So I was wearing my Medtronic CGM Transmitter at the beach and when I got out of the water I noticed my sensor and transmitter was gone. I looked everywhere and neither piece was nowhere to be found! Insurance won’t pay for a new one and Medtronic wants me to pay cash for a new one but I don’t have the funds! I have tried everything and can not get a new transmitter! Any ideas?
Since I been without my transmitter, I have been back and forward to the ER for unnoticeable highs and lows. On top of that I never feel my highs or lows and why I wear a CGM in the first place! Especially when I sleep at night, my number something’s get real dangerous and I never feel it; with my CGM, it would wake me up every time. What should I do?
Wish I could help you but in a similar situation. Perhaps I could afford another pump but I am getting really tired of the insurance company treating me like a cash cow! These things are WAY too expensive to own and operate. In fact I am considering giving mine up and going back to multiple daily shots.
Well I just got off the phone with Medtronic help line and the agent is going to send me a complimentary sensor. I don’t know if they are just tired of me calling or if this particular rep was a pump wearer and understood the pain I’m going thru?!?!?!?!
I don't have experience with Medtronic. But I have lost my Dexcom G4 reciever TWICE -- granted I know the transmitters are much more expensive but i would hope they would do something for you. Are they sending you just the sensor or are they going to send you a new transmitter too?
My recommnendation is to go to the sales rep with whom you originally worked to get the CGM and if s/he can't help -- go higher up on the food chain. The bottom line is that Medtronic makes most of it's money for CGM's from the disposable stuff and not the CGM itself. If you don't have the transmitter, you won't be using the disposibles, so that may "speak" to them.
As someone who can't seem to hold onto her G4, I feel your pain.
Were you surfing OR ??? ...statement " my Medtronic CGM Transmitter at the beach and when I got out of the water ...." is pretty broad and open . ...just saying ...but I would NOT take a chance ..me speaking at age 73 and living with d for over 30 years ...hope you get this resolved with MM
How long had you been using the senor you lost? My insurance will cover a new sensor every 52 weeks. I found out when I dropped my transmitter in the dog water bowl and killed it. I had about 2 weeks to go, but my insurance company was nice enough to decide I needed the new sensor now.
Medtronic does say that these parts need to be replaced periodically. The sensor has a chargeable battery that will not hold the charge as well as time passes. Given enough time - the sensor may not hold a battery charge for the FDA approved 3 days of use.
I would ask your Endo to contact your insurer saying the CGM parts are a 'medical necessity' (hypo/hyper & ER). I would also call your insurer and see when they will cover a new sensor/transmitter. There should be some time frame as these pieces do expire.
Good luck the week that I did not have my CGM functioning (due to the dog bowl incident) I was on high alert. I suggest eating at standard times and standard meals and testing a lot as the best backup.
