Weed, personal communication, April 20, 2002). As it is fundamental that all equipment has a useable life expectancy, when listing medical equipment for a life care plan, it is likewise fundamental that each piece of equipment has a noted replacement schedule. This is especially true of the more major purchases such as beds, pressure support systems and wheelchairs.