Insulin Pump Users

Hello,

I just signed up for the group. My name is Julia, I am 29 and have been a
type 1 diabetic for over 21 years. My husband is in the navy, and we have 5
children so far, whom we homeschool.

I will be starting pump training on Friday. In all honesty I know very
little about the pump. For the most part I have been very blessed and had a
very easy time of controlling things. Within the last couple years it has
not been quite as good, but nothing devastating. Recently however I have
been experiencing far to many lows and within the last 2 months my morning
sugars began to creep up to unacceptable levels. After several weeks of
trying to figure it out on my own I went to my PCM and he also tried a few
things, but to no avail. He asked me then if I had considered a pump, and I
told him no I hadn’t.
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David, Jan-
The entire original section still refers to the <0.5 limit.
However, an updated memo (5/14/01) references that different tests have
different limits so there would be a limit of the normal low reference point
+10% as the maximum allowed. Still confusing though.
Following are some exerpts from the Memo:

Medicare Coverage Policy ~ Decisions
C-Peptide Levels as a Criterion for Use of the Insulin Pump (#CAG-00092A)
Decision Memorandum
SUBJECT: National Coverage Determination (NCD)
DATE: May 14, 2001
This memorandum serves four purposes: (1) outlines the NCD on the continuous
subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps for Type I diabetics [CAG-00041]; (2)
discusses the use of C-peptide as a means to distinguish Type I vs Type II
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Hi! My name is Sandee. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 27
years. I have been using the MM508 for one month. I really love
it!! I’m sure that I’ll have alot of questions and a need for advice
from you experienced pumpers. I feel very fortunate to have found
such a great support group. Take care!

Hi,
I’m looking for a safe ,interactive site for my 11yr. old
who is just starting on the pump.
Thanks,
Doreen

I finally got through to Minimed (Molly Gordon) and I learned the following:

1. If one is already on a pump, and it works, then Medicare will not pay for
any upgrade, regardless of the model.

2. Medicare has an arrangement with Minimed so that Minimed supplies a
refurbished 508 on a lease basis. This arrangement does not allow for any
future upgrade.

3. Medicare does pay for supplies, and gives a 3 month supply initially.
Medicare pays 80% of the cost; presumably Medigap will cover the rest.

4. The c-peptide test is under review presently by Medicare; they expect a
revised standard some time soon, whatever that means. The revised limit will
be broader, and include recognition that various labs have different limits set,
(more…)

>Wait until you get to Medicare; then, your copay is 100%!

Shoot, I’d better start saving every extra reservoir NOW and hope they’re
still usable in twenty years. <g>

Does anybody know any diabetics living in northern Kentucky? We just got
back from my husband’s family reunion in Cincinnati, and met a Type 1
neighbor who’s not online but would love to talk to fellow diabetics by
phone. I told her there were a TON of people online who might know
somebody…so if you do, could you contact me? Thanks!

Laurie, who was bowled over by the Midwest…more greenery AND more
friendliness than I’ve ever seen in Phoenix

Is Minimed the only place that carries sofsets and other 508 supplies?? I just
got INS back and now I have a 6 months preexist to wait out b4 they will cover
ANY of my diabetic needs..what a crock!!!

Keith

Does this work?

:steps up to the mic:

I was on this list under a different name and have
found this list VERY informative. Thank you. I am a
22 year old diabetic diagnosed over a year ago. I
recently got on the pump about 3 months ago and love
it.

Pleasure being here!

His employer usually offers 2 HMOs and one traditional insurance yearly in
Indiana. Other states (It’s an national/international company) have a much
larger list of insurance companies to choose from.

While I was writing the previous message I was thinking about my supply coverage
after January 1. My insurance has already approved a full year of pump
supplies. My year is up in late March. Will I still get the year of supplies
or
just until the end of the year? If it’s just until the end of the year, can I
get the final year of supplies in December? I’m going to have to talk to
someone
at the insurance company and/or MiniMed. I might start with MiniMed since they
have more experience in dealing with insurance companies.

Connie
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While rearranging some clutter, I came across page 2 of my *Insulin Pump
Therapy Criteria* from 1983. I have often said I have been kept in the
guinea-pig stage. Perhaps these instructions will help clear up my reference:

PUMP THERAPY
Patient Education
1. Physician gives patient a list of criteria he/she will have to meet:
a. Be willing to self monitor blood glucose at home and to record data 4-6
times daily until stabilized and then 12 times per week.
b. Understand potential hazards of insulin pump therapy:
b.1. hyperglycemia, ketosis secondary to pump failure, infection,
illness.
b.2. hypoglycemia - especially at night.
b.3. local infection at site of needle insertion.
c. Be willing to visit physician from once a week to once a month until
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