Pushing Paradigm

[Patrick]

Wondering if others have noticed this: I've spoken to a couple of pump users and noticed their Endos overtly push Minimed/Paradigm. I've also read it in several places. I've not read this about any other brand.

Minimed seems to have a massive marketing arm, and intrenched reps everywhere. The two reps I've met are, well, aggressive. They had the wife in tears, with doom & gloom if I don't buy the pump pronto.

I'm considering a pump, and want to make an informed choice. The overwhelming Paradigm presence, and the strong arm approach are causing me to balk. It's a knee jerk response, I know; all the reps aren't bad (probably) and "stong corporate presence" is not bad either.

Simply put, I don't want it rammed down my throat, but I don't wish to be biased simply because they market forcefully.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[lelggren]

In my job, I get to deal with a lot of reps from a lot of diabetes supply companies. Minimed being one. We had a really good rep that had quit, and now the one that we have does absolutely nothing. It is sad really. I'm on the paradigm 712 pump, and I really love it :) The bolus wizard is so helpful, and makes things so easy. Also, the minimed pumps deliver boluses slowly so it doesn't sting like I've heard other pumps can at times. Granted, the 712 is my first and only pump thus far, but I like it.

As far as the pushy reps are concerned, that pushiness isn't going to go away probably, sorry! :( But, between the pushiness, they do give some good info about the pump. I wish there was a better way, but I think that if you try to just pay attention to the information that they give you, and then weigh ALL the pros and cons, you will make the right decision about which pump to go on. Just make sure you talk to reps from each of the main pump companies. Good luck!

[duck]

I used to be a MM 508 user, and one of the reasons I did not stick with MM was their terrible customer support. I could go on and on about the weird issues I had with them, everything from getting random billing calls to not getting the newsletters they used to send out to having to talk to three different people to order supplies (even if I went through the website). My Deltec experience has been better so far.

The reps only make money if they sell, so I can understand the pushiness. But, once they have someone crying, I think I'd move on and let them know why.

[kgm0612]

When I decided to go on the pump, my endo told me that 95% of his pump patients used a Mini Med pump....but....that the decision was mine to make and not his.

I'm wondering if the pushiness is because Mini Med dominates the field of pumps right now?

Karen

[rzrbks]

I can't find it now, but I KNow that I read an article, several years ago, that talked about how Deltec had been absorbed by MiniMed to get Deltec's pump.

At the time of the article, Deltec was splitting off from MiniMed because MiniMed was moving into other Medical electronic equipment and Deltec wanted to get back into just Diabetes.

Deltec was returning, after a 5 year contract with MiniMed, where Deltec could make pumps again without infringing on the patents and expertise that MiniMed had got when they absorbed Deltec originally.

[lelggren]

When I decided to go on the pump, my endo told me that 95% of his pump patients used a Mini Med pump....but....that the decision was mine to make and not his.

I'm wondering if the pushiness is because Mini Med dominates the field of pumps right now?

Karen
It very well could be. The minimed pumps are so popular, they're everywhere! I know that when I got my pump, I wasn't able to choose which one I wanted. My educator at the time ordered it for me, and ordered my first 3 month supply of pump supplies all for me. I didn't get to learn about the different kinds first. I think she may have just put me on it because that was the one she was on.....lol So, I admire all of you who get the opportunity to research it before you get your pump. Take advantage of it! :)

[Vic L]

I didn't have the luxury to pick and choose since my insurance company only covered the Minimed pump. After going through hoops just to get a pump, I didn't want to hold up the process with trying to get other pumps approved by my insurance company. I would still be on MDI if I had tried.

The only thing I wish was different about the Minimed pumps would be the lack of variety of infusion sets. I want to try em all.

Vic L

[chumtochatwith]

I personally was able to choose my pump and chose the Paradigm 715 from Minimed. I haven't had any problems with it or the staff and have found the customer support is just great. If you have any problems, they are there 24/7 to try and help solve them. They have been extremely polite and helpful as far as customer service goes and I haven't had anyone be too pushy with me at all. I would easily recommend this pump to anyone!

