34 Comments
Does your T1D healthcare provider inform you when new devices and medications become available to you?
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I can’t remember my healthcare provider bringing up in conversations new medications or devices. However, I usually ask question about new devices and medications, which leads to a discussion.
In hindsight, I remember when I wanted to switch to a different, and new on the market pump and CGM system, my healthcare provider refused to make a recommendation of one medical device over another. She didn’t think it was ethical to recommend one device over another. I thought that was very strange, and counter intuitive to what a medical professional should do to help a patient.
I am connected to so many blogs and data that I usually know before it is brought up by them. They have patient quotas by huge conglomerates to satisfy you know because $$$
No, I just hope to be able to keep my insulin and CGM.
Usually I know the newest stuff before she does but sometimes she gets info before I do. So we make a good team!
I would say sometimes!
I live in the UK (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) where our NHS (National Health Service) provides supplies for diabetes-related products. i.e. everything that you can get on prescription. They wouldn’t want to inform me of all new developments in case I wanted to change supplying companies for the latest and greatest pump technologies, for instance, as they wouldn’t give my existing ‘gear’ to another patient. They MAY also experience difficulty in arranging financing for said products.
I’m generally informed about things that are unlikely to cost money, such as areas of research, etc.
I would say no because I usually know before he does. I’m sure he does tell other of his patients who may no know about a new device.
Other. Over many decades this situation has evolved. In times past, my physicians and I were involved in innovative diabetes management devices and medication. Now in my later laidback years retired years, I continue to stay informed, and when visiting with my current medical team, at least two begin the session with “… what will you teach me today about diabetes”.
I answered “no”, but to be fair, I stay on top of developments myself pretty much.
They haven’t so far, but I’ve only been seeing this particular team for a couple of years. I am on the lookout for Tandem’s new pumps to become available, but I’ll probably hear about it at the same time they do.
Focusing on “when new devices…become available” to me, I said yes, but it’s only every five years that we have a discussion of options that Medicare will cover.
Sometimes when it is relevant to my care and needs.
I find out about new T1D treatments and medical devices online through podcasts mostly.
My endo isn’t as forthcoming with new treatment options as I would like. I think it’s due to low priority in the diabetes community being 1 of the 10%. Feels like type 2 gets the majority of time. Probably just a general lack of time for any patient due to final pressure from insurance. There is no doubt that corporate influence controls all outcomes regardless of medical degrees
When I first started seeing my current endo, 8 yrs ago, she went through my prescriptions and suggested several updates. Both CGM and pump options were discussed with the CDE before I asked my endo to prescribe them. Since the pump was a major financial burden after only two years of an Animas Vibe, she hasn’t mentioned new devices in the 2 yrs since then. Our last appointment included a discussion on possible ways to continue using my pump/CGM after changes in insurance coverage.
Just what I’ve witnessed: when a Dr. Doesn’t understand or know about a new therapy… they typically steer patients away from it.
I usually tell him!
Available to me means my insurance will pay for it. My doctor has no idea what my insurance will cover.
My endo said she would check with my insurance to see if they would cover Afrezza. Since they wouldn’t, my endo said she would look for other avenues for me to get the medication.
It’s complicated…I haven’t seen my “new” healthcare provider yet/again. I only saw her once before insurance made me switch to someone else and now that person had left do they are showing me to go back to my other one.
Sometimes! But I go to an internal medicine practice so my provider has a lot to keep up on. I was her first patient to ask about Afrezza (she had samples, yay!) and to request a Gvoke prescription.
Sadly, no. Most of the time it’s me that has to ask about anything new n the market that I’ve heard about. And then on top of it, mos of the time they pop-poo wanting to try it.
I was answering a different yes/no question and this one came up – So the answer for this one is not ‘yes’ as I checked off – but actually ‘no’. If something ‘new’ comes out, I generally have to ask about it!
As I’ve only seen this doctor one time, I don’t know if he will, but I hope that he would inform me!
Just what I’ve witnessed: when a Dr. Doesn’t understand or know about a new therapy… they typically steer patients away from it.
No. I am always reading and hearing from other T1D on Facebook about new tech and medications. They I go ask for it from my doc. The only meds she has suggested are ones with horrible side effects that I stop taking after she prescribes them.
I usually read it on this site and ask him about it at my regular follow-up appointments.
Just what I’ve witnessed: when a Dr. Doesn’t understand or know about a new therapy… they typically steer patients away from it.
I usually bring up new devices as it becomes time to upgrade my pump or when insurance starts giving problems with the meds or devices I am using. Some of the off label t3 meds, I won’t go near due to my dad passing from medullary thyroid cancer.
The best health care goes to the richest in our stratified America. I’m qualified for “adequate” care. Virginia Mason used to be tops in Seattle.
I said “Other” since my answer like Mick above would be sometimes. I’ve found that most of the endocrinologists I’ve seen over the past 15 years when I asked questions about specific pumps or CGM’s would reach out to the local sales representative to call me to discuss their products and answer my questions.
Not really as my pump and cgm are still under warranty. However, when I asked about Afrezza and found out that my insurance won’t cover it, my endo said she would look into other ways that I may be able to get Afrezza at a reduced price.
I assume so, but this is a very busy person!
No, not really. I use TANDEM quality IQ and our discussions center on my use and changes I’ve made with the basal settings.