[Red44]

I sent in the application for a pump on Tuesday morning(decided to go with MiniMed with the MiniLink) but I was wondering how long it takes until I get the pump, do they call you, send a letter to let you know or is it just shipped to you? When I do receive the pump do I start to use it or is that only when I start training for it? Also how do I get to choose the color, the less important question I know thats a lot of questions but I'd like to be prepared and not nervously waiting for it in the mail Thanks

[JediSkipdogg]

They will fist have to contact your doctor to get a presciption for the pump. Then they have to contact your insurance to get approval. After they are done with the initial insurance they will contact you to let you know how much it should cost and get a confirmation that you want to do it. They should then also ask the color at that time and any additional items you may need/want.

It can take anywhere from a week to a month. Last two pumps I ordered I had within my hands in 2 weeks from initial order placement. Then once you receive it you will need to call your doctor and see how they handle the training on it. Some may send you to the pump company and others may do it with nurse educators.

The total time frame is how fast everyone moves.

[notme]

You sent the application yourself?

The way it went for me was this:

I went to a "pro pump" endo. He called in the information to Medtronic. Medtronic called me for my insurance information and they pretty much did all the rest. My insurance company made me jump through a few hoops (one month of blood tests and food diary) and the pump was delivered within a week of completion of all of their hoops. A trainer called me a week after my pump arrived and we scheduled a training date.

[poodlebone]

My CDE did almost everything. She contacted Minimed and sent them some information. A couple of days later they contacted me and faxed a form that I needed to sign & fax back. They called me back soon after I faxed the form back and asked me what color I wanted. He said I would have it on Thursday (I spoke to them on a Tuesday!). Everything arrived and my CDE trained me. If nobody at your endo's office is a certified trainer, Minimed can send one to you.

No matter what, they will have to contact your doctor for a prescription. If insurance is involved they will deal with that as well.

[Red44]

Originally Posted by notme

You sent the application yourself?

The way it went for me was this:

I went to a "pro pump" endo. He called in the information to Medtronic. Medtronic called me for my insurance information and they pretty much did all the rest. My insurance company made me jump through a few hoops (one month of blood tests and food diary) and the pump was delivered within a week of completion of all of their hoops. A trainer called me a week after my pump arrived and we scheduled a training date.

My endo gave me the packet with all the pump info and it had the application in it and I mailed it out to them,it was either that or fax it, but you're way sounds much easier!

[poodlebone]

Originally Posted by Red44

My endo gave me the packet with all the pump info and it had the application in it and I mailed it out to them,it was either that or fax it, but you're way sounds much easier!

If you get impatient you may want to call Minimed and tell them that you are definitely interested and that you've mailed the application already. They might be able to start the process sooner rather than waiting for paperwork to arrive and reach the proper person.

[Red44]

Originally Posted by poodlebone

My CDE did almost everything. She contacted Minimed and sent them some information. A couple of days later they contacted me and faxed a form that I needed to sign & fax back. They called me back soon after I faxed the form back and asked me what color I wanted. He said I would have it on Thursday (I spoke to them on a Tuesday!). Everything arrived and my CDE trained me. If nobody at your endo's office is a certified trainer, Minimed can send one to you.

No matter what, they will have to contact your doctor for a prescription. If insurance is involved they will deal with that as well.

Wow seems like I'm doing this the abnormal way, perhaps it depends on where we're all located and the methods different docs use

[palefacegirl03]

Originally Posted by Red44

Wow seems like I'm doing this the abnormal way, perhaps it depends on where we're all located and the methods different docs use

It's different for everyone. I sent off for the information on pumping from the link on the website, probably asked for it from all the companies. Minimed rep called my a few days later, told me about the pumps and stuff and said he would have someone call me and get insurance info and stuff. This was Thursday or Friday. I had a Dr appt on Monday, I told my doctor that I was considering an insulin pump, he said he would fill out what was needed. The next day, I got a call from MM lady, gave her my info, she faxed and I signed and faxed back the forms, choose the color I wanted , she call me back the next day and told me what ins covered and my part and sent all the forms for my doctor to sign, I got my pump about a week later and met with the trainer and was hooked up within a week of receiving it from UPS, so about three weeks.

[gsnider]

Are there any benefits to ordering directly from the company? I found a ping online for 4200 at Animas OneTouch Ping Insulin Pump Kit - Diabetic Testing Supplies - Discount Diabetic Supplies
and I believe my insurance company is going to charge me 20% of the pump cost. Also, is the 20% typical and do infusion sets count as DME also?

[sarahspins]

Originally Posted by gsnider

Are there any benefits to ordering directly from the company?

Your own insurance will have a contracted rate that may be less than what you're finding online... you can go through the process to find out what it will cost through the pump company without any obligation to buy. Some companies may also offer some financial assistance (I don't know about Animas, but MM does)

[poodlebone]

Originally Posted by gsnider

Are there any benefits to ordering directly from the company? I found a ping online for 4200 at Animas OneTouch Ping Insulin Pump Kit - Diabetic Testing Supplies - Discount Diabetic Supplies
and I believe my insurance company is going to charge me 20% of the pump cost. Also, is the 20% typical and do infusion sets count as DME also?

I wonder if that's a cash only price? With insurance they will probably have to jack up the price to make sure they get a full $4200 reimbursement. So they may charge your insurance company something like $6,000 and you would have to pay 20% of that.

Everyone's insurance is different. Mine covered my pump 100% as well as monthly supplies. Most insurance companies do cover the sets/reservoirs as DME but I have heard of some covering them as prescription/drug benefits. Probably because they can force you to pay more of the cost yourself that way!

[gsnider]

I'll update in the morning on that out of pocket price

[DCaplinger]

Originally Posted by gsnider

Are there any benefits to ordering directly from the company? I found a ping online for 4200 at Animas OneTouch Ping Insulin Pump Kit - Diabetic Testing Supplies - Discount Diabetic Supplies
and I believe my insurance company is going to charge me 20% of the pump cost. Also, is the 20% typical and do infusion sets count as DME also?

That's funny, they are advertising a 52% savings off the list price of $9500, which is wrong. List price is $6400, I got that directly from Animas a few weeks ago.

Regards,

D

[gsnider]

I went ahead and had animas ship out the ping. It's going to be an investment but I think it will be worth it.