Vitally Important Question
Posted By Russ Emerson on August 10, 2007 at 6:36 pm
If a doctor prescribes physical therapy, could home gym equipment (Nautilus, Bowflex, what have you) then be tax-deductible as a medical expense?
Followup, 11Aug: While I’m at it, maybe I can get a prescription for a bigscreen TV. I’m not quite sure why a doc might prescribe one, though.
A friend of mine successfully wrote off a massage chair. The doc gave him a script for it.
Just for the record, I would never try it.
As far as I know, it should be.
Ask your doc to write you a prescription for the equipment. If he’s willing and does it, then yes.
My folks did this to get their hot tub.
“I’m writing you a prescription…not for pills…but a vacation…a vacation from your problems.” Dr. Leo Marvin
“A vacaction from my PROBLEMS! Wowie!” Bob Wiley
I’d write you a script for a big screen TV but I don’t have an MD. Sorry buddy!
Yeah, as a general rule the doc would have to be able to show a medically valid reason for it.
Very simple rationale: improved mental health.
By investing in a 1080p HDTV, you’re actually saving society money in the long run. Indeed, not prescribing such a medical instrument would be not only cruel, but tantamount to malpractice.
Remember: if it contributes to mental health care, then it contributes to health care; and if it contributes to health care, then it’s a basic right as an American citizen!
I recommended the Philips models, 50″ minimum.
A small screen, relative to neighbors or hypothetical-worst-case neighbors, actually worsens mental health, studies show–tantamount to malpractice!
As does a lack of extended warranty.
John, You’re a genius!
But I like our Samsung 56″.
If going to a therapist and using their equipment is a medical expense, then surely buying some equipment based on a doctor’s orders would be similar.
Keep in mind the 2% (or is it 3?) of your adjusted income that Uncle Sammy discounts before you can start including medical expenses on itemized deductions. Then you have to consider if you have enough deductions overall to make itemizing worthwhile as compared to the standard deduction. If you’re not paying a big mortgage, then the standard deduction is usually greater than the amount you come up with if you itemize.