Factors Your Doctor May Consider - Insulin Pump Therapy

Detail - Insulin pump therapy can help you manage your diabetes.

Insulin pump therapy has been used by thousands of people with type 1 diabetes, but it is not for everyone.

In considering your suitability for this therapy, your doctor may consider the following factors: if you already monitor your blood glucose levels on a regular basis, record your blood glucose and insulin doses in a logbook, count carbohydrates, and visit your healthcare team on a regular basis.

Medtronic insulin pumps are listed on the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing Prostheses List. Private health insurance (hospital cover) will, in most circumstances, rebate the full cost of the pump. "Extras" cover is not required. It is necessary to meet any requirements by the individual health funds relating to qualifying periods before being eligible for a rebate on an insulin pump. In addition, your policy may include an excess.

To ensure that you will not experience any out of pocket expenses when you are fitted with a pump it is advisable that you check in advance with your health care professional and with your private health insurer. For holders of an Australian Medicare card, insulin pump consumables are available through the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) at a subsidised rate for patients with Type 1 diabetes who meet the criteria. http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/NDSS/.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and continuous glucose monitoring components of the pump are not currently covered by most private health insurance plans.

Next: Myths and Facts – Insulin Pumps

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 27 Sep 2010