Demand-Driven DME Growth

Industry Insights

UNDERSTANDING DEMAND-DRIVEN DME INDUSTRY GROWTH

The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) sector is entering a period of sustained and meaningful growth. Drawing from national health expenditure data—adjusted for both inflation and volume—this analysis reveals a compelling story of expansion, opportunity, and strategic opportunity for industry leaders.

REAL GROWTH & DEMAND

In 2025, national healthcare expenditure data shows DME spend to be roughly $48 billion. This figure is up from $26 billion in 2017 and will continue growing to $78 billion by 2033. This market size increase in spending can be attributed to growing prices, as well as demand and volume. This growth is further validated by volume-based metrics. From 2017 to 2033, the DME sector is expected to grow 1.678× in volume. More notably, from 2025 to 2033, volume-based growth is projected at 12.03%, confirming that the market is expanding steadily even in the near term. This percentage was calculated by comparing growth index data in 2025 to 2033.

UTILIZATION CONTINUES INCREASING

Normalized growth data paints a picture of consistent upward momentum. Starting from a baseline of 1.00 in 2017, the DME market reaches 2.543 by 2033, indicating more than a doubling in normalized market activity. This trajectory reflects the increasing adoption of DME solutions, particularly as healthcare shifts toward homebased and outpatient care models.

WHY HOME HEALTH CARE GROWTH MATTERS FOR DME

The rapid expansion of Home Health Care, with a projected 2.070× volume growth, is a powerful signal for the DME industry. As care delivery increasingly shifts from institutional settings to the home, the demand for durable medical equipment—such as mobility aids, respiratory devices, monitoring systems, and rehabilitation tools—is in a great position to grow.

This trend reflects a broader transformation in healthcare:

• Aging populations prefer aging-in-place solutions.

• Chronic disease management is moving toward remote and continuous care.

• Cost containment strategies favor home-based care over hospital stays.

For DME stakeholders, this alignment presents a strategic opportunity:

• The rise of Home Health Care is creating a demand ecosystem for services provided in the home, which DME complements well. The synergy between these sectors will define the next decade of growth and impact in healthcare delivery.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Durable Medical Equipment industry stands at a strategic inflection point. With real growth driven by genuine demand, stakeholders must act decisively to:

• Innovate boldly

• Find ways to scale

• Collaborate strategically

The next decade will reward those who anticipate change and prioritize patient-centered solutions. DME is not just a support function; it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery.

VGM Industry Insights provides data-driven analysis and trends within the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) sector. Our focus areas include market trends, innovation, and strategic decision-making, helping stakeholders stay informed and competitive. We are committed to a forward-thinking approach, continuously monitoring industry developments to drive progress and innovation.

ALAN MORRIS SVP of Strategy

TYLER COULANDER Market Strategy Manager