I was wondering if anyone else has had the issue with your insurance (Kaiser) not covering the Dexcom. Apparently I don't have enough low blood sugars to qualify. Do you know how much it costs to purchase one out of pocket? I'm considering doing that! Thanks for you help in advance!
Hi Lori, I don't have insurance and I had to pay out of pocket for mine, but it's TOTALLy worth it. We end up spending money on other things that aren't as important. The G4 is GREAT! Mine was about $1500 with the first months sensors, then $300 each month if you sign up for automatic delivery every month. Totally recommend you do it. I am SO HAPPY with mine.
Lori,
You have two choices, first one as Norma suggested to buy it from Dexcom. While the second one, if it does not matter to you, using the old System Dexcom SevenPlus which is still supported by Dexcom, the Seven plus you can get really cheap since many people had switched to the G4 and they have no use for their Seven+ system. I saw it being sold on eBay between $400 to $600. Good Luck!
Thank you for your help!
I will look into that. Thank you!
Hi Lori,
I have the invoice from Dexcom with the list prices for the G4 system. The receiver lists for $699, the transmitter lists for $ 799, a package of 4 sensors lists for $ 499. In the last 30 days I have only used 2 sensors. I am sure they would work with you but the prices I have are before discounts for insurance. The system cost my insurance company $2403.80 with 12 sensors.
I TOTALLY agree with Norma though, I love the system and although I have only had it since November, I wish I had gotten it years ago. I also wish more insurance companies were like mine in understanding that the cost of the Dexcom system is significantly cheaper than just one ambulance ride and visit to the ER for a hypoglycemic event.
1) I loved my systme 7, but I find the G4 to be much more reliable - especially on the first day. My system 7 used to fluctuate widely (and be inaccurate for no apparent reason) on day one.
2) Keep in mind when costing it out that the G4's transmitters are only rated for six months, not for a year like the system 7. I haven't had my G4 long enough to experience what happens after six months. My system 7 tended to still work after one year, but I seemed to drop more readings, perhaps because the battery was getting weak.
Wait a minute Lori, I noticed that you have the Medtronic pump, why do not use consider their CGM? I knew that it is getting better, even to last for 7 days like the Dexcom. May be that option will be cost efficient for you!
I TOTALLY agree with Norma though, I love the system and although I have only had it since November, I wish I had gotten it years ago. I also wish more insurance companies were like mine in understanding that the cost of the Dexcom system is significantly cheaper than just one ambulance ride and visit to the ER for a hypoglycemic event.
This is so true Clare. I also like the fact that my husband is way more involved with my bs. He made me go on the treadmill yesterday when he saw they were rising LOL
[1921-G4.jpg|attachment](upload://kr2sPwni0satdxP6ftYUslHKhGi.jpeg) (29.4 KB)OK, the transmitter is the little gray thingie, and it's warrantied for 6 months, right? What about the receiver? It has a rechargeable battery, but even those wear out with time, don't they? Is there a warranty life on them? Thanks! :-)
First - put your doctor to work for you. If insurance says you do not have enough low blood sugars to qualify, your doctor can call and say you do and need it. If you have an endocrinologist, call Kaiser and ask them what phone number and extension your doctor should call to contest a claim denial. They usually have a doctor line to speak to a medical professional for a peer-to-peer review. Then, fax your doctor that number and explain that you need him or her to go to bat for you (in so many words). Follow up with a phone call or two depending on your doctor :)
Love the photo...I'm going to email my Dr tomorrow and be more aggressive about getting one.
Yes I did think about the Medtronic CGM but all the reviews I have read and research I've done, most people are saying that the Dexcom is less painful and more accurate.
we are cash pay for everything diabetic, asthma and celiac...
we pay 299 a month for pods, 299 a month for dexcom,
we do wear dex till it craps out, somewhere between day 12 and day 15...
so it's around 150 a month really, and we are using so much less fingerstips now that I believe the cost is not that different! definitely worth it!
I used the Medtronic for 18 months, and it missed something like 6 severe lows in 7 months. Not lag time, but completely missed. And I didn't feel them until I was in the 40's, and that's way too late, because I'm already dumb by that time. So I went for a Dex and have had a LOT more success with it. I think the Medtronic pumps are great, but have to give a thumbs down to the CGM. But other people seem to do just fine on it.
Try getting a Dexcom rep on the case. They know how to deal with insurance companies and will push for you to be approved.
I had to ask them to submit my dexcom through my pharmacy side of my insurance. It went that way.
Hi Lori - I had Kaiser in CA and was able to get it completely covered. You need to work with your endo dr. There are ways to get the insurance to cover. You need to say that are are having trouble feeling your low blood sugars. I already had the Dexcom 7 from my prior insurance and was able to print out some graphs with consistent low blood sugars and they cover it for me. Push for it! check my blog.
http://www.trainedbyinsulin.com/1/post/2013/01/dexcom-like-a-g4.html