[itissteve]

A relaxation of some Medicare rules now allows people using Medtronic's CGM integrated with the company’s MiniMed insulin pumps to have those costs covered by Medicare.

The Medtronic devices had been excluded because the only interface to them was a smartphone (making smartphone use a requirement though Medicare would not cover the cost of a smartphone as the [necessary] interface to the system which, by definition, leaves the Medicare coverage for the system incomplete). Approved devices had some other way to calibrate and read the collected results.

With the relaxation, CGM users now have some more options. An article with more details is here.

 

[mbuster]

It would reduce Medicare expense if they didn't have to fork over money for dedicated readers. I'd almost bet that those using CGM's that have readers that also have smartphone apps that can read their sensors, use their phone as their main device to see their BG readings and the reader is a back up. Especially if the apps prove to be as accurate and easy to use as the reader device. Probably more so for men, those without a man-purse anyway, than women. However a lot of younger women not carrying purses do carry their phones in a back pocket of pants/shorts.

 

[itissteve]

I agree. I think Medicare's issue is they don't want to approve a medical device that requires a device they would never pay for on its own (smartphone). Bureaucracy doesn't have an easy time dealing with nuance and exceptions. I guess I'm glad they moved this far in the direction of practicality.

 

[Barb d H]

I agree. I think Medicare's issue is they don't want to approve a medical device that requires a device they would never pay for on its own (smartphone). Bureaucracy doesn't have an easy time dealing with nuance and exceptions. I guess I'm glad they moved this far in the direction of practicality.

This is a good thing! My dog has diabetes, too. When diagnosed, she came home with a sensor and an app for my phone! I still use a reader for me but am looking into having my phone be my reader as well.