trial period?

[saira]

Does anyone know if there is a trial period or anything where you can try the dex continuous glucose monitor before you actually buy it? And also, I already have the minimed 511 pump and was considering updating to the real time monitor, but the dex system is a lot cheaper in comparison when it comes to monthly supplies, and seems to have great reviews. I have united healthcare, does anyone know if they cover CGM's for sure?

[payam7777777]

CGMS Central is a new web site devoted to helping people with diabetes get insurance coverage for continuous glucose sensors.
http://cgmscentral.com/

[rickst29]

To answer your first question: Dexcom does do a money-back guarantee for 30 days-- so if you don't like it, you CAN send it back for a refund. I think this includes unused Sensors, but you might want to double-check on that. The $450 machine is definitely covered. Get it in writing (at least an email form a Dexcom employee) before you give them your Credit Card.

Many good Endos now have trail "loaners right in their offices. (Mine does, for both brands.) But Dexcom Sensors cost $60 each, while Minimed's cost only $35-- and although the average life seems to be a couple of days longer, it's not enough longer to make up for the much higher price. And more important for you, Minimed is "in-network" on most UHC plans. Dexcom isn't, and gets a much lower reimbursement percentage. In the long term, Dexcom costs more. Might be worth it, though, to avoid the 'Minilink' Transmitter rubbing-on-the-skin-needs-protective-tape and recharge-after-day-6-and-hope-it-comes-back-without- "lost Sensor" hassles, as well as the possibly better ability to catch lows.

But YMMV! Lots of people have GREAT results with Minimed too, and even though the "success rate" seems a little higher with Dex, lots of people have nothing but trouble with the Dexcom too. It would be best to try both at the same time, although you definitely need to go through your Endo to get a Guardian (or 722 R/T) on "trial" basis... Minimed's standard procedure is to take all your money and then say, "tough, not our problem: you bought it, you own it".
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to get insurance coverage from UHC, you probably need to have documentation of specific problems, (i.e., uncaught hypos while sleeping, sudden and dangerous bG changes unrelated to food or insulin-- things which CAN'T be resolved by more "carb counting education" or just using more traditional test strips). There are CGMS users being covered by UHC, but UHC has a myriad of different plans with different employers-- your specific insurance policy is what counts.

[Paulb]

I spoke with Dexcom today on the same topic. Their guarantee does not cover sensors, only the reciever and transmitter. If you order their system to trial it, buy only the sensors you need until you've confirmed the product serves your needs and expecations.