Congrats! Glad you have you in the bunch!
my docs office is not. in factr I just switched from minimed to animas ping and dex. And while it is two separate devices–I am not sure that is a bad thing.
The Dex sensor is much less painful and so far much more consistent
I have fired a previous endo and would not put up witha doc that would not let me choose…insurance is a different duck–and if my choioce was minimed or nothing I’d take minimed (glad that was not my choice)
My endo is primarily Medtronic, but I am a strong willed woman, who researches things, (as I’m sure all diabetics do), and 5 years ago, went on the MiniMed. I tried their CGM, and found it cumbersome and painful to insert. Heck of a long introducer needle too! I found myself to be a ‘bleeder’, so I discontinued using it. I began looking into the OmniPod at the beginning of this year. As of April, I have been an ‘Podder’ as I like to say! At my last endo appt. my A1C had dropped 3 after being on the pod for just 2 months! Both the doc and I were VERY happy! But because I’m having more lows, he wants me to try the Dexcom sensor. I’m goin to his office on the 30th to get hooked up, and he’s coming to where I live, 2 hours away from his office, 7 days later, to retrieve it and get readings. The only problem I have with this whole idea is, I got on the pod to feel ‘normal’, but with having a sensor, I’ll have to carry both the PDM and the receiver. As it was stated in a post above, Insulet is working on integrating the Dexcom with their system. Now THAT is something to look forward to!!!
I have found some other interesting things about Medtronic Shops. They are cheaper devices and spend more on professional relations. Read the prospectus and similar documents filed with the SEC.
Main reason I went with Dexcom was my CDE tried me with 5 medtronic sensors. All filled with blood and failed on startup. I have not had a single Dexcom sensor fail to start. I have had a few last less than 7 days. If the sensor lasts less than 7 days, call tech support and it is replaced by Dexcom at NO COST to the user (three day Fed-Ex).
Also, Dexcom is a participating Federal provider (FEP-BCBS) now.
I had a doctor who pushed the MM pump even though I was already using an Animas pump. My pump warranty didnt expire for several years and I always wondered what they wanted me to do. Just give up my pump and pay for the MM out of pocket?!?! I never really liked to go with the top company. I guess I just like to go fo the underdog. I was perfectly happy with my Animas pump and had no intentions of changing to the MM. I did however switch to the Omnipod a month or two ago but that was because I made the decision. I dont like to be pushed into anything as far as my pump goes. So if a doctor tried to push me in one direction or another I just stop seeing that doctor.
my doctor said “i want you to get a dexcom” it was no discussion on brand, and very little discussion on the pros/cons. i went through with it, but getting the thing was much more of a hassle than he made it out to be. after the fact i wish he had done a bit more counseling through CGMs before just dropping that on me.
I took the bull by the horns and just told my endo I wanted to get a Dexcom. He never made a fuss about it, and we pretty much did everything through phone calls. He was actually surprised I was approved for it, but he did tell me he did everything he could to try to get me approved. He’s a sincere guy, so I believe him, He seems happy about it anyway.
When I told him I wanted a pump, he suggested the Animas, specifically because of the upcoming incorportion with Dexcom. I asked him about the Omnipod, he thought about it for a second, then said sure, he thinks I would do fine with it.
I think they definitely have their favorites, but hopefully they work with you to make the best choices for you, not them.
My endo insisted I use the MM ump, saying the other pump company reps rarely showed up in our area. I was so excited to get a pump, I had no objection. I got a one week free trial with the MM sensor. It was a loaner from the endo’s office. I did not have any success with it. In December, 2009, I requested a Dexcom CGM. My endo insisted on MM again. The paperwork was completed and the MM CGM arrived in the mail. I phoned Liberty (my supplier) and asked if I could return the MM and trade for a Dexcom. They said OK, if I got approval from my endo. I phoned my endo’s office and talked to her assistant. A six month supply of my BG’s was requested for my insurance company. I think it was HER request, instead of the insurance company. She must have been very surprised that I had records that went that far back, showing 12 BG’s each day. I received my Dexcom. When I went in for my next endo appointment she was not friendly at all, she just glared at me for a few minutes. I ignored her and carried on with pleasant conversation. She finally relaxed and the Dexcom never was discussed. I wear it proudly every visit now. LOL!!!
Wow Richard, what a PITA.
Glad it worked out for you.
Oh wow! That’s not a surprise Richard. I received my Dexcom paperwork in the mail a few days ago and the hand written note was not friendly. If I would have chosen to go with the MM, my endo would have had that available for me to use in the office the following week, but she had to send me “paperwork” to get the Dexcom and left it up to me to do everything. It’s no surprise that MM is the number 1 for cgms because I don’t think it takes much to get approved and I’m sure they have some side deal going with some of these endo offices.