New Pump

[duck]

Well, I have decided after much soul-searching to go ahead and get a new pump. On Monday, I'll be authorizing my insurance's DME supplier to proceed with acquiring a MiniMed 722...

Since my visit with the new opthamologist last month, where he found the beginnings of "changes" in my retinas, I've not been the same. I know there are plenty of treatments available for us who might suffer these issues, but part of what has been getting to me is my little voice saying "You already work hard at this, and it's still beating you..." I know I could tweak my routines even more, but the fight just seems to finally wear on you. Perpetual war probably is as bad for the person as it is for society in general. And after re-reading the essay Archimeech posted years ago (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/chit-chat/7265-new-years-resolutions-endocrinologists.html?, it occurred to me I am nearly 17.5 years with this disease...


17. To everyone who studies the results of the DCCT without the eyes of the blood sugar police, the most striking finding is the extremely wide variation in complications among different patients at the same average blood sugar level. This points to the importance of factors OTHER than the blood sugar level in causing compliations. This, combined with the fact that some rare patients have been observed to have diabetic complications but no trace of diabetes, and that there is a very high peak of new onset cases of diabetic nephropathy 17.5 years after onset of diabetes, regardless of the level of blood sugar control, suggest that the blood sugar control is being overemphasized in therapy.

So here I am, hip-deep studying for a massive exam I have to take next month, wondering if it is all downhill from here at the ripe old age of 34, with two kids and what should otherwise be the best years of my life ahead of me...and my brain is starting to look for the panic button.

So, my care team says this development with my eyes, however "minor", constitutes medical necessity for an aggressive change, that change being CGMS. My insurance agreed with my doc, but of course he asked for and they approved the 722 pump, but not the built-in CGMS. They will approve the Guardian if my doc says it is medically necessary.

:confused:

At any rate, I'll pay out of pocket if I have to for the CGMS. I'd regret being debilitated early in life because I got cheap when the time for the right decision came.

And as long as I am venting and ranting, as of yesterday (Friday) my consulting gig with the people in the 5-sided building is up--it's a long story, suffice it to say government contracts are just assanine...even when the client wants you to stay, it's just not as simple as allocating a slot with money to pay your company for your position. So my concern now is, I could get fired or laid off soon--that in and of itself doesn't worry me, I have skills and abilities that will get me rehired within two weeks by another Beltway Bandit--I could always contact one of the other contracting firms that are still entrenched with my former client...But my concern is, the next insurance for my next employer will say "Pump? Wazzat? An Aerosmith album? 'Love in an elevator!' Great song!" So, circumstances have forced my hand into pushing for this pump now as opposed to waiting.

Sigh. It's not like I had enough on my mind with this exam coming up. I'll get over this shortly, but right now I find myself constantly shaking my head and brooding.

/rant. Off to study some more late on a Saturday night.

[BlueSky]

Sorry to hear your disconcerting news. I remember agonising over the appearance of micro-aneurysms in an eye scan about 5 years ago. I have managed to keep the HBA1c below 6.5% since then and the problem has not progressed. Hearing about people with even lower HBA1c levels having major problems with retinopathy is indeed mystifying. I am sure that there are other factors involved, like genes and stress. T2s seem to have greater problems at lower HBA1cs possibly because of higher insulin levels.

Anyway, good luck with the new pump and doing what it takes to stabilise/reverse that retinopathy. At the end of the day, we can only do our best and make the most of the cards we have been dealt. And the only way to be happy is to live in the present.

[kgm0612]

Duck............You're gonna love that new pump once you get it going and I can bet in a month or two you're going to say "I should have started pumping YEARS ago".

Good luck!

Karen

[duck]

This will be my third pump, actually. I probably should have never MM in retrospect, but you (hopefully continue to) live and learn. :D

[Funnygrl]

Duck, is insurance going to pay? I find out tomorrow or Tuesday if I can get a 522. I'm honesty not optimisitc. I really want a CGMS, but I'll find a way to get one whether I get a 522 or not, and I love my Cozmo, so I'll be find it they won't.

[jeggeman31]

Duck I will also be speaking to my ENDO about changing over to the 722 with the CGMS.

Good Luck

[duck]

Duck, is insurance going to pay? I find out tomorrow or Tuesday if I can get a 522. I'm honesty not optimisitc. I really want a CGMS, but I'll find a way to get one whether I get a 522 or not, and I love my Cozmo, so I'll be find it they won't.

They are paying their rate on the 722, but seem to be confused as to whether they will pay for the CGMS activation on the 722 (apparently, MM charges about $1000 to activate the CGMS on the 722, or $1339 for the Guardian...with the Guardian at that price, you get three sensors and the transmitter, with the 722+activation fee, you get ten sensors, the transmitter, etc.) As stated, they apparently will assist with paying for the Guardian, AND 722. I know it took me maybe twenty minutes to sort all this out, but for an insurance company to not understand the minor differences in the two systems is beyond me. I'm still paying for a decent portion of it all, but that's fine. We're not rich but I need to count my blessings and realize we're not poor, either.

And, if I have to, I'll pay MM the $1000 to get the CGMS turned on with the 722...what's funny is my insurance told me they would NOT cover the replacement sensors if I use them with the 722; but they WILL cover them for the Guardian at their DME rate. What's the difference? None. So I'm going to ask my endo to write me a prescription for the sensors for a Guardian. Again, the confusion is amazing.

I don't know if I asked, but why not get the Guardian, then? I wasn't opposed to doing that, except my care team talked me into the 722 (and actually, my wife too).

It is my understanding that *most* insurance companies will assist in acquiring a pump if there is a valid medical necessity--a change in condition is considered valid.

Duck I will also be speaking to my ENDO about changing over to the 722 with the CGMS.

Good Luck

See my last note above...and good luck to you too.

[Funnygrl]

My insurance told me they would pay for a pump for me if I got a script from my doctor (check) but I'm worried I'll run into problems because I have a perfectly good pump that has 2.5 years left in warranty. I dunno, guess I'll see tomorrow.

[duck]

Well, there are plenty of charity options for perfectly-functional pumps. Smiths Medical took my 508 and refurbished it, I'm meeting with my local MM rep Wednesday at a seminar MM is putting on here in Manassas and I'm going to inquire with her what the most benevolent thing I can do with this pump I have now is...As we all know, I've not exactly had a great experience with it, but others have, so it can serve its purpose.

[Funnygrl]

I wanna keep my Cozmo though since I like it better as a pump. I just want the **** CGMS.

[duck]

And they won't cover the Guardian at all?

Actually, you'd be in for something of an uphill battle with your insurance company (I bet) if you inquire about the Guardian. I called mine twice before I decided to pay out of pocket for the Guardian. Then I decided to call the local MM rep who had contacted me months ago since I was still in their records (but no longer using their equipment). She told me I should call my insurance one last time, and ask what would happen if I had a letter of medical necessity and evidence of a change in condition, would a CGMS be approved then? I got a really smart person that third time I called (and of course I'm going to call her smart since she helped me out), and she told me her immediate documentation said no, but there were notes that indicated it was not a definite no...so she contacted a supervisor and then her support line, who interpreted her info that she had as "approved with statement of medical necessity". She documented all that, thankfully.

Of course, twice since then (and it was only July 6 when I had that conversation) I've had reps at my insurance company tell me Guardian is NOT covered under any circumstances. It's been nice to point them to the notes from my call earlier in the month and listen to the back-tracking afterwards.

I'm just putting this out there in case you or someone else wants to try this as well...

[Funnygrl]

My insurance is being silly. I asked about coverage for "continuous glucose monitors." Oh yes, we cover at 100% states them. I don't trust them though, so I keep prodding. "It's just a glucometer, right?" Uhm...wrong. So then they tell me they need the billing code. No billing code? Ok, we won't cover then. Alas, I expected this. I ask if I can pay out of pocket and be reimbursed. No go. They tell me they'll reimburse me in January if and when the codes come out, maybe. So I figure the pump add on is the cheapest way to go if I can get the pump covered, and I'll submit for reimbursement when the codes are out.

