Wait for the next generation or get CGMS now

[Jacob'sDad]

I'm trying to decide whether to get Jacob a CGMS now or wait for the next generation of CGMS to come along.
I have been concerned about the accuracy of current systems but have come to the conclusion that the ability to see trends and see rising or falling BG makes it worth getting.

My big concern is the fear that we would get a CGMS and insurance would cover most of the cost, but then the next generation of CGMS would come out and insurance would refuse to cover it because they already paid for it once.

Does anyone know how long you have to use a CGMS before insurance will pay for another one?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Lindy]

I have no idea about the insurance coverage for when they will replace an older model. We have been using the Guardian CGM since May '07. I guess I never even considered waiting for yet another "newer" model to come. I just wanted what was out there. There's been some ups and downs with the CGM - but bottom line I would never want to be without it! EVER! It is so much better than nothing. It changes how you manage daily diabetes. I know things will only get better (technology) and I hope to keep pace with it, even if it means getting a night job to pay for it.. ;)

[Mama2H]

We had considered wating for the navigator but after seeing several posts about "coming soon" we decided to go with what was the best at the time. I am so glad that we did not wait, we have been using the CGMS since April. I figure since MM has a 6 month warranty my insurance would cover a new one after the "expected life" which in the case of the MM would be 6 months. Since all of the current CGMS systems work on rechargeable batteries one cannot expect the transmitter to realistically last beyond a year. If something new comes out and we are still under warranty (in our case the warranty was up in October) we would wait the 3 or 4 months and upgrade. I *believe* in most cases, just like the pump, when MM or Dex comes out with better technology they will allow people still under warranty to upgrade for a much smaller fee.

This is all just my humble opinion. Your best bet, if you are worried about it, would be to ask MM, Dex, and your insurance company.

ETA: I would mortgage our house and sell everything I could in order to keep the CGMS. It has been so wonderful for both Hailey and the entire family.

[Mary Lou]

We waited for the CGMS to be small enough to make sense on a child.

We have no insurance coverage for it.

It's worth every penny -- A1Cs are down, BG are more stable, and we have a better idea of how to manage both of our children, even though only Brian wears the CGMS.

I would expect Minimed to offer an upgrade path to turn in any old CGMS for a newer one, the same way they do with their pumps, although this is my own personal expectation, and not anything I've ever read.

Good luck in making your decision.

[WestinsMom]

Same here, we pay out of pocket and we will continue, with or without insurance. We love it and it has changed Westin's care. To wait is just prolonging having control over this disease. Knowledge is power and this technology is all about having the knowledge to make care decisions.

[rmccully2000]

We bought the Dexcom in October 2006, received in-network benefits soon after for the unit and all supplies.

We upgraded to the next generation Dexcom SEVEN in August 2007. Dexcom filed the claim and UHC paid it without question.

We may be just lucky but I wanted to share our experience of insurance covering CGM upgrades (The total upgrade cost was only $150 for a new receiver and transmitter so it really wasn't a dealbreaker for us if UHC didnt' cover it)

I say if it's something your interested in.. don't wait. Get your hands on MM/Dexcom or both for a trial to see which one you like better.

We LOVE our Dexcom and would never willingly go back to dosing insulin "blind".

Best of luck!
Becky, Mom to Mason, 7 Dexcom, Omnipod

[KarenRI]

My 12 year old son started CGM in October, and he used it continually until last week, when he took a few days off just because he was home on school vacation.

His lows dropped lower, and his highs ran higher. He felt lousy because he wasn't used to falling that low or running that high since starting on CGM. Although CGM is not perfect, I am seeing how, even in its current state, it has evened out his BS's and has helped us avoid those drastic out of range numbers on both ends. Being able to track the trending is priceless.

At first , my son was happy to take a break, but on day 3 of his CGM vacation, he asked me to put a sensor in. No fuss, no complaints.

Not sure what to say about insurance. His supplies are covered now under the Joslin CGM study. When the Study draws to a close, I will have to begin my quest for coverage with our health care provider.

I would be surprised if Minimed did not have a Pathway Upgrade program available to us when the next generation is released.

Good luck!