[n1000paul]

How do you go about getting one? Does a doctor have to give the o.k. before you can get it and can you only get it if you have good enough insurance?

[RLK]

Originally Posted by n1000paul

How do you go about getting one? Does a doctor have to give the o.k. before you can get it and can you only get it if you have good enough insurance?

Pumps are by prescription only, so you'll need to get your doctor to write the prescription. The disposable supplies (reservoirs and infusion sets) are also prescription items.

You can get a pump without insurance, but it's not cheap. The pump itself is ~$6000, plus the cost of disposables. A box of 10 sets is about $120, while reservoirs are a little cheaper. Plus batteries, prep wipes, dressings/tapes....it all adds up, and good insurance makes a huge difference.

Each doctor or practice has their own set of rules about what they require to start a patient on a pump, and your insurance may look for certain things as well. If you're thinking of a pump, it's advised to start a dialogue now to figure out what all of the expectations are.

[PumperinCT]

If I post this correctly hopefully you'll get my small bit of humble advice in getting a pump. I've been on a number of pumps for close to 16 years and am presently on the Minimed Paradigm 722 pump and just received the Minilink CGMS - which I will be going on next week.

Now, about you and you wanting a pump. First off, I would make sure your diabetes doctor has a team in place who will work CLOSELY with you getting started - your doctor, your diabetes educator, your nurtritionist. They will have a recommendation about what pump would be best for you and if you trust them (I hope you do!!), that will be the one to go with.

For what it's worth, I honestly believe that the Minimed pumps are the best and most progressive. When I first went on the pump in 92 my doctor and educator use to call me and me them. With the technology out there now, insulin, diet, exercise and blood glucose information can be uploaded and shared very easily. Ask them about other options as I'm sure there are similar technologies out there.

Good luck!

Mike