CGM users, how do you know when transmitter is going bad?

9903card · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 04:15 PM

I have been on the CGM for 8-9 months and the past few times that I change my sensor, my pump gets a "lost sensor error" 3 or 4 times & the pump is 6" from the transmitter, & I will "tell my pump" to find lost sensor, or new sensor start etc, & it finally does after 5 or 6 times. What happens when the transmitter goes bad? Is my transmitter going bad, I just had my pump replaced, so it shouldn't be the pump. Does anybody know how much Minimed charges for a new one? Thanks

poodlebone · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 05:02 PM

I think a new transmitter is something like $600-$650! You can use that blue test plug to test the transmitter. Minimed had me do that once when I called about a sensor problem but I don't remember the steps. You basically put the plug into the transmitter and check the isig on the pump, which has to fall within a certain range. If you call Minimed they'll be able to walk you through it and will be able to say if the transmitter is having problems.

Mine just turned a year old and I'm starting to worry about what will happen when it does because I can't afford a new one now. I haven't had any problems yet, though.

GretchO · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 07:22 AM

Mine just died and the replacement was covered by my insurance, so double check with yours to see what their process is...I'd had mine a year and a half. Mine kept getting "sensor error" messages. It would work for a bit, I'd get a sensor errors, then would work again. Finally just sputtered out.

I had to get a new prescription for the replacement transmitter from my CDE, but had a new one within a week after we did the transmitter test (as Poodlebone described above) and it was determined that the transmitter was dead.

I hope you have a painless replacement process too!!

poodlebone · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 12:44 PM

My insurance has been good about covering supplies so when the transmitter does die I'll call Minimed and see what their insurance specialists have to say. One of the Minimed guys did convince my insurance to pay for a whole new pump when I started the sensors last year even though mine still had almost a year left on the warranty.

GretchO · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 01:20 PM

When we found out the transmitter was dead, MM looked up my insurance info and said all I needed to do was get a new prescription. I called my insurance too just to confirm and they said the same. Hopefully your replacement will be quick and easy too when the time comes (you'll probably have at least 6 more months, maybe more!)