[duck]

Since this stuff is publically available for DL on my insurance's website, I'm gonna copy and paste here (in reference to their Position Paper on Pumps, Pumps with Glucose Monitors that communicate with them, and Pumps with CGMS)...Funnygrl, unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an HCPCS code for CGMS yet:


CSII-BGM Systems with Continuous Glucose Monitoring: The MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time Insulin Pump (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) is currently the only device that includes a continuous glucose monitor as opposed to the standard glucose monitor. It is used in conjunction with the Guardian RT® Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA), FDA-approved April 7, 2006 and June 14, 2006, respectively. This combined system received PMA approval, as implantable infusion pumps or closed-loop devices require PMA by the FDA.

Literature Review:
CSII-BGM Systems: Minimal literature has been published specifically related to the clinical use of combined continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and blood glucose monitoring devices. There are no clinical trials that report outcomes comparing the use of a combined continuous insulin infusion and blood glucose monitoring system to the use of separate external insulin pumps and blood glucose monitoring devices. In the 510(k) approval document, the FDA determined that the combined CSII-BGM systems using wireless technology to communicate between the insulin pump and BGM are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices (i.e., separate pump and meter). There is insufficient evidence to assess the safety and efficacy of combined CSII-BGM devices (Hayes, Oct 10, 2005).

CSII-BGM Systems with Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Halvorson et al. (2007) conducted a pilot study using the Paradigm Real Time – MMT-522 to treat ten children, mean age 14.1 ± 2.6 years, with type 1 diabetes. A1C values at the end of four weeks demonstrated an improved A1C level in seven subjects. Participants did not experience severe hypoglycemia, and there were no episodes of DKA. An observational study by Mastrototaro et al. (2006) using a prototype CSII-BGM device involved 20 adult, volunteer, Medtronic employees with type 1 diabetes, five of whom dropped out of the trial. Results at the end of three months demonstrated an improvement in A1C levels. Proposed advantages of the use of these devices include: access to glucose values, trending of data, hypo- and hyperglycemic alerts with the ability to adjust insulin dosages, energy intake and activity to ward off the episodes.
There remains insufficient evidence to assess the safety and efficacy of the MiniMed Paradigm REALTime Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (Hayes, Aug 14, 2006).

Summary
External insulin pumps are designed to provide continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with diabetes mellitus. The external insulin pump is a programmable, battery-powered mechanical syringe regulated by a miniature computer. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) demonstrated that intensive insulin therapy is effective in reducing the chronic metabolic complications of diabetes and in delaying the onset and progression of secondary complications of type 1 diabetics. Evidence in the peer-reviewed literature supports the safety and efficacy of CSII in type 1 diabetics nonresponsive to insulin administration by multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) as demonstrated by persistent glycated hemoglobin level > 7.0%, recurring hyper- or hypoglycemic episodes, and wide fluctuations in blood glucose levels, dawn phenomenon and/or a history of severe glycemic excursions.

The published literature contains little information regarding the safety and efficacy of CSII in type 2 diabetics, and the benefits of intensive insulin therapy delivered via either MDI or external pump are not well established. There is no information available in the peer-reviewed literature regarding the replacement of pumps with newer models nor which features might provide additional health benefits and which are primarily for convenience or ease of use. There is insufficient evidence in the published, peerreviewed scientific literature to assess the safety and efficacy of combined CSII with continuous glucose monitoring.

Coding/Billing Information
Note: This list of codes may not be all-inclusive.

Covered when medically necessary:

CPT®* Codes Description
No specific codes

HCPCS Codes/Description
A4230 /Infusion set for external insulin pump, non-needle cannula type
A4231 /Infusion set for external insulin pump, needle type
A4232 /Syringe with needle for external insulin pump, sterile, 3cc
E0784 /External ambulatory infusion pump, insulin
S9145 /Insulin pump initiation, instruction in initial use of pump (pump not included)


I'd like to note that they make no reference to the fact that the Paradigm 522 and 722 have CGMS capability built into them...this Position Paper states you need the Guardian. Interesting. And the revised date was February of this year.

[Dewey]

My insurance is being silly. I asked about coverage for "continuous glucose monitors." Oh yes, we cover at 100% states them. I don't trust them though, so I keep prodding. "It's just a glucometer, right?" Uhm...wrong. So then they tell me they need the billing code. No billing code? Ok, we won't cover then. Alas, I expected this. I ask if I can pay out of pocket and be reimbursed. No go. They tell me they'll reimburse me in January if and when the codes come out, maybe. So I figure the pump add on is the cheapest way to go if I can get the pump covered, and I'll submit for reimbursement when the codes are out.
This is basically what's happening with me. My ins. wants to cover the CGMS, but needs billing codes to do so. I keep hearing they (the codes) won't be available till 2008. This is disheartening, but I'm going to go through with the purchase of one out of pocket & then submit for reimbursement. Sad all the da** hoops folks have to jump through to get something that could aid in the prevention of complications, or that could even potentially save a life.

[duck]

Can you submit for reimbursement in these circumstances?

[Funnygrl]

Can you submit for reimbursement in these circumstances?
I can after the code is released. I have up to a year from date of purchase, but they need a farking code.

[Tony]

They are paying their rate on the 722, but seem to be confused as to whether they will pay for the CGMS activation on the 722 (apparently, MM charges about $1000 to activate the CGMS on the 722, or $1339 for the Guardian...with the Guardian at that price, you get three sensors and the transmitter, with the 722+activation fee, you get ten sensors, the transmitter, etc.)

There is no activation fee. The cgms can be turn on or off in the 522/722 by the user. The $1,000 is for the kit.

On a side note, my Dr. Said Minimed's cgms has been fda approved for 7 day use and I think he said next month it will be ready for use. He also said they improved the sensor to make them more accurate and the new sensors do not need refrigeration.

I was going to see what excatly is in the kit, but the Minimed site is down. I'm wonder if they are updating the site with these new products?

[kgm0612]

Duck.......so sorry I misunderstood your post! I thought you were doing injections and now decided to go to a pump! I need to pay closer attention to things! LOL

Karen

[duck]

Duck.......so sorry I misunderstood your post! I thought you were doing injections and now decided to go to a pump! I need to pay closer attention to things! LOL

Karen

Karen, it's my fault--I sort of assume everyone knows I am a pumper, but I took those details out of my signature a while ago and I know how hard it is to keep track of everyone here. LOL, I'll make a note to qualify myself next time, that was boneheaded of me now that I think about it.

There is no activation fee. The cgms can be turn on or off in the 522/722 by the user. The $1,000 is for the kit.

On a side note, my Dr. Said Minimed's cgms has been fda approved for 7 day use and I think he said next month it will be ready for use. He also said they improved the sensor to make them more accurate and the new sensors do not need refrigeration.

I was going to see what excatly is in the kit, but the Minimed site is down. I'm wonder if they are updating the site with these new products?

I'll be meeting with the MM local rep (sales rep) Wednesday and get hard details on exactly what comes with the kit, but my understanding was that with the Guardian, you get the transmitter, 3 insertion sets and the Guardian itself. With the 722/522, you get the transmitter and 10 sets. I'm sorry I haven't been writing it all down, every time I've talked to MM I was either riding on a train with a lot of noise or I was hip-deep in mud in my backyard trying to plant trees!

I'll call them today as well.

The sales rep got very annoyed when I told her that different websites claimed the MM CGMS was less accurate than DexCom; she said that was NEVER true, but there were some things you had to do with the MM version initially to make sure you were very accurate, and MM did a poor job of relaying the importance of the initial calibrations. Also, she said the same thing you said, now it is even more accurate than before. Either way, I'm about to find out. ;)

[JediSkipdogg]

On a side note, my Dr. Said Minimed's cgms has been fda approved for 7 day use and I think he said next month it will be ready for use. He also said they improved the sensor to make them more accurate and the new sensors

That is correct which is why I think all orders placed right now should wait. At least wait until it's confirmed that MM is shipping the 7 day system as they may charge you down the road if you want that version, which is really just a software change on the pump/guardian.

I'll be meeting with the MM local rep (sales rep) Wednesday and get hard details on exactly what comes with the kit, but my understanding was that with the Guardian, you get the transmitter, 3 insertion sets and the Guardian itself. With the 722/522, you get the transmitter and 10 sets.

