[Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
Eileen Scrivani
etscrivani at verizon.net
Mon Mar 11 15:52:02 UTC 2019
Bridgit,
Interesting. I’m also using the Medtronic reservoir. I wonder if there are pre-filled reservoirs for the ones I use and, of course, if Medicare would cover it. This is something I’ll have to do some investigating on.
When I first trained with my pump, I remember the trainer saying it wasn’t a good idea to use the insulin beyond 3-4 days from a reservoir because it did not hold up as well in the plastic container as it does when it is stored in the glass vial. On the other hand, that doesn’t make much sense, since many trainers have said you can have a bunch of them filled in advance ready to use. Maybe that’s because they would be refrigerated until ready to use.
Eileen
From: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2019 10:31 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
Eileen,
Thanks, but this is exactly how I draw insulin into a reservoir and is how sighted people do it to for me; all of us struggle with air bubbles escaping into the reservoir. Literally every step you mention is how I've always filled a cartridge, but with these Medtronic ones, air bubbles have been a huge problem. It's why I prefer sighted people to fill several at once for me so I have about a month's supply on hand. But they struggle as much as I do, they just obviously can double check visually there are no air bubbles once they finally get a good draw, which usually takes several tries.
Cartridges have always lasted me 5 to 7 days, even when I used the Cosmo and Animas. I change my infusion set every 3 days, but my cartridges last a week, give or take a day.
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Eileen Scrivani via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2019 8:42 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Eileen Scrivani <etscrivani at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
Hi Bridgit,
I’m just wondering about what you call a cartridge for your 530G pump. I was under the impression that the 3ml reservoir that I use in my Paradigm was the same that is used in the 530G pump. I’m curious since you say yours lasts 7 days. Do you leave the same infusion set in for 7 days, or are you somehow reusing the reservoir? I need to change out my set every 3 days.
As for resistance when drawing up insulin, I sometimes get that to but always get it working. Here is what I do:
First, I start with the plunger on the reservoir by just pulling it back as far as it goes then pushing out the air. I do this several times to help make sure the plunger moves with ease and is lubricated.
Next, I draw air into the reservoir equal to the amount of insulin I’ll want in there before inserting the needle into the vial of insulin. I then push that air into the bottle. If I can’t get the plunger to push down or have trouble with pushing air in, I remove it from the bottle and re-insert it. sometimes this might take several attempts and I might even hold both the reservoir & bottle horizontally while lining it up to insert it.
Once I get an even and easy motion on pushing the plunger I insert the air into the bottle then start drawing insulin in.
After I draw up the amount of insulin I need, I slowly inject it back into the bottle and then slowly refill the reservoir with the amount of insulin I want. Leaving the bottle & reservoir connected, I snap the reservoir compartment with my index finger several times to knock any bubbles up to the top. Then I push the plunger to partially push back any air into the bottle. Then I slowly redraw up the full amount I need. After this I take the reservoir off the bottle. I’ve had people check my work many times and they’ve always told me I do a really excellent job at it. I don’t know, maybe there are some times when there is air, but I think I more often than not get a good and clean draw.
HTH.
Eileen
From: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 11:31 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
There seems to be a lot more pressure in the plunger, creating more air bubbles. Every single sighted person who has helped fill some has struggled. They have to frequently plunge insulin back into the vial and try again. The second you pull back on the plunger, air bubbles erupt into the cartridge. My nurse educator even warned me about this when I first trained on the pump. I don't know why this is or why other cartridges were easier to fill, but it's definitely not just a blind thing, at least according to the several people who have helped me. Like I said, because of this, I really don't want to fill a cartridge on my own and basically have a wasted 300 mls of insulin when my pump starts alarming because of air in the cartridge and tubing. I just have someone come over once a month and fill several for the month. A single cartridge last me about 7 ddays, so filling 4 at a time last me a while.
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 8:59 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jamie Gurganus <jamielgurganus at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 10, 2019, at 8:51 PM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> I didn't used to struggle with or be nervous about filling cartridges until I switched to Medtronic. It's been incredibly difficult and tedious for sighted people to fill them, and I have even less luck. I never had problems with Cosmo or Animas, but with Medtronic, I do, and it's not just me. Kudos for anyone, sighted or blind, who fills Medtronic's cartridges with ease, but that's not been my experience so far.