[Cyborg]

Before I could even walk out of the endo's office, they already had me signed up for a MM pump without my consent. Good thing I did not sign an Assignment of Benefits form. I was lucky enough to intervene in time to stop the process so I could do the research and make my own decision. But there is no doubt that I was being pushed very strongly towards the MM for no good reason.

[Carwy]

Patrick
Check out this site. It gives a lot on info on pumping insulin
http://www.geocities.com/carwydew5/diabetes/pump_information.htm

[Dewey]

Hi Patrick & Welcome! :ciao:

Prior to switching from MM to my Deltec/Smiths Medical, I spoke with the Deltec/Smiths rep. for about 2.5 hours. We talked about everything, from pumps to animals, her children & more. I found the experience to be more like chatting with a friend than with someone trying to sell me something. Animas wasn't exactly the same, but they were also extremely nice, helpful & courteous. They knew I was knowledgeable and treated me as such. No anger or tears here! :thumbsup:

Here's hoping for the best for you. You're right on in that it's your decision, and you should be happy with your choice. You're wise to research all avenues before making a decision.

[spike]

Hi Patrick & Welcome! :ciao:

Prior to switching from MM to my Deltec/Smiths Medical, I spoke with the Deltec/Smiths rep. for about 2.5 hours. We talked about everything, from pumps to animals, her children & more. I found the experience to be more like chatting with a friend than with someone trying to sell me something. Animas wasn't exactly the same, but they were also extremely nice, helpful & courteous. They knew I was knowledgeable and treated me as such. No anger or tears here! :thumbsup:

Here's hoping for the best for you. You're right on in that it's your decision, and you should be happy with your choice. You're wise to research all avenues before making a decision.


LOL! We talked about her dog as much as pumping! Was her name Lisa? She's a peach. She said I could turn in my old pumps for cash, even 2 of them. I could get $960 for my 507's. What a deal! that should cut my OOP to a grand.

[jeggeman31]

The endo that put me on the pump had no say in what pump. I went to him with the idea, told him who I was going to have come do a demo and asked him if he would write the letter. He said he would think about it, had my home demo's and Animas did the rest. The endo I have now push's MiniMed and told me that she would write another letter for me if I want to change to MiniMed. I checked with my insurance company and even tho my pump is under a year old due to the fact that I use more that 200 units in 3 days (what the IR1250) holds that they would replace it with a 300 unit pump if my DR wrote them a note. So that is what cross roads I am at now. Do I keep my Animas and change out more often or go with MiniMed and not change out so much.

[Cyborg]

The endo that put me on the pump had no say in what pump. I went to him with the idea, told him who I was going to have come do a demo and asked him if he would write the letter. He said he would think about it, had my home demo's and Animas did the rest. The endo I have now push's MiniMed and told me that she would write another letter for me if I want to change to MiniMed. I checked with my insurance company and even tho my pump is under a year old due to the fact that I use more that 200 units in 3 days (what the IR1250) holds that they would replace it with a 300 unit pump if my DR wrote them a note. So that is what cross roads I am at now. Do I keep my Animas and change out more often or go with MiniMed and not change out so much.

Apparently you can change the reservoirs without changing out the infusion sets. Did it today when I suspected old insulin. I just had to ensure I cleared the tubing and reprimed.

[jeggeman31]

Apparently you can change the reservoirs without changing out the infusion sets. Did it today when I suspected old insulin. I just had to ensure I cleared the tubing and reprimed.

Yes I don't change my reservoirs and infusion sets at the same time. I change my sets On Monday and Wednesday Morning and Friday night or Saturday morning depending on how it feels.

My insurance company looks at is as them spending less in the long run on less reservoirs if I change to a 300 unit pump.

[Rob10304]

I have the MM512 and love it. I am on the pump almost 4 years now and will stick with MM. I go to Diabetic meetings and the ONLY rep I ever see there is the MM rep. He is always helpfull. As far as the strong arm tactic, I never saw it. It was my decision what pump to get. Good luck.