I think that makes the two systems comparable in price. Each sensor is $35, so with the Guardian you get $105 worth and with the pump kit version you get $350 worth. Then I forget what the transmitter cost, but I thought I heard $300 or so once. Which means the pump kit one is getting ripped off. And with the Guardian that would put the receiver around $650 which sounds right for one of those.

Just some stupid useless info.

[NoelD]

There is no activation fee. The cgms can be turn on or off in the 522/722 by the user. The $1,000 is for the kit.

On a side note, my Dr. Said Minimed's cgms has been fda approved for 7 day use and I think he said next month it will be ready for use. He also said they improved the sensor to make them more accurate and the new sensors do not need refrigeration.

I was going to see what excatly is in the kit, but the Minimed site is down. I'm wonder if they are updating the site with these new products?

Yea, I got a box of the new sensors a few weeks ago. Kinda surprised me, they look a bit different, but they seem better. The top is smooth, helping adhesive hold it down securely. They seem just about the same as far as accuracy goes so far. I still keep 'em in the fridge though. :D

[duck]

I think that makes the two systems comparable in price. Each sensor is $35, so with the Guardian you get $105 worth and with the pump kit version you get $350 worth. Then I forget what the transmitter cost, but I thought I heard $300 or so once. Which means the pump kit one is getting ripped off. And with the Guardian that would put the receiver around $650 which sounds right for one of those.

Just some stupid useless info.

Not stupid, worthy of discussion for anyone considering the same.

Now, let me do my math and let's see if it jives...Transmitters are about $650.

To get the Guardian system will cost you $1339; you get:
Guardian (pager/pump-looking device, not a pump) reader
Four sensors
One transmitter

To get the 722 "Real-Time System" (RTS) it will cost you $6195+$999 for the RTS supplies; for which you get:
Ten sensors
One transmitter

Obviously, the second option is more expensive if you don't already have a 522/722. But for less than the Guardian kit, you get ten sensors and the transmitter.

What I DON'T get is that my insurance will approve me for the Guardian in addition to the 722. I don't want to be rude, but seriously, WTF? I know it took me about an hour to figure out the in's and out's of the two systems, but I wasn't exactly enamored with the concept at first. Now I am, and I think I grasp it all pretty well. But for a big-time insurance company, shouldn't this be easy?

I mean, if they want to pay extra for the Guardian, I'll take it and hawk it on the diabetes black market (I'm kidding, there is no such thing that I am aware of).

[Funnygrl]

When the Dexcom sensors got 7 day approval, they went up in price. I wonder if the Guardian ones will too.

[Funnygrl]

My insurance approved me for a new pump. A clear 522 is on the way as soon as the doctor gets the prescription taken care of.

[duck]

My insurance approved me for a new pump. A clear 522 is on the way as soon as the doctor gets the prescription taken care of.

Congrats!

Why clear? I ask because I originally said Charcoal, but now I wonder if Clear would be better resistant to heat, or is the difference so negligible it doesn't matter? And for that matter, if Clear you can actually see the reservoir, would that be bad to expose it to light...on and on and on...

:confused:

[jimbob]

Minimed pumps have a viewing window on the resivoir. I have a charcoal 722 and have never had any problems with heat or light.

[Funnygrl]

Like jimbob said, the reservoir has a window no matter what color you get, just like the Cozmo. I chose clear solely based on cosmetic preference. My friend has one that's clear and it looks very cool, and it will go with anything. I'm really excited, which is silly, cause I have a great pump already, but I am. I anticipate that the paradigm will be more comfortable to wear, so that will be interesting to see. I'm not too worried about heat or light, as I'm getting the 522, so I'll be changing the reservoir more often than I do now, and I don't have problems now.

[duck]

LOL, see how often I look at the BACK of my pump?

Maybe I'll get the Blue instead...my 508 was blue and I never had better luck ever than I did with that thing. Yeah, it must be the color. :o

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm curious for those that are ordering theirs now if you get the 3 day or the 7 day sensor compatible pump.

[duck]

I'm curious for those that are ordering theirs now if you get the 3 day or the 7 day sensor compatible pump.

Ahem! I asked about that today, and MM is waiting on official FDA approval, it is coming very, very soon. Word is out already that it is approved for 7-days, and certainly there are a number of users successfully using their sensors for 7-days, but MM can only as of right now tell you to use it the FDA-approved 3 days. But that will change any time now...

[JediSkipdogg]

Ahem! I asked about that today, and MM is waiting on official FDA approval, it is coming very, very soon. Word is out already that it is approved for 7-days, and certainly there are a number of users successfully using their sensors for 7-days, but MM can only as of right now tell you to use it the FDA-approved 3 days. But that will change any time now...

So then...my million dollar question to you and FG is...

Why waste the money buying it now knowing the pump is only programmed for 3 day wear? Why not wait until the pump is programmed for 7 day wear so that you don't have to go through the extra step every 3 days?

[duck]

So then...my million dollar question to you and FG is...

Why waste the money buying it now knowing the pump is only programmed for 3 day wear? Why not wait until the pump is programmed for 7 day wear so that you don't have to go through the extra step every 3 days?

You just lie to it at renewal time and say you swapped...:D

[pjams]

I wanna keep my Cozmo though since I like it better as a pump. I just want the **** CGMS.

Have you looked into Dex Com CGMS? I was told that it had come down to less then $500 and the sensors (~$35) last 10 days. My doctor's office is looking into getting me one. Supposedly the company rep would do all the paperwork and deal with my ins. co (Aetna). On the other hand I was told here on the DF that they were inaccurate and had problems. I am hoping that the newer ones are better.
I will post here any progress with this. I am not on pump (yet)
JayP

[Tony]

So then...my million dollar question to you and FG is...

Why waste the money buying it now knowing the pump is only programmed for 3 day wear? Why not wait until the pump is programmed for 7 day wear so that you don't have to go through the extra step every 3 days?

In the past, I'm sure it's still the same. If you order a pump and a newer one comes out within a couple months you can upgrade to the new one at no cost.

[Eyessack]

I have been somewhat inactive on this board for about the past month. Reading this thread is making me feel like all of the sudden everyone is turning to the Minimed with cgms. What's the deal??

[duck]

Have you looked into Dex Com CGMS? I was told that it had come down to less then $500 and the sensors (~$35) last 10 days. My doctor's office is looking into getting me one. Supposedly the company rep would do all the paperwork and deal with my ins. co (Aetna). On the other hand I was told here on the DF that they were inaccurate and had problems. I am hoping that the newer ones are better.
I will post here any progress with this. I am not on pump (yet)
JayP

Both Dexcom and MM have made good progress in improving the accuracy of their CGMS...with Cozmore (Smiths Medical) getting ready to release a CGMS that is lauded for being accurate, all players are preparing for battle. I think competition is good.

Just be sure to follow the initial calibration steps for whatever CGMS you choose...MM requires three days of calibration, and reportedly if you follow those steps to the letter there is not a more accurate blood glucose monitor (CGMS or otherwise) available. Yet, some people don't follow the directions and they get weird or slightly-off readings, and they blame the CGMS. Garbage in, garbage out.

I have been somewhat inactive on this board for about the past month. Reading this thread is making me feel like all of the sudden everyone is turning to the Minimed with cgms. What's the deal??

For me, it's like coming home again. :D

Like jimbob said, the reservoir has a window no matter what color you get, just like the Cozmo. I chose clear solely based on cosmetic preference. My friend has one that's clear and it looks very cool, and it will go with anything. I'm really excited, which is silly, cause I have a great pump already, but I am. I anticipate that the paradigm will be more comfortable to wear, so that will be interesting to see. I'm not too worried about heat or light, as I'm getting the 522, so I'll be changing the reservoir more often than I do now, and I don't have problems now.

BTW, spoke with my MM sales rep and the nurse, and the nurse says the Clear seems to work best for people with any sort of vision difficulty...I'm still 20/15, but I figured I would put that out there for anyone who ponders these dilemnas in the future.

[Dewey]

If I were to go back to the MM pump/CGMS combo, I'd opt for my fave color of the bunch - Blue. :D I've had both the blue & clear pumps, and since I'm all about color & being bright & conspicuous (lol), I go for the brightest they have. ;)

Good deal on the pump, Duck. Keep us informed on how everything goes. :thumbsup:

[Eyessack]

My insurance approved me for a new pump. A clear 522 is on the way as soon as the doctor gets the prescription taken care of.

