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We have positive news to share for people with diabetes who are on insulin and would like to use a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor)!

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is relaxing some of their stringent requirements for obtaining a CGM during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“CMS will not enforce certain clinical criteria in local coverage determinations that limit access to therapeutic continuous glucose monitors for beneficiaries with diabetes. As a result, clinicians will have greater flexibility to allow more of their diabetic patients to monitor their glucose and adjust insulin doses at home.”

CMS just announced they would not enforce certain clinical criteria for obtaining a CGM, insulin pump, or associated supplies during the pandemic. For example, in-clinic provider visits, certain lab tests like a C-peptide or antibody testing, and demonstrations of SMBG would not be mandatory.

This is huge for people with diabetes!

It would limit visits to hospitals, clinics, and labs and help reduce exposure to the coronavirus at these public facilities.

Since CGM’s and insulin pumps have the ability to transmit the collected data to a provider for a telehealth consult, providers can now use that data to review during telehealth visits. This can strengthen the relationship during COVID by allowing for data-driven insulin adjustments.

This is a win-win situation and we can hope that private insurance companies will follow the lead of CMS for the benefit of people with diabetes who use insulin.

To learn more read diaTribe’s article and visit CMS.gov.

Written by Catherine Cullinane RN, CDCES, our resident Tech Thursday Content Writer

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