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Compare the pumps that are available currently. They each have pros and cons and have different qualities which may be good for some people and bad for others.
Pump Options
The Tandem t:slim X2 is compatible with the Dexcom G6 and uses Control IQ technology to increase or decreased insulin based on your blood sugar trends.
The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. You use a phone-like "PDM" to give insulin doses to the "pod", which stays attached to your body.
The Medtronic Minimed 670G is the first pump to offer closed loop capabilities. It works with the Medtronic Guardian sensor to increase or decrease insulin based on your blood sugar trends.
Communication with Sensor
Tandem t:slim X2
Omnipod DASH
Medtronic Minimed 670G
Data View
Tandem t:slim X2
Omnipod DASH
Medtronic Minimed 670G
Insulin Dosing
Tandem t:slim X2
Omnipod DASH
Medtronic 670G
Body Attachment
Tandem t:slim X2
Omnipod DASH
Medtronic 670G
Lifestyle
Tandem t:slim X2
Omnipod DASH
Medtronic 670G
Choosing a pump may depend on cost. And, the cost of pumping goes beyond the initial cost of the insulin pump. You also have to reorder supplies such as infusion sets and insulin cartridges every few months.
Check for two things:
1. Check the Durable Medical Equipment section of your insurance for how much of your device and supplies will be covered.
2. Does your plan kick in to cover Durable Medical Equipment only after the annual deductible has been met?
Usually, you can find this information by downloading your Explanation of Benefits/Explanation of Coverage or by calling your insurance company. If you call the pump company, and indicate you’re interested in their pump, they will help you confirm your level of coverage before asking you to purchase anything.
You may need to help your doctor comprehend why this technology will be good for you and why you want it.
The main thing you need from your doctor is a prescription. You can share the links below with your doctor to help them understand the clinical benefits. To avoid delays, ask your doctor to make sure they write out important details in the prescription, such as the fact that you will use the device everyday.
Tips for talking with your doctor
Resources for your doctor
Once you have the prescription, the process of getting insurance approval can feel like you’re jumping through many hoops (sometimes you are), but it will be worth it.
There are two ways to get coverage. Some insurance companies have “Pharmacy Benefit” and some cover sensors through “Durable Medical Equipment (DME)”.
Contact the company you want a CGM from
CGM companies want your business and often have a helpful person on staff who understands the “ins and outs” of getting coverage. They will often walk you through the steps to confirm coverage. You will need your insurance card with your insurance policy number.
Pre-Authorization
Pre-authorization is the process that some insurance companies make you go through to get coverage for a sensor. The insurance or CGM company will let you know what is required if you need pre-authorization. Sometimes a letter of Medical Necessity may be required from your doctor, in addition to the prescription.
Preparation
Some insurance companies require your last month or more of blood sugar logs and/or A1c test results.
Wait time
Once you’ve submitted all your paperwork you may be able to move the process along by checking up every 1-2 weeks on the status. After a couple of weeks, it is absolutely justified to make a check-in call.
Where you get your supplies depends on how you get your supplies covered by insurance.
Tandem
1-877-801-6901
Omnipod
1-800-591-3455
Medtronic Guardian
1-800-633-8766
When you get your pump, you can ask your clinic or the device company if they offer training sessions to people starting new diabetes devices.
Youtube has a lot of great videos of people who are inserting a sensor for the first time. You can also check out our wisdom pages to see some tips and tricks people have come up with through experienced use.