Why are you not going to continue to use the Cozmo?

For me, it's like coming home again. :D

I agree, but this was the first thread I read and I am under the impression that some event happened that made everyone feel the need for a cgms. Why are you making the change?

[Dewey]

I can't speak for Duck or Funny, but I'm going to get the standalone CGMS system from MM & stick with the Cozmo to pump (I happen to Love Cozmo). I think Funny's options had more to do with insurance, and Duck has experienced problems with comfort regarding his Cozmo....but, I'll let him say for sure if that's why.

[JediSkipdogg]

I agree, but this was the first thread I read and I am under the impression that some event happened that made everyone feel the need for a cgms. Why are you making the change?

I wondered the same thing. Thanks for asking.

Personally, to me, I'll wait still. If MM added some of the other pump companies features to their pump AND added EVERYTHING that the guardian does to their pump combo, I'd be all for it. But to me, those two items are a huge drawback to their pump. Yes, having the two in one is nice, but not for the lack of features.

[duck]

I've always been about testing and knowing what your blood sugars are since I have been a member on this forum (which coincided with the best care of my life, more or less)...I always say "you can't get to where you are going if you don't know where you are...", and testing fits into that mindset (how can you care for your diabetes if you don't know what your blood sugar levels are?).

I went with the Cozmore because at the time the attached glucose monitor was revolutionary. I've also noted a downhill trend in my overall "wellness" since I left the 508 and went with the Cozmore, some of it due to my inability to get comfortable with this thing when I sleep (and would you believe that qualifies as a medical necessity?), and some of it from random issues with blocked sets, etc. Obviously, I have some duplicity in all this as well.

In any event, I have been the "good little diabetic boy" for years. Always testing, never missing an appointment, getting my labs done, getting generally good A1c's, yadda yadda yadda. For the last few years, my opthomologist would always tell me "If I didn't know better, I wouldn't be able to tell you were diabetic by looking at your retinas." Well, my insurance wouldn't cover that optho anymore, so I went to a new one. And hey, he found issues with my retinas. Granted, after doing a fluorescein angiography the new optho told me there was actually very little damage, no proliferation, etc., and added that my retinas could have been like this for years and years, he had no way of knowing since I was a new patient. In any case, I go back in about 8 months to get re-evaluated.

In any case, I walked out of there in a daze. I know in general, I don't freak out at bad news and I don't fall to pieces when things hit the fan (I get that in job performance reviews a lot). But just recently, I realized that I do lose my cool at some point from different stressors, just not in the heat of the moment. So, there I was dazed for a few days, sort of contemplating my future, sort of considering how this could happen, what more could I do...and kept coming back to the notion of 'I already worry about this **** 24/7, I already work hard at it, what more can I do?' And I basically had my requisite melt-down a week ago over all this.

So, now I'm mad. I'm not going to give up against an enemy that is persistent. There are further dietary modifications I can make. There are additional strategies I can embrace. And there are cutting-edge technologies I have not tried yet, including something that should have been right up my alley from the get-go, CGMS.

The local MM sales rep called me months ago because I was still listed in their database. I told her I was using a Cozmore now, she was cool about it, said it was a good pump, to keep her number because they had the best CGMS-pump combo going. After my coming to grips with my future, I called her back and said let's talk about CGMS, give me the worst-case scenario if I am willing to pay out of pocket. After I got all that, I told her the next time I would see my endo is next month, and I would discuss it with him then. Then she mentioned she would fax all the info to him, and make my life easier in that regard. She mentioned it was too bad I wasn't interested in the "22's" because CGMS is built-in, etc. I said short of a condition-changing circumstance, I would have to wait a year anyway before my insurance company would consider allowing me to replace my current pump. She pointed out a deterioration in eye condition is a qualified change.

Imagine how moronic I felt. The one thing that caused this recent self-reflection and concern never crossed my mind to approach my care team about what else I can do to mitigate further deterioration.

Anyway, my wife is all for me getting a different pump. She claims she notices a difference in the amount of effort I have to put into my care, and she always like to say things like "You didn't have to do that with your last pump." I guess I am just used to the way MM did things. And it would be nice to be able to sleep comfortably again. And the CGMS is a boon to this disease as far as I am concerned, and I need to take advantage of this development ASAP. I figured in about a year I would be looking into CGMS, but circumstances dictated I move that schedule up a bit. So that's where I'm coming from...

[duck]

I wondered the same thing. Thanks for asking.

Personally, to me, I'll wait still. If MM added some of the other pump companies features to their pump AND added EVERYTHING that the guardian does to their pump combo, I'd be all for it. But to me, those two items are a huge drawback to their pump. Yes, having the two in one is nice, but not for the lack of features.

"Lack" of what features?

[NoelD]

"Lack" of what features?

I was wondering the same thing.

[JediSkipdogg]

"Lack" of what features?

1) Louder alarms on the Guardian s. 522/722
2) Charts by time of day. I'm drawing a blank, but I know the Guardian has more options vs. the 522/722 for the CGMS.
3) Predictive alarms. The guardian can predict in advance when you are going to hit a low. So it will allow you to correct before you hit that level.
4) Alert if you don't complete the prime. I can't tell you the number of times that I would be in the 300-400s in the morning without this SAFETY feature that BOTH Animas and Cozmo have.
5) Food database. Although I don't have this option, it would be nice to have to help me from guestimating.
6) Longer battery life. Maybe I'm just a partial environmentalist, but I like that I can save batteries and don't have to carry them around with me all the time to change.

I know there's more, but I can't recall all of them right now. However, The first three automatically make me lean away from the x22 series and be happy with just the CGMS standalone. Also, for me, and maybe not others, #4 by itself just leaves me away. I know with my Animas I can't stop at any part of the prime. It's all or alarm.

[duck]

I'm pretty sure the x22's have the predictive alarms...I'll know more Wednesday night, MM has a class here in Manassas that I am attending. I'll check, and if anyone has any questions they'd like asked, post away.

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm pretty sure the x22's have the predictive alarms...I'll know more Wednesday night, MM has a class here in Manassas that I am attending. I'll check, and if anyone has any questions they'd like asked, post away.

The x22 has the arrows but not the predictive alarm. By predictive alarm I mean you can tell it to alarm at you say 30 minutes before you hit 80. Instead of having to set the alarm at 90 so that you don't hit 80 (if you chose that level.)

[NoelD]

1) Louder alarms on the Guardian s. 522/722
2) Charts by time of day. I'm drawing a blank, but I know the Guardian has more options vs. the 522/722 for the CGMS.
3) Predictive alarms. The guardian can predict in advance when you are going to hit a low. So it will allow you to correct before you hit that level.
4) Alert if you don't complete the prime. I can't tell you the number of times that I would be in the 300-400s in the morning without this SAFETY feature that BOTH Animas and Cozmo have.
5) Food database. Although I don't have this option, it would be nice to have to help me from guestimating.
6) Longer battery life. Maybe I'm just a partial environmentalist, but I like that I can save batteries and don't have to carry them around with me all the time to change.

I know there's more, but I can't recall all of them right now. However, The first three automatically make me lean away from the x22 series and be happy with just the CGMS standalone. Also, for me, and maybe not others, #4 by itself just leaves me away. I know with my Animas I can't stop at any part of the prime. It's all or alarm.

You see 3 and 24 hour windows, with night time and daytime clearly marked, and can scroll easily through a 24 hour period to see any point in it. I don't get your reasoning for that one. My alarm goes off at a pre-set level to alert me ahead of time that I may be getting too low. It's all in how you set it up. I'll give you the one about how quiet the alarms are. I agree, it's not loud enough to really do anything, until it vibrates and almost makes me jump out of my skin. Forgetting to prime is an operator error in my opinion, but when I rewind, it beeps every minute then every few minutes or so until I do prime it. I could do without that, but I can't ever see myself forgetting to prime. The food database is, meh, not something I'd personally use. I follow a strict diet and know exactly what I am going to eat 95% of the time anyway, so I don't ever see me using that, but it may be useful to some. Another thing, my pump hasn't cracked or died. I have seen a LOT of others lately having that problem and some have had that problem many times before.

