Letters of Medical Necessity

In a letter of medical necessity, it must be clear that a SleepSafe® bed addresses SPECIAL NEEDS. The key is to emphasize the clinical needs of the patient. It must be pointed out how his or her needs are not being met by the bed they are currently using. Once the failings or dangers of the current bed have been detailed, a SleepSafe® Bed product can be prescribed in answer to the particular needs and concerns. (See number 4.) We believe the step by step outline below is helpful for writing a Letter of Necessity.

A Basic Outline for a Letter of Necessity:

1. Introduce the patient and how long she or he has been in the care of the doctor or facility. Describe his or her condition and detail the special needs that are a consequence of the condition (i.e. lack of control; no recognition of danger in rolling or falling out of bed; entanglement in side rails if a “hospital/institutional” bed is currently in use and the potential or documented injury as a result; potential of entrapment or suffocation due to the gaps around the mattress on either side or at the ends—especially the corners.)

2. Explain how the bed or crib currently being used fails to protect the patient and the consequence of falling will result in bodily harm. Include, if applicable, how the patient has the capacity to climb.

3. Perhaps address the psychological issues regarding the importance to see out and be seen and acknowledged or not be trapped in a bed with an enclosure over the top.

4. Recommend the bed model that addresses each of the concerns — with specific requirements such as full safety rails, or specific height required for safety (where the double safety rail and mattress height adjustability of the SleepSafer model would accommodate the needs), or the necessity of articulation to raise the head or feet of the patient in order to feed, medicate, or provide mobility.

5. The imperative that the specific needs be addressed and prescribe the appropriate model (SleepSafe®, SleepSafe Plus, SleepSafe® HiLo, SleepSafe® 2, SleepSafe® 2 Plus, SleepSafe® 2 Hi Lo, SleepSafer®, SleepSafer® Plus, or SleepSafer® Hi Lo).

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and help find a way to work through the process. Please feel free to call us if we can be of further assistance, toll-free, at 866-852-2337 from 8 am to 5 pm EST.

Examples of Letters of Medical Necessity:
Example #1
Example #2
Example #3
Example #4
Example #5

Patient Information Questionnaire
Example #1

*Visit the web to view “Hospital Bed System Dimensional & Assessment Guidance to Reduce Entrapment – Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff” (published 3/06)

Safe in Bed” Government agencies have long warned of the hazards of bed rails, but they are still used in many nursing homes. (New York Times article)

SleepSafe® Beds patented design exceeds new safety guidelines by addressing entrapment issues.