MiniMed Pumps

[jeggeman31]

Okay we don't hear to much (or I have not seen it) about the Mini Med pumps. Any pumpers using the Mini Med that would like to give me the Good, bad and UGLY on the pump.

I just emailed Mini med, I think I am going to sit down and talk with a rep.


Thanks


Sorry for being a pain in the butt about this. :vroam:

[duck]

My Cozmore pump trainer was also the local MM "travelling" pump trainer (they have places you can go for training here in the DC area)...I asked her which one she prefers, and she said they are both good companies and good pumps. The feature sets are a little different, and in her experience that was what made different people choose one brand over another.

She did say Cozmore paid her better :thumbsup: , but that she would recommend friends and family look at both pumps.

[camjen1]

I have had my pump replaced 5+ times because of malfunctions. When you call MM they drill you and try to make you confess that it was your fault by dropping it or submersing it in water.

I had a pump trainer in my area that just disappeared of the face of the earth never to be seen or heard from again.

The pump I purchased was designed to be waterproof but down the line I got a letter telling me it no longer is waterproof and tough luck to you.


There billing sucks. I have gotten the same supplies for over 3 years now every month and about 4 months ago they sent me a bill for products I recieved in Nov 01. Gimmie a break! My insurance company has paid 100% since I started on the pump and if they thought they were going to milk money out of me, they were WRONG! I basically told them to shove it and have not recieved another bill since.

After all this MM is a WONDERFUL company. :whistling:

[CptHowdy]

Well,
I've had nothing but good luck with the pump and the company. The pump has been flawless so far. The ordering of supplies both online and via phone has been no problem and the local rep has been awesome. He ( the rep ) has called me on several occassions just to check in.

I guess it's all how the planets line up....

I have a MM715 by the way.

[webpundit]

I think a big factor in your choice of a pump depends on your geographic area. For example, in the NC area, MiniMed has great representation and very helpful reps. On the other hand, Animas and Cozmore virtually have none, and it took over a week for me to even get a response from them. Not to say their pumps are bad, but maybe this is not a state/city they concentrate in. My endo had a bad expeirience with Animas, when a pregnant patient went into the pool with her Animas pump because she'd be led to believe that it was 'watertight.' Needless to say, the pump died and when she called Animas they refused to replace it. In other circumstances, my doc says, she (the doc) would've been more forgiving. But in this case this was a pregnant lady and every minute of high BS was going to affect the baby's health when it was born. Scary story!

[duck]

I have had my pump replaced 5+ times because of malfunctions. When you call MM they drill you and try to make you confess that it was your fault by dropping it or submersing it in water.

I had a pump trainer in my area that just disappeared of the face of the earth never to be seen or heard from again.

The pump I purchased was designed to be waterproof but down the line I got a letter telling me it no longer is waterproof and tough luck to you.


There billing sucks. I have gotten the same supplies for over 3 years now every month and about 4 months ago they sent me a bill for products I recieved in Nov 01. Gimmie a break! My insurance company has paid 100% since I started on the pump and if they thought they were going to milk money out of me, they were WRONG! I basically told them to shove it and have not recieved another bill since.

After all this MM is a WONDERFUL company. :whistling:

I had something similar with "billing" in 2003...Some collection company called me saying my insurance didn't pay for my supplies, and MM needed their info to re-bill or I would have to pay. Since I had the EOBs from that insurance company saying they paid, I told these people to go to hello...I later called MM and asked customer service what the heck that was all about, and they had NO idea. But, I never got bothered again, so hoo knows? :dontknow:

But that 508 of mine was bullet-proof, no real complaints from me.

[Cinnabon]

I am also on a MM 715 snd they have been really good so far. They even sent me to a training course that my insurance wouldnt cover at no charge. I agree also w/ "a big factor in your choice of a pump depends on your geographic area."

[middnite03]

I have my mm 715 from 5/2005 and love it. so far, any time I called them for anything, they went out of the way to help. no glitches yet, and everything is very smooth. the only real complaint I have the the choice of bg meter they chose to go with, the BD meter stinks, it's dangerious because it does not detect lows. and being that this has been talked about for months now, ya figure they would try and recall these meters and go with a meter that people would trust, and actually like to use... but other then that, the pump is great, and in the philly area, they have great support....