>
> Options are definitely good.
>
> Bridgit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 5:53 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
>
> Hi Jamie. All paws crossed that Humana will do the right thing and cover the G6 for you. Boy, we shouldn't have to fight this hard just to take care of ourselves.
> And I'll be happy to share the cartridge-filling wisdom with you and anyone who wants it. After all, someone gave it to me. Maybe I'll have a stab at writing it down.
> Funny how attempts at doing something have such violent language, isn't it. Have a shot at something, take a stab at something. Boy, our language is killing me. <laughing!> Stay tuned!
> And of course, if any of us don't feel comfortable filling a cartridge
> or any other little thing, we sure deserve options. Diabetes
> management has to work for each of us as individuals, not just in a
> way that's easier for the clinic staff, or the way one other person
> does it. Okay, rant over. <grin>
>
> Veronica
>
>
> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
> To learn more, visit:
> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
> Veronica Elsea, Owner
> Laurel Creek Music Designs
> Santa Cruz, California
> Phone: 831-429-6407
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 1:40 PM
> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
> Cc: Jamie Gurganus
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
>
> Veronica,
>
>
> You will have to write to me and tell me how to avoid bubbles then.
>
> I was able to get the G6, because my Medicare was supplemented by my now ex-husband’s Blue Cross Insurance. I started being covered by Humana on March 1.
>
> Jamie
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Mar 10, 2019, at 3:26 PM, Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> What I've been told is that Dexcom will start coverage in April. For
>> G5 users, they will automatically upgrade when it's time for a new transmitter.
>> As for how I got on the VIP, honestly it was because I made so much
>> noise and found their Medicare rep. I also got word to my local
>> Dexcom rep and made sure my endo had all of my paperwork in. I doubt
>> you could get on the program now because it's so close. I was told
>> back in January that I was on the program but I didn't assume it was
>> true, given how everything else was going.
>> And yes, the people who have been getting the G6 covered have been
>> getting it because either they were on certain Advantage plans or
>> their supplemental insurance covered it. I still can't believe what
>> it was that we all waited for, though.
>> As for cartridges, I have always filled mine without assistance and
>> when someone has looked, no bubbles. They're pretty easy to hear. It
>> turns out to be a good thing because there's no way I could prefill
>> the syringes for the Omnipod. I'm glad that this wasn't a new
>> experience for me along with every other aspect of using this pump.
>> But I think anyone who wants prefilled cartridges should always be
>> able to get them, if the pump in question uses them. Oh, and credit
>> where credit is due. It was Ed Bryant who really taught me, over the
>> phone, how to avoid getting bubbles. I then made some adaptations to
>> work with the Disetronic pump and the trainers liked it so much that
>> they wrote my instructions into the manual for all users. I actually
>> saved that manual, which has a braille label on it saying, Thanks Ed Bryant.
>>
>> Veronica
>>
>>
>> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now
>> available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
>> To learn more, visit:
>> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>> Veronica Elsea, Owner
>> Laurel Creek Music Designs
>> Santa Cruz, California
>> Phone: 831-429-6407
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 11:26 AM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
>> Cc: jamielgurganus at gmail.com
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
>>
>> Thanks Bridget! I'm hoping Midwest can still fill mine. It sure has
>> been nice receiving a weekly supply of cartridges for all of these
>> years. I keep them in a Tupperware container in the refrigerator and
>> just have to grab one when I need a new one. I always have a surplus, which is nice.
>>
>> Jamie
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
>> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 1:16 PM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
>>
>> Jamie,
>>
>> I used to fill my own cartridges, but I've found that with the
>> Medtronic resevoirs, they are incredibly sensitive to air bubbles.
>> Sighted people have a lot of difficulty filling them, so I'm no longer comfortable filling them.
>> I usually have a sighted family or friend fill several at a time. But
>> the difficulty they all have, including my nurse educator, makes me
>> very uneasy to do it myself.
