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For those who have gone through the process of getting a CGM: Last time you started using a new CGM, how easy or difficult was it for you to get the brand and model you most wanted to use?
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I tried Medtronic closed loop system. What a nightmare. The CGM I was told could have a + or – 70 variation. I was also not told about the calibration, I thought insulin would stop. Training on the new system would have fixed it all. I had 2 car accidents, lost my license and kept asking questions with different explanations to explain defects with the equipment. I hear the CGM is no longer used and and keeps getting recalled. I threw it away when I found out I paid cash for the junk and my insurance would cover my Tandem pump which has greatly improved.
Im sorry to hear about you issues with your pump! I had Medtronic and switched to Tandem because of my new Endocrinologist preference. I have not been disappointed. You are correct in the training aspect. If you don’t understand the equipment it’s just a worthless device. I hope you can find a good diabetes educator to help adjust your pump settings so you can feel more confident. I am still making adjustments to my settings as well. Just know you are not alone in feeling frustrated or confused. We are all doing the best we can to stay on top of this disease. Stay well!
Libre 3 is not on my drug formulary
Same here. Paying cash for the 3 and checking weekly to see if it’s been added.
I had to wait for Medicare to approve the Dexcom G6 before I could order it. I don’t remember how long I waited. Seemed like a year or two.
I answered other since I am going through the process of switching from Medtronic to Omnipod/Dexcom system.
Medtronics would call and email me asking how many sensors I had left before they would send more. This I believe is a Medicare requirement. We’ll see what Dexcom process is like. Comments welcome.
Get my D6 covered by Medicare through US Med, easy and painless. Medicare does require having a 10 day supply before reordering, supplier is on top of it and sends 90 day supply promptly with very little efforts on my part.
The first and only time I started using a CGM a Dexcom G6 was provided so I could participate in a study. Through the study I learned to rely on the CGM and started purchasing them after the 6-month study ended. I now get the supplies through the VA.
Switched to Dexcom before I was allowed by insurance to switch pumps (from Medtronic). It was night and day. Doing something through insurance is never easy. I kept being reminded dexcom would not work with Medtronic by medical staff. I appreciated that- but the part they couldn’t understand from lack of excess was that Medtronic’s cgm was the pits.
*experience
It was easy for me- the CGM I wanted was the only one covered by my insurance at the time.
No problem! I pay cash so I just ordered it and paid.
When I originally got my Dexcom G5 several years ago, the process went pretty smoothly. The supplier worked with my provider when the G6 became available and I really didn’t have to do anything.
When I first started with Dexcom, it hadn’t yet been approved by Medicare so I paid for it. Once it got Medicare approval, it was totally easy obtain it without hassle.
I had been using the Dexcom G6 system for months when I started on Medicare. Since Medicare was only covering the G5 at the time, I couldn’t get replacement G6 supplies. Dexcom also refused to let me revert to the G5 system. I was trapped in a frustrating run around that lasted weeks. I was finally able to get G6 supplies by complaining directly to a Dexcom rep at a local diabetes conference. I think Dexcom learned a lesson about having enough supplies for everyone before they transition to a new system.
I was given the G5,although the G6 Dexcom was available through other insurers. I have Medicare. They only give the older left over devices to Medicare patients; I suppose this will also be the same when the G7 is available. I did eventually get a G6, but it took over a year plus after they were released. I’m hoping the G7 will be easier. However, bottom line is, I’m just thankful I can get a CGM period!
At the time I applied for the Dexcom 5 it was the only CGM system approved by my insurance, so I didn’t encounter any problems receiving it. The problems started immediately after that with Dexcom refusing to bill my insurance correctly and lack of adequate training in use of the system.
Started a new Medicare advantage insurance. I was on Dexcom but they only covered FSL. I switched. Was not too bad but did not like other restrictions with this insurance provider. Changed insurance and went back to Dexcom. Have never had any supply problems with either device.
freestyle was easy toget
I guess I will find out when it comes time to upgrade to the G7
The problem is always communications with insurance and the CGM companies, not the doctor.
Humans may not be the smartest creatures God ever created.
But why did he place so many of the dumber ones in administrative areas?
Very difficult as it was before Medicare approved CGMs. I had to purchase key first one by cash. Then Medicare was difficult. I had to get two tests to prove I wasn’t producing any pancreatic insulin. Then my cost were incorrect and I had to appeal to an administrative law judge to get reimbursed. Now days it is easy. Medicare standard
The process of getting the CGM was simple. Getting it covered as part of my medical aid scheme was impossible. As long as I pay, I can use!
I’m on my first one, obtained at first visit to endocrinologist (after referral from PCP who diagnosed). Didn’t know enough to have a preference so went with endocrinologist recommendation. Now I know more and would likely not make that choice.
My Kaiser tech accurately described difference between Dexcom & Free Style Libre. I chose Dexcom for more accuracy. Kaiser & Byram and Medicare all work smoothly together. BUT Kaiser only offers Advantage plans so no Medigap coverage. Only Original Medicare can permit Medigap coverage. No Medicare Advantage plan offered by anybody can let you get Medigap. SHIBA alerted me to this deficiency.
From what I remember, getting the Medtronic devices I wanted and needed have always been easy on Medtronic’s end. I’ve been a customer of theirs (and MiniMed’s) for 26 years. Getting insurance approval has been the obstacle, but I never had to go with a different brand—for which I am thankful.