Commodes

Makers sell bedside commodes, folding commodes, bariatric commodes and shower commodes, some with wheels. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says you can use a commode chair instead of a toilet (MedlinePlus). Each product shows the maker's weight capacity and height range.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers commode chairs as durable medical equipment when your doctor or other provider orders one for use at home. After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare (Medicare.gov). Medicare's equipment list (NCD 280.1) says commodes are covered if you're confined to your bed or room, and also counts being confined to a floor of the home with no bathroom on it.

Check each maker's instructions to see whether its commode can go over a toilet. Medicare doesn't cover that use: CMS says a commode chair used as a raised toilet seat by placing it over the toilet is noncovered (CMS, Commodes policy article).

Medicare's commode policy describes extra-wide or heavy-duty commodes as at least 23 inches wide and able to support a person who weighs 300 pounds or more (CMS). On this page, use the weight filter to see each maker's own weight capacity.

Often, yes. See lending closets and borrow before you buy.