[JediSkipdogg]

. Forgetting to prime is an operator error in my opinion, but when I rewind, it beeps every minute then every few minutes or so until I do prime it. I could do without that, but I can't ever see myself forgetting to prime.

It may be operator error, but I get distracted alot. There's also times in my infusion set change cycle that I change how I change my set. Sometimes I'll handle all pump functions before I change the set, sometimes I'll do it after. I guess maybe it's the hectic lifestyle I live that I can't just do the same thing all the time and skipping a step is very easy and without the backup alarm it could be a huge problem.

Another thing, my pump hasn't cracked or died. I have seen a LOT of others lately having that problem and some have had that problem many times before.

Can we say 508? Animas just had their version of the MM 508 problem with the 1200/1250 series. I've already heard from users of the 2020 that they reinforced the section that cracked on the 1200/1250.

[Dewey]

Gentlemen, we can go round and round as to why we think the MM, Animas, Cozmo or (insert pump name here) is better/best, but each & every pump has its pros & cons. None of the pumps are an exception to the rule & None are without flaws.

MM seems to suffer fewer (if any) cracks & offers the CGMS/pump combo. Animas has the best battery life (& now, color screens - another pro :D). Cozmo offers the most customization of any pump on the market. Each one is a pro....

Now, for some cons of each - and remember folks, what may be a con to one, is a non-issue to someone else.

Cozmo & Animas both suffer more cracks or stress fractures. MM doesn't allow for users to insert partially charged or used batteries in the event they don't have a fresh/unused one on hand.

We can go on all day about our personal likes & dislikes, but in the end, it's all about personal choice. What may work for one, may or may not work for others.

[JediSkipdogg]

MM seems to suffer fewer (if any) cracks & offers the CGMS/pump combo. Animas has the best battery life (& now, color screens - another pro :D). Cozmo offers the most customization of any pump on the market. Each one is a pro....

Although MM DID have a huge problem at one point with cracks. Idon't know about past Cozmos, but I can say the IR 1000 with Animas was nearly impossible to take a crack. Heck, I don't even think the case was plastic, I think it was a plastic like rubber material as it just didn't have the feel of plastic.

We can go on all day about our personal likes & dislikes, but in the end, it's all about personal choice. What may work for one, may or may not work for others.

I didn't want to go there, but was requested by two members. :T

[Funnygrl]

I'm curious for those that are ordering theirs now if you get the 3 day or the 7 day sensor compatible pump.
The sensor life doesn't really matter- you can keep resetting them for as long as you can tolerate it.

[Funnygrl]

Why are you not going to continue to use the Cozmo?


I AM going to continue to use my Cozmo. Duck explained the 2 options:

Guardian, w/ 4 sensors, $1399

vs.

Paradigm w/ 10 sensors $999.

Obviously, since insurance will pay for the paradigm, that's the better option for me. Plus, it will be nice to have a spare pump. I don't plan on using the real-time all the time, I just want it once in awhile. However, when I do want it, I like the idea of only needing one device, so I'll use the 522 then, and the Cozmo the rest of the time. My CDE even said apart from the real-time the Cozmo blows the Paradigm on features, but that Minimed easily makes the best CGMS. I'm getting the best of both worlds.

As for the Dexcom, several members here had horrible luck with it, and it's ugly and bulky, so I decided against it. It's 7 days sensors are going up in price as well. And, you have to use the Ultra to calibrate.

[Funnygrl]

"Lack" of what features?
Duck, I can't remember if you have the 1800 or not, but the 1800 has way more features than the x22 series:

Hypo manager
Missed meal bolus
carb database
meal maker
custom name basal patterns/alarms
basal testing guidelines
touch bolus
4 vs. 3 basal patterns
easier to view IOB
std. dev. on averages
duration of insulin action can be set in half hour increments
memorize custom temp rates and boluses
more slots for carb rations, etc (though who needs more than 8?)
I could probably continue on.

[JediSkipdogg]

The sensor life doesn't really matter- you can keep resetting them for as long as you can tolerate it.

To me that would be a reason to wait. It's a minor convenience option, but anything to lessen the hassle would be great especially since you know you aren't waiting on the FDA, just waiting on them to make and start shipping.

As for the Dexcom, several members here had horrible luck with it, and it's ugly and bulky, so I decided against it. It's 7 days sensors are going up in price as well. And, you have to use the Ultra to calibrate.

New studies have shown the 7 day Dex to be just as accurate as the MM now. The sensors are going up, but I'm sure MM will raise the rates on their 7 day one but if you can do it for 14 days, it would be worth it instead of trying to use a 3 day sensor 5 times over. Again, my opinion.

[duck]

Duck, I can't remember if you have the 1800 or not, but the 1800 has way more features than the x22 series:


I do not have the 1800. And since I didn't react fast enough, it will not cost me $299 for the pleasure. Ask me if I am willing to spend the $299 for that?

[jky400e]

I to am doing the billing code thing. what a pain in the..
Most of what i have seen is a case by case coverage. I have united health care insurance.
The last letter i recieved ,was they did not have the correct tax code for mm..... I said same mm that bills for the pump.
I have the mm 722. I upgrade from the 712. I have been pumping for 24 years. CGMS is excellent. I was a little concerened about the expense for the sensors. 35.00 each and FDA approved for three days.
You put in the sensor like a soft set. start it and two hr later you do your first cailbration.
At that point it starts reading. After three days the sensor will say sensor end. You can see all of the messages on the pump.
So after sensor end you restart as a new sensor and 10 min later you do a cailbration. Three more days.
After the six days I remove the transmiter recharge it and restart as a new sensor again this time 2hr cailbration.

So generally i use a sensor for 12 days i have heard of them going longer but that is good enough for me.

So out of pocket now is not bad. And i will continue to work on the ins co .

Joe
T1 1977
pumping from 1983 Many many pumps
cgms 2007

[duck]

I to am doing the billing code thing. what a pain in the..
Most of what i have seen is a case by case coverage. I have united health care insurance.
The last letter i recieved ,was they did not have the correct tax code for mm..... I said same mm that bills for the pump.
I have the mm 722. I upgrade from the 712. I have been pumping for 24 years. CGMS is excellent. I was a little concerened about the expense for the sensors. 35.00 each and FDA approved for three days.
You put in the sensor like a soft set. start it and two hr later you do your first cailbration.
At that point it starts reading. After three days the sensor will say sensor end. You can see all of the messages on the pump.
So after sensor end you restart as a new sensor and 10 min later you do a cailbration. Three more days.
After the six days I remove the transmiter recharge it and restart as a new sensor again this time 2hr cailbration.

So generally i use a sensor for 12 days i have heard of them going longer but that is good enough for me.

So out of pocket now is not bad. And i will continue to work on the ins co .

Joe
T1 1977
pumping from 1983 Many many pumps
cgms 2007

24 years?!? :eek:

That's kinda funny what your insurance co. said about not having a Tax ID for MM...the tricks they'll try and use. BTW, "claims" people at insurance companies are taught to reject first, pay after lots of *****in'.

Do you notice any scarring from leaving a sensor in that long?

[Funnygrl]

I do not have the 1800. And since I didn't react fast enough, it will not cost me $299 for the pleasure. Ask me if I am willing to spend the $299 for that?
I know the deadline is past, but there are people who got it free afterwards. Fast enough? Just must have slow reflexes...:D

[Dewey]

I do not have the 1800. And since I didn't react fast enough, it will not cost me $299 for the pleasure. Ask me if I am willing to spend the $299 for that?

I didn't realize they were charging if you got in after the free upgrade time frame was over. :s: Nonetheless, Cozmo's software upgrades are often free, as opposed to the Pathway program.

It's not bad, considering the upgrades concerned. Since you are both going to get the x22 series, will you participate in upgrades on the Pathway program?

[Funnygrl]

Depends on the upgrade and cost.

Duck, I really would ask if you could still get the free upgrade.

[duck]

Depends on the upgrade and cost.

Duck, I really would ask if you could still get the free upgrade.