>>
>> Bridgit
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
>> Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 12:38 PM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: jamielgurganus at gmail.com
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
>>
>> Thanks Veronica! So, I now have coverage through Humana, since I
>> have Medicare and needed a plan for prescriptions. Since I am under
>> 65, I had to go with the Humana Advantage Gold plan. As I am
>> contacting everyone with my new insurance information this is what I am finding:
>>
>> Medtronic doesn't accept Humana, so I had to find a supplier that does.
>> They are currently verifying benefits and will need all of that
>> information from my doctor.
>>
>> Diabetes Supply Center of the Midlands where I had to get my Dexcom
>> supplies through after going on Medicare does not accept Humana, so I
>> am back with Dexcom. They told me that they are allowing those who
>> are already using the
>> G6 to stay on it, since they don't want to see us go backwards for
>> one month or so. I was ready to go back to the G5, so I at least had
>> a CGM. I could have kissed that guy for telling me this. They are
>> also verifying benefits and requesting documents from my doctor.
>>
>> I'm still in the process of calling places with my new insurance
>> information, and I am anticipating that more places will give me issues.
>> For example, I use Midwest Pharmaceuticals to get pre-filled insulin
>> cartridges. I've used them for 19 years, and I sure hope they accept
>> Humana and vice versa. I suppose I can join the rest of you in
>> filling my own cartridges. I started with Midwest when I was getting
>> bubbles in my cartridges that were causing problems with the infusion
>> of the insulin. My kids are older now and able to check for me, if
>> they are home. My son may not be able to see the bubbles, since he
>> has low vision himself. Oh well, I'll find out the answer tomorrow.
>>
>> My endo's nurse is probably cursing me right now, since she needs to
>> send all of these places the information Medicare needs to get
>> started with a provider.
>>
>> Glad things worked out for you Veronica! If anyone else has Humana,
>> I'd appreciate any words of wisdom right now!
>>
>> Jamie
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
>> Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 12:12 PM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.
>>
>> Hi everyone.
>> Well, Dexcom is slowly beginning the roll-out of Medicare coverage
>> for the G6. I managed to get myself on the VIP list and just received
>> my first Medicare kit.
>> When you place your order, they ask you 8 questions. Most of them are
>> kind of stupid, but that's Medicare. But question 8 is whether or not
>> you'd be willing to use the receiver in conjunction with your phone.
>> I said no, and the Dexcom guy said I'd need to say yes here. I then
>> asked if this was being enforced. He said it wasn't. So I lied. I
>> sent a note to Dexcom's Medicare representative about this because I
>> was concerned that other blind people may not know this.
>> I did receive my first shipment. Boy is the packaging cheaper. The
>> print manual is a bunch of pages in a bag rather than a nicely bound
>> manual. The transmitter box fell apart when I was trying to figure
>> out where the serial number was and how to read it. And everything
>> says all over it, Medicare Medicare Medicare. For use only by
>> Medicare recipients. Boy that's saving money all right. Why do they
>> have to have their name all over everything and make companies package things in separate boxes just because it's Medicare?
>> Dumb!
>> And on Friday night, my first two sensors failed. After I called,
>> Dexcom said, we'll send out Medicare sensors. I couldn't help myself.
>> I want Dexcom sensors. I asked if the sensors were different. The guy
>> kind of tripped all over his words and said they weren't. I'm
>> beginning to wonder. I hope they are. In the meantime, good thing
>> this last sensor managed to work. Sheesh! I can't believe I paid cash
>> for 5 months while they negotiated this for a contract. Our
>> government could have saved a ton of money if they'd just let the
>> coverage of the G6 begin when it was approved by Medicare last July.
>> My previous sensors didn't say Anthem all over them so why does Medicare have to do this?
>> Anyway, please help spread the word about question 8. I'm trying to
>> get people to work on fixing this but in the meantime, I don't want
>> any blind person to be discouraged from, or denied using the Dexcom
>> for this stupid reason. Thanks.
>> Veronica
>>
>>
>> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now
>> available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
>> To learn more, visit:
>> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>> Veronica Elsea, Owner
>> Laurel Creek Music Designs
>> Santa Cruz, California
>> Phone: 831-429-6407
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> 0
>> laurel
>> creekmusic.com
>>
>>
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>
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> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/jamielgurganus%40gmail.com what makes them so much more difficult to fill compared to the other ones?
Jamie
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