Price Reduction in MiniLink Transmitter Set?

[Momto4]

I ordered the MiniLink transmitter set today for my daughter and it was only $650. I asked her if that included the 10 sensors, charger, etc. and she assured me that it did. When I was first checking into the system, I am almost positive that it was $999. I was pretty excited and hope the Customer Service Rep. was right about the price - I guess I will see when I get the bill. She also said that she would be happy to bill my insurance and see what happened. Hopefully this means that more and more insurance companies are paying for these systems. She said that they charge it under a "misc" CPT code so we will see:rolleyes: Interesting!

[EmmasMom]

Wow! That was price of the transmitter *only* the last time I checked. I hope she was right!!!!

MM is working with my insurance now to try to get the sensors covered prior to shipping them, so far I have had to pay up-front and get reimbursed. They seem much more willing to help with the insurance process these days, hopefully that means they're having a lot of success!!:D

I'm so glad you're getting started!

[Momto4]

Well, I just pulled up my invoice on Minimed's website and sure enough - My total is $999. The 2 line items were MiniLink $649 and 10 Transmitters $350 for a total of $999. That was what I was expecting to pay, but it really irritates me when those CSR's are completely clueless - especially when I specifically asked! Oh well, I am just excited to be getting it. We get crazy #'s sometimes and I am so interested in seeing what it going on "behind the scenes" with her!

[Budapest]

That stinks! I'd call back for sure and speak to a supervisor -- just in case insurance does cover 100%. There is nothing to lose and they should know what service they provide.

BTW are you just starting CGMing or you are upgrading to the MiniLink? What are your experiences so far with the CGM?

Thanks.

[Momto4]

I will definately be calling back - they just need to get their info straight. I am buying it regardless ($650 or $999) but what if I had only wanted it if it was $650! The will not take the sensors back, so I would have been stuck with it.:mad: Anyway, we are just starting CGMing. I have several friends that use one and they can't say enough good things about it. It is not perfect and, of course, far from a cure - but it has really helped them in managing their kiddos.

[rickst29]

As you both noticed, the Transmitter pricing is really high. I just called MM to query about getting a Guardian when my Dex wears out, and got the following info:
Guardian is just like Dexcom in using a rechargeable battery, and when the battery won't hold a charge anymore it's dead. (I was hoping that it would use AA or AAA like a pump.)
Price for Guardian + Transmitter + only four Sensors is $1300+. I was thinking about switching to get waterproof Sensors, but that's a big penalty over Dexcom, even at LIST price. :mad:

[Tommo]

oh, so how long is the MM cgm meant to last before rechargable battery dies....anyone on their second?

[EmmasMom]

I'm shocked that the guardian unit doesn't have replaceable batteries! What were they thinking? ($$$ I guess :rolleyes:) The old Guardian used 2 AA batteries, so I assumed it would be similar.

Tommo, The new guardian and minilink are so new that I doubt anyone has run into battery trouble yet. If they die within the warranty period MM will overnight a new one.

I charge the minilink once every 7 days, and it is fully recharged in less than 10 minutes. :cool:

[payam7777777]

I charge the minilink once every 7 days, and it is fully recharged in less than 10 minutes. :cool:
i was thinking about a plan for charging the minilink. are you sure only 10 minutes is enough for a full charge every 7 days? i was under the impression that a full chare needs 8/2? hours.

[Rachel]

The charger blinks in a little 4-blink pattern while it is charging and then when it is done switches first to a steady light and then goes off. So you know for sure when it is done.

We just did a Day 7 recharge yesterday and it took about 15 - 20 minutes (though it seemed longer as we were waiting around in the lockeroom after swimming lessons - felt like 3 hours I spent playing with vehicles on a lockeroom floor). :cwds:

[EmmasMom]

Yep payam, It charges fully, very quickly!
I thought it would take longer, and tried to plan for it, but it's done by the time I've got the new site ready. I don't know if it will always charge so fast?
It has little flashing lights to show when it's charging, and when it's done it turns off. So far about 10 minutes every time.

[payam7777777]

thanks Rachel, thanks Amy.