I was so busy with work when the upgrade program was "free", I literally didn't feel like watching the video, taking a stupid quiz, etc. So it was my attitude that mostly hosed me. If I was unwilling to go through all the motions for free, I'm prolly even less willing for $299. And I don't feel like asking them to give it to me for free. In about a week, it'll be mostly moot anyway I suppose.

Yeah, I think I'll keep up with the Paradigm Pathway.

[Funnygrl]

I was so busy with work when the upgrade program was "free", I literally didn't feel like watching the video, taking a stupid quiz, etc. So it was my attitude that mostly hosed me. If I was unwilling to go through all the motions for free, I'm prolly even less willing for $299. And I don't feel like asking them to give it to me for free. In about a week, it'll be mostly moot anyway I suppose.

Yeah, I think I'll keep up with the Paradigm Pathway.

I woulda told ya the answers so you could skip the videos...:listen:

[duck]

Bwuuhaaaaahaaaaaaa. Cheater.

No, seriously...If it was THAT important to me, I would have made more of an effort. And I guess I could really try and make an effort to get Smiths to wave the fee now. We'll see. First things first, and I still have other priorities above upgrading to the 1800, but I may come back around to burn that bridge. But yeah, go ahead and post the braindump of the answers for the video.

:T

[Funnygrl]

Well I can't even remember the questions now, so feh, just chose C, k?

PS- curses to MM's pump whatever department for not opening till 10am EST. I wanna know if they got the dern script yet, and I've been up since 3pm yesterday and sure as **** am not staying up till 10 when I need to leave for work again at 6pm.

[duck]

Well I can't even remember the questions now, so feh, just chose C, k?

PS- curses to MM's pump whatever department for not opening till 10am EST. I wanna know if they got the dern script yet, and I've been up since 3pm yesterday and sure as **** am not staying up till 10 when I need to leave for work again at 6pm.

My process was: They sent their letter of medical necessity to my doc. He signed it (nice to be in cahoots, I guess) and sent it to my insurance. They read and approved of the pump. He wrote a script and sent that to MM (pending approval), and then my insurance had their DME provider call me to go over what it would cost me out of pocket, etc., and to say "SEND IT!" Now I am waiting for the DME provider to send a hardcopy to MM of the authorization. It will probably be next week before I get my Clear pump.

[Funnygrl]

I filled out paper work at Endo's. I called MM 2 days later to verify they had it. They didn't. I gave them permission to contact insurance over the phone. They did, and verified coverage. The next day I found out I had 100% coverage and took my order with plans to fax script form over to doctor. I don't know if they were planning on shipping it right away or if they were going to call me when they got the script from the doctor. For all I know, it could be being delivered today.

So you decided to go with clear too?

I almost feel bad going with clear cause one of my best friends has a clear 515 and I don't want her to think I'm copying her. Am I being silly here? Answer: yes.

[Funnygrl]

Got ahold of them, my pump shipped today. I should have it Monday, which stinks, because I leave for camp for 2 weeks on Sunday. Cross your fingers that it comes Saturday so I have a chance to play with it.

[jeggeman31]

Well I jumped in to your wagon as well. I seen my ENDO today, and she is starting the paperwork to send to the insurance company. We are going for a Clear 722 with the CGMS. We will see!

[duck]

Got ahold of them, my pump shipped today. I should have it Monday, which stinks, because I leave for camp for 2 weeks on Sunday. Cross your fingers that it comes Saturday so I have a chance to play with it.

Maybe we have the people we are dealing with? My Clear is shipping today as well, ETA Monday...

Yeah, I hope you get it soon. Why not pay to have them Sonic it to ya?

[JediSkipdogg]

I highly doubt they would pay to have a pump shipped with a saturday delivery date. At least not on a new pump order.

[duck]

I highly doubt they would pay to have a pump shipped with a saturday delivery date. At least not on a new pump order.

Thursday/Friday?

[JediSkipdogg]

Thursday/Friday?

The difference for a Saturday vs. THursday/Friday delivery can be as much as 50% more in cost. And since you technically can't operate the new pump without training, why should it matter if a user gets is Saturday vs. Monday.

Don't you get a tracking number from Minimed at all? I get tracking numbers all the time from Animas with new pumps, orders, repairs, etc.

[duck]

The difference for a Saturday vs. THursday/Friday delivery can be as much as 50% more in cost. And since you technically can't operate the new pump without training, why should it matter if a user gets is Saturday vs. Monday.

Don't you get a tracking number from Minimed at all? I get tracking numbers all the time from Animas with new pumps, orders, repairs, etc.

I haven't inquired about mine yet. I can wait til Monday no problems. But, if this was aimed at that Funny Girl Funnygrl, then just disregard this post. :D

[camjen1]

Well I jumped in to your wagon as well. I seen my ENDO today, and she is starting the paperwork to send to the insurance company. We are going for a Clear 722 with the CGMS. We will see!


I think we need a MM group hug.... :D

[duck]

I think we need a MM group hug.... :D

I'm not hugging Kevin or Jim. But you, come on over here you MiniMed wearing thing you...

[camjen1]

I'm not hugging Kevin or Jim. But you, come on over here you MiniMed wearing thing you...


Now just wait a minute, what happened to the love and support you were talking about in Cheryl's thread?

[duck]

Now just wait a minute, what happened to the love and support you were talking about in Cheryl's thread?

Oh come on, I just copied and pasted that stuff from a basket-weaving forum and changed the names.

[Funnygrl]

I haven't inquired about mine yet. I can wait til Monday no problems. But, if this was aimed at that Funny Girl Funnygrl, then just disregard this post. :D
The truth of the matter is, while I want it to play with before camp, I can really wait 2 weeks, since I have a perfect pump now. At camp it's so busy I won't even think about it much, and I'll have something to look forward to when I get home. I am crossing my fingers that it will come tomorrow though. Anyone know where MM pumps ship from?

[duck]

I just realized...They still have two week Band Camps? Two weeks? Wow.

I do believe the woman I am dealing with from Medtronic-MiniMed "actual" said she was in Cali, and I think she told me two weeks ago she actually will hand-check the order. I have to call her today for the RTS stuff, I'll axe.

Does anyone know if I get a leather case with this thing?

[Funnygrl]

The campers come for 1 week sessions. Some come for several sessions. There are 6 sessions. I'm working the last 2 sessions.

[duck]

The campers come for 1 week sessions. Some come for several sessions. There are 6 sessions. I'm working the last 2 sessions.

****. I was just beginning to foster hope that at some point in the future, I could send my boys off to Tuba School and get two weeks of unfettered freedom...

[Funnygrl]

****. I was just beginning to foster hope that at some point in the future, I could send my boys off to Tuba School and get two weeks of unfettered freedom...
No instruments involved in my camp!

We do have campers come for all 6 weeks though. :eek:

[jimbob]

No leather case unless you ordered it duck. You will get a holster case and a low profile clip. I've busted like 10 low profile clips, but they're still my favorite. If they break just make sure you call and tell them right away and if it's within the 90 days since you got your last one then they'll send you a new one.

BTW duck, do you really want to hug an Ed Asner/Willford Brimley sound alike?

[duck]

No leather case unless you ordered it duck. You will get a holster case and a low profile clip. I've busted like 10 low profile clips, but they're still my favorite. If they break just make sure you call and tell them right away and if it's within the 90 days since you got your last one then they'll send you a new one.

BTW duck, do you really want to hug an Ed Asner/Willford Brimley sound alike?

As long as she's not talking, yeah, why not? :D

[camjen1]

Does anyone know if I get a leather case with this thing?

I got a leather case with mine that I didn't order but the velcro wore off it in a few months time.

[jeggeman31]

I think we need a MM group hug.... :D
Sounds goo to me :D

I'm not hugging Kevin or Jim.

It is okay to hug another man every now and then :cheers:

[JediSkipdogg]

You have all turned to the dark side.

This isn't a dictatorship, it's a pumptatorship.

[jimbob]

Kev... Come join us on the dark side. (in my best darth vader voice)
It's actually a lot brighter over here than most would think, even if Sandi's a member of this pumptatorship!;)

Man I feel ripped off! no leather case here. I calling my congressman!

