Latest on the Dexcom
This is just the briefest of posts.I'm still wearing and using the Dexcom and for the most part really finding it useful.
This week I'm starting to gather supporting paperwork so can make a submission to my insurance company. I hoping that I'll get coverage and I'll post here to let you know how that goes.
I found this useful post on the JDRF website that outlines what you should do to get coverage for a CGM device. I call it the eight steps to getting a CGM. Because I'm not sure that I'd do the final two suggested steps: tell JDRF about what happens, and become a JDRF advocate.
I'm already working hard on advocacy, and JDRF has enough advocates of its own.
Let me point out a few things that I've noticed about wearing this device (and I'm sure the same is true for any CGM device.
First is that this gives you immediate feedback when your control is not good. So it's not like waiting 20+ years to see if you develop complications. It buzzes at you each time you cross the high threshold. If they'd just add a feature so it would shock you, then I might be motivated to reduce my highs!
Second is along the lines of a good news/bad news observation. The good news is that when my readings are behaving properly, it's nice to get the positive feedback. The bad news is when I have a night like last night where my readings were about 200 mg/dL from about 1 AM to 6:30 AM, I get to see that all displayed out as a high line. Yuk.
Despite its shortcomings, I still like the device. I'll try and post some more photos next time round.
Labels: bg, CGM, Dexcom, technology
posted by Bernard @ 7:38 PM
4 Comments:
Glad to hear it is going well. Saw your flikr picture - my cable was definitely not that long - no twist tie needed. Are you sure there is not a shorter cord?
Hi Sara
It's definitely 6 ft 6 inches. The salesperson told me that they'd pointed this out to the development team and has had no success yet with a shorter cable.
It makes it a pain to carry around.
For others here's a pointer to the picture.
Looking forward to hearing your experience. When you write about it, be sure to note which insurance carrier you have, as they differ across the board. The Boston Globe reported in February on ratings each of the major healthplans in Massachusetts on several different criteria (see http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/02/03/mass_doctor_networks_rated_high_in_quality_of_care_study/ for details).
Been following along with your Dexcom experience. Thanks for sharing your observations.
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