The Corner Booth

Medtronic Diabetes is putting its money where its mouth is, telling insurers that its first-generation closed loop technology is so good that the company is willing to pay for any emergency room visits that occur while someone is using these newest devices. The pump-CGM company has captured headlines recently with this bold move that signals what we'll likely see more of as we head into the universe of "value-based" care and insurance -- where proven outcomes will dictate the coverage and reimbursement we see from payers and product manufacturers. The whole notion of VBID (value-based insurance design) is still in its infancy and we're all trying to pinpoint the Pros and Cons. At least one expert describes it as bridging the gap between "Star Wars Innovation" and "Flinstone's Delivery" in healthcare, by shifting the emphasis to how products and services actually impact real-world outcomes of patients. Simply put, if they aren'...

We all knew it was going to happen eventually. Now, the time has come. My third-party diabetes supply company has put a policy in place to limit the number of test strips I'm allowed each month, as a direct result of my being on a Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitor. The reasoning for this policy stems directly from the FDA's decision  in late 2016 to allow CGM data to be used instead of fingerstick test results in making medication dosing and other treatment decisions. The supply company that I'm required by my insurer to use for all D-supplies has finally gotten wind of this "replace fingersticks" language, and as a result is trying to cap the number of glucose test strips that Dexcom CGM users can get each month. From their perspective, this might seem logical. But as someone who's struggled with type 1 diabetes since the age of 5, I know better. I'm not OK with this, and am fighting this flawed policy. As all of us T1Ds who use CG...

My third-party supplier has recently tried to limit test strips for those using a Dexcom CGM system. In fighting this policy, I penned this letter. While I've been able to get more strips as prescribed, my hope is also that this letter leads to deeper consideration at the policy level by this Michigan company. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  --> August 6, 2018 Michael W. Hoskins ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------------- J&B Medical Supply --------- Wixom, MI 48393 Dear ------- and J&B Medical Supply: I am writing this in response to recent letters received from J&B Medical starting on July 24, 2018, regarding the allowable amount of glucose test strips for those who also use the Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as part of their diabetes management. Per your letter, “ all regular diabetic testing supplies are included in the coverage of your Dexcom G5 sensor .” And further, due to the Dexcom G5 b...