There is no doubt that Continuous Glucose Monitors have revolutionized the way patients live and manage diabetes.
While technological advances can be life changing, they also come at a price.
The benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors are far reaching and have helped many, but the cost of the device is often a deterrent.
In addition, the actual verification process to obtain a CGM can be riddled with complications and can seem extremely daunting. For that reason, CGMs are often underutilized.
There is a solution that is often overlooked and that is why Quest Health Solution’s mission is to inform and educate patients, healthcare professionals and diabetes educators. It is our goal to ease the process and make Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems widely available because the advantages are worth the effort.
Here’s a quick reminder of the many advantages of CGMs:
- ❖ Provides Freedom and Security – a Continuous Glucose Monitor provides 24/7 security and serves as a constant companion to help monitor blood glucose levels and keep patients safe. CGMs take the stress out of where glucose levels are headed and gives patients the freedom to lead a normal life.
- ❖ Easy to Use – They are discreet and private and can be worn on the abdomen or upper arm depending on the brand. A CGM user can check blood glucose levels anytime and anywhere with ease. Patients simply swipe their sensor to get a reading within seconds. Results can even be read through clothing, including winter sweaters and jackets.
- ❖ Real Time Results and Valuable data – Continuous Glucose Monitors provide consistency by capturing real-time data that can be stored and tracked to help identify trends. They can also identify patterns that can be shared with healthcare professionals and caregivers to help avoid dangerous situations.
- ❖ Maintain an Active Lifestyle – Diabetes patients can lead a healthy, active lifestyle thanks to Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems that monitor how activities affect glucose levels.
- ❖ Peace of Mind – A CGMS gives peace of mind around the clock and can send alerts when levels are too high or too low. They can even alert family members, healthcare professionals and loved ones to help keep things in check. Even while sleeping, alarms can be set so that patients and caregivers are always in the know and stay prepared.
There is no question that a CGMs makes life simpler and that is why it’s important to understand how to simplify the process. And, that starts with thinking differently.
The first thought that often comes to mind when obtaining any type of DME is using traditional insurance companies and pharmacies. A viable option that is often overlooked is Medicare.
What is a DME?
DME stands for durable medical equipment which is any type of medical device that serves a health care purpose. It must be prescribed for medical reasons and must be medically necessary in order to complete daily activities. DME’s must also be durable and withstand repeated use.
Typical diabetes supplies and equipment, like lancets, testing strips, blood glucose monitors and other types of diabetes self-test equipment, have traditionally been covered by Medicare.
The good news is that Continuous Glucose Monitors are considered DME’s and depending on the situation a portion or all of the costs can be covered through Medicare DME benefits.
Beginning in July, coverage is expanding even further and easing some of the restrictions required for qualification. “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are opening up Medicare coverage for therapeutic Continuous Glucose Monitors and eliminating a rule that requires at least four self-monitoring blood glucose tests per day in order for a CGM to be covered.”1
This change opens the door for CGMs, like the FreeStyle Libre, and greatly expands the number of patients who can use a CGMs and the number of healthcare providers who can prescribe a CGM device. It also makes the device a more affordable and a viable option for many and the advantages are even more far-reaching.
“The American Diabetes Association recently applauded the new coverage change on Twitter calling it a big win for the diabetes community. This change is significant to the Medicare population as diabetes affects roughly 20% of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older and the percentage of adults with diabetes continues to increase with age”1
If coverage is denied for any reason, patients have the right to appeal the decision. With the many benefits of a CGMs, it’s worth looking into further. If you have questions or would like to find out if Medicare is a viable option, we are here. Quest Health Solutions is one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and currently licensed in 48 states. Our number one priority is the best interests of our patients, and we strive to be a one-stop shop for all CGM needs. We also offer free, CGM Fulfillment Solutions and take great pride in providing the tools, supplies, services and knowledge to educate patients and healthcare professionals. For more information, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2021) MedTechDrive. Medicare CGM Eligibility. Available at Click Here accessed on 12 July 2021.