For those of you that follow me on Twitter, you may have read yesterday that I finally received a Dexcom. I have been wanting one of these for several years now and just have not had a chance to get one because of insurance reasons. With my new insurance, new as in January 2011, I was approved. The process was so simple and easy too.
At my last endo appointment two weeks ago I told my endo I was interested in the Dexcom because I refused to go back on the Medtronic CGM because it was like stabbing myself with a dagger every time I wanted to insert a new sensor, which would fall off every 2-3 days. She gave me the paperwork that I filled out before I left the office. Before the end of the day, I received a phone call from Dexcom stating that my insurance coverage out of network. Here we go, I thought.
But, luckily she said that there is a supply company that they work with and I would be able to get the Dexcom through my insurance with them and that I would be receiving a call from them early the following week. I missed the call from this other company and when I got out of my meeting went to call them back and realized the rep had emailed me directly. One thing about me that you will learn quick, I hate the phone. Email me, and I can have a whole email or chat conversation with you, but don’t call me. That’s why I’m an online marketer, so ice communicate online.
Anyway, she explained that it was going to be covered, just needed some paperwork from the doctor’s office. She emailed me a few times a day to keep me up to date with where they were with everything. That’s awesome customer service. Finally, I got the email with a Fed Ex tracking number and when I went to my mailbox it was there, packaged all nicely.
Another side note about the trip to the post office. I have a goal in 2012 to read one diabetes related book a month. Whether it is some miracle diet book or an actual inspiring book, I want to have a better understanding of the material out there. I will review these books and give my honest opinions on them. With that being said ( I think I tweeter that awhile back) but I had 3 different books sitting at the post office waiting for me. I can’t wait to read them and share if worth it.
Back to the main reason of this post. For all Dexcom users, I need your advice. Please leave a comment or send me an email. What has worked best for you? Do you use any coverings over the site? Do you put something over it when you shower? How long on average does it last? Past the 7 days?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks.
Hi Chris –
I have used a dexcom 24/7/365 since they came out. (I used MM for 6 months in their FDA approval study). I second Scott’s use of upper thighs (and that MM is a random number generator!). I usually don’t tape at all unless things start peeling, then I have a box of Tegaderm from a friendly CDE that I make a transmitter-sized cutout in and slap over the site. I get 14 days pretty often. Oh, and I put it with the snap-down end facing down, never any issues in shower.