[JediSkipdogg]

It's actually a lot brighter over here than most would think

Actually, my Animas blue is bright and shiny. Alot shinier than I think any other pump. Must be the clearcoat finish. :T

I'm waiting for something that is worthy of my $1200 copay. So far, I don't see that in a pump yet. I'll keep my IR 1200 until it dies.

[jimbob]

Actually, my Animas blue is bright and shiny. Alot shinier than I think any other pump. Must be the clearcoat finish. :T

Er my backlight is bright! Yeah!:five: got him!

[duck]

It is okay to hug another man every now and then :cheers:

Man Law?

YouTube - Man Laws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I85vo9FTG8s)

[jeggeman31]

Man Law?

Yes. Man Law

[Funnygrl]

Just got the tracking number. I'm so not getting this thing before camp. It's in, like, California still. This sucks.

I'm not on the dark side, I'm riding the fence.

Funny thing is, a few weeks ago I had a dream I got a MM pump and woke up and was thinking, "Hmm...tha was weird."

[duck]

Just got the tracking number. I'm so not getting this thing before camp. It's in, like, California still. This sucks.

I'm not on the dark side, I'm riding the fence.

Funny thing is, a few weeks ago I had a dream I got a MM pump and woke up and was thinking, "Hmm...tha was weird."

How about you dream we all win the lottery. That would be weird too.

[Funnygrl]

How about you dream we all win the lottery. That would be weird too.
I'll work on it, k?

Duck- you've been on all day. Do you post from the building with 5 sides?

[duck]

I'll work on it, k?

Duck- you've been on all day. Do you post from the building with 5 sides?

I no longer work in such a building...I might again, but not right now.

[duck]

According to UPS: Tracking Information (http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/processInputRequest?sort_by=status&tracknums_displayed=1&TypeOfInquiryNumber=T&loc=en_US&InquiryNumber1=1Z9246663966795317&track.x=0&track.y=0), "my" Clear 722 is *almost* here...:D

[Funnygrl]

My tracking info tells me a fat lotta nothing:

Billing information has been sent to UPS. Check site later for updated shipment status or contact shipper for more details.


Tracking Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Type: Package
Status: Billing Information Received
Shipped To: Somewhere, NY, US
Shipped/Billed On: 07/19/2007
Service: 2ND DAY AIR
Weight: 5.40 Lbs

Tracking results provided by UPS: 07/20/2007 12:14 A.M. ET

[duck]

Why does mine weigh so much more? And why is it still...faster?


Your package is on time with a scheduled delivery date of 07/23/2007.

Tracking Number: 1Z 924 666 39 6679 531 7
Type: Package
Status: In Transit - On Time
Scheduled Delivery: 07/23/2007
Shipped To: CHANTILLY, VA, US
Shipped/Billed On: 07/18/2007
Service: 3 DAY SELECT
Weight: 8.30 Lbs

[Funnygrl]

Why does mine weigh so much more? And why is it still...faster?
Cause you got the 722:eviltongu




J/K. Did you get the Guardian start up kit with yours? Cause mine is just the pump.


I don't get why you got 3 day shipping, and I got 2, and why your's is almost there and mine looks like it hasn't even left California yet anyways. However, it does look like your's shipped a day earlier, even though the told me that mine was shipping out yesterday.

[duck]

Maybe we should call MM and complain.

I'm supposed to get a call tomorrow about setting up my training. I think I'm ready to put ye Old Cozmo to pasture ASAP.

[Funnygrl]

You didn't answer my question! How shall we get to the bottom of this without you answering my question?:mad:

[duck]

You didn't answer my question! How shall we get to the bottom of this without you answering my question?:mad:

Noooo, no Guardian. As a matter of fact, after MM consulted with my endo (and I must say, I have not talked to him since late May) and their insurance specialists, they decided that there was NO WAY my insurance was going to approve the CGMS unless I had a documented history of bad blood sugar control. I do not. We could have approached it from the hypo-unawareness angle, but...Basically, I paid out of pocket for the RTS, and it's on backorder as you know. In the future, my doc may write my insurance and ask for a six-month CGMS review, which they may accept, since their policy is that CGMS is for diagnostic testing, not Constant ongoing Glucose Monitoring. I guess that would be CoGM, not CGMS. So we'll see what we can do to get the sensors covered in the future.

I may still write a letter of appeal...if it works, it will save me $1000 or so.

[Funnygrl]

We're in very similar situations.

How light is the MiniMed Paradigm Insulin Pump?

A MiniMed Paradigm 522 Insulin Pump with a full reservoir weighs just 100 grams. The MiniMed Paradigm 722 Insulin Pump with a full reservoir is just 108 grams.

Hmm...8 grams shouldn't make your package weigh 2.9 lbs more.

Wait, I think I may have figured it out. I order my supplies from Liberty, so I didn't get any reservoirs or sets with mine. Did you?

[Funnygrl]

Woot, my shipping status just changed to "in transit" with a delivery date of the 23rd (unwoot, I'm very much so at band camp then).

[Funnygrl]

Mine's made it all the way to Ontaria Cali. Boo hiss.

[Dewey]

According to UPS: Tracking Information (http://wwwapps.ups.com/WebTracking/processInputRequest?sort_by=status&tracknums_displayed=1&TypeOfInquiryNumber=T&loc=en_US&InquiryNumber1=1Z9246663966795317&track.x=0&track.y=0), "my" Clear 722 is *almost* here...:D

****, Duck! Yours is almost there! That IS fast!

Don't forget to tell us when it arrives! You know how we get - it's like Christmas for ALL & we can live vicariously through you! ;) :thumbsup:

[duck]

****, Duck! Yours is almost there! That IS fast!

Don't forget to tell us when it arrives! You know how we get - it's like Christmas for ALL & we can live vicariously through you! ;) :thumbsup:

Out for delivery...Woohoo! This IS like Christmas! I'm more excited about this than I was for last XMas, except if I had known I was getting an iPod, I guess I would have been more excited. But an iPod just doesn't hold a candle to a pump!

[duck]

We're in very similar situations.



Hmm...8 grams shouldn't make your package weigh 2.9 lbs more.

Wait, I think I may have figured it out. I order my supplies from Liberty, so I didn't get any reservoirs or sets with mine. Did you?

Yeah, MM is sending me the whole shabang.

Is that "shabang" or "shebang"? One sounds like a bad song sung by an Asian guy.

[jimbob]

SO YOU GOT IT NOW RIGHT! It says delivered. Maybe your tearing into it like a chubby kid on a snickers and just haven't posted it yet!

[duck]

SO YOU GOT IT NOW RIGHT! It says delivered. Maybe your tearing into it like a chubby kid on a snickers and just haven't posted it yet!

I am on my way to collect it now...hopefully the Mailroom is open, we're having a BBQ here at work to celebrate for the sake of celebrating; all the fellas may be outside scarfing hamburgers. LOL

[duck]

Ahhhhhhh...it's here. Now bear with me as I unpack it, savoring every second...

[duck]

Actually, I've changed my mind. I might just leave it unopened in the box. I might even take pictures of said box, and lovingly refer to pictures one day as good memories. I might even leave it unopened in said box with said pictures taken, until Monday. And just marvel at said box. Yeah...

[jimbob]

you don't have the will power! Just don't look like a ravenous wolf tearing into a dead deer in front of your boys opening the package. They may never forget it and be weary of your pump from then on!

[Funnygrl]

And I'm not gonna get to tear into mine for 2 weeks. :(

[duck]

And I'm not gonna get to tear into mine for 2 weeks. :(

Would you like a pic of the brown UPS box? Brown paper tape, white label...there's even a "Medtronic MiniMed" logo on the side.


:D

[Funnygrl]

Would you like a pic of the brown UPS box? Brown paper tape, white label...there's even a "Medtronic MiniMed" logo on the side.


:D
Sure...that will make me feel better.

[Funnygrl]

Yay! It's in Syracuse! Getting closer. I wonder if they do Saturday delivery.

[JediSkipdogg]

Yay! It's in Syracuse! Getting closer. I wonder if they do Saturday delivery.

Doesn't it show you the scheduled delivery date on there? No matter what, that's the true first delivery date.

[duck]

UPS does not deliver on weekends.

[JediSkipdogg]

UPS does not deliver on weekends.

