About 9 months ago I paid out-of-pocket for a brand-spanking-new Dexcom 7+ system. I used it for about 5 months then managed to LOSE the transmitter (yes I’m boneheaded but I was travelling at the time and the darn thing got thrown away with the sensor by accident).
After repeatedly cursing myself and agonizing over whether I should pony up the money for a new transmitter I discovered that I can get the Minimed CGMS free under my prescription plan - it does NOT cover Dexcom (which stinks).
Needless to say I went with the cheaper (free) option and I really have no complaints. It took a little while to adapt to how the MM prefers to be calibrated but I found it every bit as accurate as the Dexcom and the fact that I don’t need yet-another-device strapped to my belt is a huge plus.
So now I’m stuck with this Dexcom system minus the transmitter and I don’t know what to do with it. I’ve got everything (receiver, cables, charger, books, etc) - EXCEPT the transmitter so it is fairly useless except to someone who already has a Dexcom system and wants backup/replacement parts.
Is there a place where I could sell this stuff? Is ebay an option? I’m not trying to get rich - I just want to pass it on to someone who needs it in exchange for a couple of pesos.
What do you think is a reasonable amount to ask?
Am I allowed to sell it - the thing requires a prescription after all?
First off - you should be aware that Dexcom has a policy of one-time replacement of the transmitter. It may not be a published/public policy, but it’s there. So one could beg and plead if necessary and get the replacement transmitter.
Second - I think one can use the old Dexcom Seven transmitter with this system. This is a maybe/maybe not kind of situation. I used the new Dex 7+ software with my old transmitter for months before I got the official upgrade. The point here is that I have an extra transmitter - albeit an old one.
Third - In my belief, I think the very best use of this system would be to get it in the hands of a reputable and honest hacker. I would do back flips of joy to see a capable engineer take a Dex 7 receiver and stuff the technology in a wristwatch. I say this hoping someone from Dexcom reads it. I’ve written them numerous times suggesting a smaller receiver, to no avail.
Fourth - the market value for your goods is dropping. With the new Dexcom - Animas pump/CGM system purportedly coming out next summer, you might want to find a new home for this system pretty soon.
Dexcom will probably frown on any sale. As you have to match serial number of the receiver to the software/firmware, and provide this every time you call in a tech issue (like a failed sensor) it could be a problem.
Maybe Dexcom will give you a refund? I’d try that first. And if you want to be altruistic and find that diabetes-minded hacker, let me know. I’ll help find him/her.
FYI…they will replace the transmitter once for free! I know, because mine got thrown away by my then 4-yr. old. When I called to inquire about replacing it, they informed me that they would replace it once for free, so they sent me a new one, no hassle. You’re right, legally you are not allowed to sell it because it is by prescription only. However, if you can get another transmitter, it might be nice to have it as a backup.
I just won a protracted battle with Kaiser for the seven plus system, only to have the receiver fall out of my pocket on an airplane… They haven’t been able to find it, though I went back immediately. If you’re still looking to sell, I’d love to buy, and I can prove both that I have a prescription for the dex and that I recently got one. Please contact me either way and
let me know.
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Huh! Mine ripped out of me when turning over in bed at 3am, and between the pain,anger, and the grogginess I didn’t take the transmitter out of the sensor and threw it away. DexCom would not replace the transmitter, but said I could buy it for $299. (special one time deal, usually 699 i think.)
They did suggest talking to my regional sales rep, and she lent me one for 2 months until my warranty is up, so that was cool!
I've got a "dead" receiver and a new one costs $519. I am looking to buy a receiver for cheap ... If you are looking to get anything for yours, maybe we could do business! I got my pump from my father - he tried it and hated it and then heard I was going to buy one so offered me his. I ran it through my endo and told the rep I was going to be obtaining my father's pump. Once Medicare found out he didn't SELL it, there was no issue (insurance fraud). I'm going to spend about 10 days looking for a used one to buy, but if I can't buy one used, I'll buy new in April (sadly). My receiver fell in the bathtub :( Boo! LTK if you want to sell ... I wouldn't pay more than $50 so if that's not enough for you, I understand.
I use a Dexcom CGM and an Animas Ping pump. I'm sure that someone in the Minimed group would have the information that you're requesting on Minimed.
Medicare doesn't cover any CGMs, whether they be Minimed or Dexcom. From what I've read on this group and in other places, the only Medicare Advantage Plan that covers CGMs is one run by the Ford Motor Company for their retirees. My Medicare Supplement plan only covers devices approved by Medicare.
The last time I checked, Dexcom (877-339-2664) was selling a pack of 4 sensors for $280, if you agree to buy a total of 6 packs or more over the course of a year. Since the Dexcom sensors can generally be used for 14 days or longer, you can probably get away with 6 packs ($1680) a year. I don't understand Medicare's reluctance to cover CGMs. I wish there was a way we could force them to review their coverage of this vital equipment.
I check my BG 10 times a day and I would still be afraid to drive were it not for my CGM. I am fairly active. I run 3 miles every 2nd day. I bicycle close to 11 miles on the days I don't run. I am an avid skier. Doing these activities without the benefit of a CGM could be suicidal.
I originally got my Dexcom 24 months ago after breaking my ankle in a fall while I was preparing breakfast. My BG dropped over 100 points in under 35 minutes causing a hypoglycemic reaction. Since I've been on the Dexcom, I have received warnings many times when my BG was falling. For Medicare to state a CGM is not an absolute necessity for insulin dependent diabetics, especially among people who have lost the ability to detect low BG levels is an absurdity. How much is Medicare paying out for doctor's visits and hospitalizations caused by hypoglycemic reactions? I'm sure it's a lot more than what they would pay to cover CGMs.
