Nice score on the new PDM. I’ve had several PDM’s replaced for weak internal batteries. The first time it happened and I had to change my pod I called in to Insulet and they told me what the problem was and immediately sent me a replacement. It has happened a few more times since and they have all been replaced. But I am not sure a new a brand new 4 year warranty starts when they send a replacement PDM or when you first started using the system ? You might want to check with them on that.
Do we have any update on Omnipod getting rid of the PDM, i.e. being integrated into a smartphone?
Boy would I love to see this but allowing dosing from a Smartphone app would create a whole tangled web of FDA approval mess. Hopefully they’ve been working on it, but I would think the app and possibly the smartphone would be considered Class III device and require the highest regulatory approval from the FDA. Apps that simply allow you to see Dex data on iPhone and Apple Watch were recently bumped down to Class II which require no prior approval (but still need to be registered and have certain controls). Being able to dose an Omnipod from a mobile phone would certainly fall into Class III.
I have been using rechargeable batteries for a couple of years now and always have to time my battery change with a pod change because of the date/time reset. I thought it was because I was using rechargeables. Could it be that my internal battery is bad?
Are the rechargeables lithium? Insulet only recommends use of alkaline batteries.
They’re nickel metal hydride. They work great. The brand is eneloop. I think Sanyo makes them.
Not only could be, but IS. If you’re still under warranty, they’ll replace the PDM. CALL 'EM!
Insulet told me I would NOT have an extension of the warranty with the replacement PDM, but likely would get full use (4 years?) out of the replacement. Good thing, since my insurance (United Healthcare) will no longer replace OmniPods but will cover supplies until it dies a natural death.
That was my understanding as well. But I also thought the UHC dictate on pumps did not include Omnipod.
Oh, well, I just assumed a new device would carry a new warranty. My bad.
Just got off the phone with support. They are sending out a new PDM in 7-10 business days. I said I was OK with the time frame since it’s really more of an inconvenience than anything else, and I just replaced the batteries in my PDM, so waiting won’t be a problem. The board comes through again! Thanks, guys!
Insulet has replaced my PDM under warranty twice. I was very surprised the second time because I would have been well out of the original warranty, so they must have extended the warranty with replacement. Honestly, I really didn’t want to ask too many questions and have them decide that it actually shouldn’t be under warranty!
They certainly have a vested interest in keeping their customers happy…
Unlike other products, when consumer choice is dictated by an insurer… Major problem
It’s a brainless design flaw that the backup battery isn’t an accessible coin-style battery that can be changed with the main AAA batteries in the device.
I just completed a Diatribe special survey this week on features of the new PDM controller. The new PDM in the survey pictures looked like a smart phone in terms of size, shape and touch screen (I wish I had thought to do a screen shot) and features a rechargabl integrated battery. It will no longer have an integrated glucose meter, but will have a case available that will hold the pdm and small meter together as one integrated unit like the old iBGStar used to do with prior generations of iPhones. The meter will send data to the PDM via bluetooth, as will the G5 Dexcom (yay!). The pdm will now integrate pump information, meter readings and CGM readings all in one place, and it appears to be substantially smaller than the current awkwardly sized and shaped PDM. Still not the holy grail of just having my iPhone rule them all, but I view it as a step forward.
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No meter? Now, I’ll have to carry a third device? My phone (for Dexcom G5 and because I always carry my phone), the PDM and now a separate meter? That’s a step backward, as far as I’m concerned.
You might feel differently if your insurance didn’t cover freestyle strips… I think it’s a step forward in the big picture to not force their customers to purchase the most expensive bg testing strips on the planet, even if it means they have to carry an additional item. Now if freestyle wants to compete for omnipod customers business, their price will have to be competitive. That’s a win for consumers.
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Since I have the G5, I generally now only carry my iPhone “on” me. I have a separate bag that holds the PDM, dexcom receiver (not sure why anymore), spare pod, insulin, syringes, test strips, lancet, snacks, etc, etc, etc with all the crapola that has to be somewhat accessible all the time. I generally only use the meter twice a day to calibrate my dexcom, morning and before dinner, so I don’t need a meter with me generally. When I’m out somewhere and don’t want to carry the full bag of supplies I struggle to figure out how to carry the bulky PDM on me since it doesn’t comfortably fit into pants or shorts pockets. I’m happy with the tradeoff that will make the pdm smaller to carry as a standalone, even if it does result in an extra thing to carry in my supply bag.
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