Yes they do, with their Express delivery services. However, it costs 2-3 times more for that service. Which I don't see a company doing on a new pump, only warranty.

[duck]

Yes they do, with their Express delivery services. However, it costs 2-3 times more for that service. Which I don't see a company doing on a new pump, only warranty.

Why you argumentative, little, red-headed...I'm sure you can get anyone to deliver at anytime if you are willing to pay enough. Shoot. For about $10K, I'll track that pump down and hand-deliver it tomorrow.

:D

[JediSkipdogg]

Why you argumentative, little, red-headed...I'm sure you can get anyone to deliver at anytime if you are willing to pay enough. Shoot. For about $10K, I'll track that pump down and hand-deliver it tomorrow.

:D

I worked at UPS once from Halloween to CHristmas, so I know what they deliver. I could also tell you that "fragile" on a box, means nothing to us. LOL

Oh, and if you charge that much for delivery, wow, nobody would take your methods. LOL

[duck]

I worked at UPS once from Halloween to CHristmas, so I know what they deliver. I could also tell you that "fragile" on a box, means nothing to us. LOL

Oh, and if you charge that much for delivery, wow, nobody would take your methods. LOL

Even if I guaranteed it?

Maybe it's FedEx that doesn't do weekends...

[JediSkipdogg]

Even if I guaranteed it?

Maybe it's FedEx that doesn't do weekends...

Correct on Fedex.

[Dewey]

I worked at UPS once from Halloween to CHristmas, so I know what they deliver. I could also tell you that "fragile" on a box, means nothing to us. LOL
Don't I know it!? They (UPS) brought us a computer tower that was badly beaten along its journey....when Carwy tried to call them regarding the damage, they referred him back to the shipper! :eek: UPS kinda sucks a** in that regard (the whole "fragile" bit). lol
I also get my insulin from them.....:hmmmm: I'd probably have a much better time sending my "shtuff" via Post Office.

Maybe it's FedEx that doesn't do weekends...
Yes, after all...Fed Ex's slogan is, "The World, On Time" LOL :rofl:

[JediSkipdogg]

Don't I know it!? They (UPS) brought us a computer tower that was badly beaten along its journey....when Carwy tried to call them regarding the damage, they referred him back to the shipper! :eek: UPS kinda sucks a** in that regard (the whole "fragile" bit). lol
I also get my insulin from them.....:hmmmm: I'd probably have a much better time sending my "shtuff" via Post Office.


Yes, after all...Fed Ex's slogan is, "The World, On Time" LOL :rofl:

Standard policy for all shipping customers is ONLY the shipper can make a claim for a refund. I agree it sucks, but that's the way it is. I once bought something off Ebay that was a very rare item (a computer part that wasn't made anymore.) I tracked it from California to their hub in Dayton. Then, it said out for delivery for 2 days from their hub in Dayton yet NEVER arrived. I called, they said they'd trace it, they saw it was never delivered, and said it was lost. I had to contact the original ebay person that sent it to get a refund from him so he could get a refund from FedEx.

The problem is stuff shifts alot on a UPS truck, even a FedEx. Some items get a shelf, some get the floor. And no matter what, it moves. They don't have individual compartments or tie down straps. That's why I hate ordering anything online anymore.

[jeggeman31]

:topic:
I called DHL to pick up a box, as I had to ship back a replacement monitor that was under warranty from Dell. I hung up with DHL who at noon told me they would be out by 6pm. Kind of shocked me that they was going to pick it up today. So I was like **** I can't find my tape. Started to pull out of the drive to go buy tape and here comes DHL down the street. Those suckers was at my door step 10 minutes after I called them. I was shocked.

Okay nothing what so ever to do with this thread, but I felt DHL was being left out so wanted to throw them in as well :D

[gettingby]

Is that "shabang" or "shebang"? One sounds like a bad song sung by an Asian guy.

Sorry but I gotta................ :rofl: :rofl:

Thanks Duck for the laugh. This has been a horrendous week at work and next week doesn't look any better. Poor pitiful me !!!!

[duck]

Sorry but I gotta................ :rofl: :rofl:

Thanks Duck for the laugh. This has been a horrendous week at work and next week doesn't look any better. Poor pitiful me !!!!

At least you have a job.

Well, I have an employer, but no job. If that makes any sense.

[Dewey]

At least you have a job.

Well, I have an employer, but no job. If that makes any sense.
Actually, don't you have two jobs? The gov't (or insert employer here) & home? :- jk

[duck]

Actually, don't you have two jobs? The gov't (or insert employer here) & home? :- jk

Yeah, the kids are a full-time job, no doubt. But the wife does the HEAVY lifiting with them. As of right now, I have no assignment, so I am without a job and I am "on the bench", as they say in Government Consulting Parlance...It's a bit un-nerving. In the good old days, if you weren't billable, you got fired almost immediately. And some companies are still that way. But with the dearth of IT people around here, companies realize if they fire someone, they'll need to replace them when they get other contracts, and they almost always do...well, now if you fire someone, they'll probably be re-hired within a week of putting a resume on Monster, it is that bad. If you have a clearance, it may be hours.

So my company hasn't let anyone go from our division since December, really. Most of the staff has been "on the bench" all year while the proposal team pitch their services to different contract vehicles. A few are getting ready to be awarded, so there is a lot of excitement. BUT, it is really, really weird not having work to do, and I still feel like I am in 1998 where they should fire me for not being billable.

The gist of all this is, get my medical care reimbursements into my Flex Medical Accounts NOW, just in case I am looking for another job, LOL (things always come back to diabetes...)

[gettingby]

At least you have a job.

Well, I have an employer, but no job. If that makes any sense.
Boy, talk about a guilt trip. I can't wait for your kids to grow up!!
:D

[Funnygrl]

Well that sucks then. No new pump for two weeks for me. At least I get Harry Potter tomorrow.

[Dewey]

Well that sucks then. No new pump for two weeks for me.
That does bite. Sorry Funny....Don't feel bad though. You've got company. I've been waiting since the paperwork started in April just to get the CGMS unit. If insurance doesn't see things my way, :secruity: I'll likely be waiting quite a while longer to earn the money to get the standalone.

[Funnygrl]

That does bite. Sorry Funny....Don't feel bad though. You've got company. I've been waiting since the paperwork started in April just to get the CGMS unit. If insurance doesn't see things my way, :secruity: I'll likely be waiting quite a while longer to earn the money to get the standalone.
See, the thing is, if I didn't get a script or didn't order it till after camp, I'd be fine. It's knowing that it's going to be sitting in my bedroom for 2 weeks while I'm at camp that sucks. Why couldn't they have sent it one day earlier? It's in SYRACUSE! So close, yet so far away.

[Dewey]

Yeah, I know how you feel (the whole, "so close, yet so far away" feeling). I get that way too, if something (especially pump somethings, :D) shows up when I'm not around to get it. I often go with Carwy to see his mom & if something shows up while I'm out of town, I sooo want to get home sooner to even just see it (hehe). I usually don't, but the idea is similar. Now, if ins. were to approve my CGMS standalone, it would likely arrive when I was with Cary at his mom's again.

[Harold]

Fragile on a package means it gets routed through the Gorilla cage. :D

Had Fedex deliver regular ground shipments twice on a Saturday this year. Surprised me! :rock:

[Dewey]

Even if I guaranteed it?

Maybe it's FedEx that doesn't do weekends...
Correct on Fedex.
Had Fedex deliver regular ground shipments twice on a Saturday this year. Surprised me! :rock:
Yeah, I just saw FedEx pull up to deliver something (no, not to me :hmpf: lol), and it's Saturday.

Fragile on a package means it gets routed through the Gorilla cage. :D
I totally believe it! So, if it's fragile, does that mean we shouldn't say anything? It might get better treatment, then! hehehe

Duck, have you broken down & opened your package yet?? I know I would've by now. lol!

[duck]

Duck, have you broken down & opened your package yet?? I know I would've by now. lol!

Actually, I was just teasing funnygrl. You know I ripped into that thing like a five year old at Christmas.

I wanted to put it on and sleep with it. Yeah, it's much more comfortable, for whatever reason. And yeah, I "felt" my Cozmore all night long as well.