[camjen1]

Well,
I've had nothing but good luck with the pump and the company. The pump has been flawless so far. The ordering of supplies both online and via phone has been no problem and the local rep has been awesome. He ( the rep ) has called me on several occassions just to check in.

I guess it's all how the planets line up....

I have a MM715 by the way.


Gee that reminds me my supplies were sent automatically for quite awhile but when one months worth didn't show up I called MM and they told me for now on I have to call in my orders. Gee thanks for the warning.

My pump malfunctions have included 2 pumps that squirted insulin upon priming, a pump that wouldn't stop rewinding, 2 pumps that had a power failure without a battery low warning. To be honest there are more failures but I can't remember them. I lost all hope in MM and the only reason I stay is cause I cannot afford to just switch. Their customer service is wonderful if you happen to be the lucky one to fall upon the wonderful person that is working that day. :eviltongu

That's my opinion. Some people might find MM a great company but I think you rather have me be honest then grin and lie and say they are the most fantastic company available.

I looked into Animas and I felt they were bugging me. I inquired right off their website and requested a video and information and they refused to get off my back. They called about 5 times a day and left me emails and sent me mail just about everyday. I finally had to tell them look when I make a decision and if it's your company believe me you'll be the first to know.

[dcfox1]

I recieved by new MM 515 three weeks ago, went smooth and quick as it was all through my edos office. Insurance covered 100%. I went to my pump trainer at my edo's office yesterday for and hour session to go over basics, I learned alot. I read about MM wanting to use Energizer batteries. She said they go dead slow unlike some brands so the meter can detect low and give the warning so it dosn't die right away. I go next week to hook up. Not sure what she is but she could write scripts, got one for more test strips to test more and the Homulog. So far I'v been happy with MM, They called and asked what sets i wanted and other ? before shipping out. Per my trainer I just need to call MM to reoroder 3 months supply since they have all insurance info. Guess I'll see how that works out.

I also requested info sent to me from Animas via thier web site and they called 4-5 times a day for a week. Worse then a telemarketer, I just wanted thier video and info pack.

[Dewey]

Hi Jim,

Don't feel sorry, it's good to ask about All products and aspects, so that your choice can be a solid and informed one.

Prior to my Deltec (and Animas) purchase(s), I was a Minimed pumper. I have used their pumps since 1996, starting with the 506 model, and went all the way up to the 512. Out of the models I've used, I personally liked the 507 & 8 models the best. They had a large (300ml) reservoir capacity, and a universal luer-lock connection, unlike some of the Paradigm pumps (those with the 1.8ml reservoirs). For me, this was frustrating, due to the fact that infusion set choices are limited. That, coupled with the fact that I've encountered issues with customer support & billing (after Medtronic took over), led me to choose a different pump & company. Each person has his or her own view based on their interactions with the company. These were just some of mine. Although I'm still a 507, 508 "advocate," I do Not like the Paradigm family of pumps, nor the issues that I've encountered with the newer models and customer service. :motz: Hope this helps, and here's hoping you have good luck with whichever product you choose. Always feel free to ask any questions. We'll be sure to help to the best of our abilities. :shakehand

[katiea]

:listen: I have had my Minimed 715 since May. I like it and I have not had any problems. I like it because they have the Paradigm Pathway program where you can upgrade from one pump to another newer program. The thing I don't like is that because since they have the paradigm pathway my doctor made me get a minimed. I wanted to get a cozmo. I just thought I would like the Cozmo better.

Medtronic Minimed 715 Purple
For three Months
Diagnosed on April 7, 2004

[duck]

Paradigm Pathway is a generous program; You can't fault MM for that.

[jeggeman31]

Thank you all for your input. However I have been waiting for 2 days now for a call from someone who would want to sell me a pump. Well guess no one wants to do that, as I have not heard anything back from Minimed. So they are now off my list.


Again thanks