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This was a good long forum held August 20, 1998! They even got started without me,
discussing the problems Linda from South Utah was having getting her daughter's pump covered
by insurance! We discussed every aspect of insurance, with some good stories but mostly the
problems we have with insurance! Definately some kind of insurance reform is needed cause at
this point, it seems like the insurance companies are calling the shots! Hope you enjoy this
one! It's an eye openner!
Links for ForumFinancial Help for Diabetes Care | The HMO Debate - Good article from CNN. New MedicareLaw - Great article in this month's Diabetes Forecast. Your Insurance Stories Preferred RX - A mailorder pharmacy. Advantage Health Services - another mailorder pharmacy. Fifty 50 Pharmacy will donate have their proceeds to JDF! |
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:36PM EST
Hi everyone
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:37PM EST
Mailman, I haven't seen you for awhile!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:37PM EST
I thought I was incredibly good at counting carbs because I had already done it for such a long time before I started pumping (like 10 years) but it had to be very fine tuned! I was interested to see how it evolved once I got it perfect...started measuring meals again and stuff, because I used to just thumb-nail it and figure "oh this goes with what my sugar is now and what I just gave myself insulin-wise"
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:37PM EST
yes her aunt lives in nashville but we can't seem to get togather. her aunt is my huabands sis and she has had diabets for about 20 years now and is doing great. no problems so far.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:38PM EST
Hi linda how is it going?
Amy in CT @ 152.163.197.192 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:38PM EST
Anyone know what a Doctor of Osteopathy is?
she will know just how much to bolus for a candy bar!!! a Donut!!!and would you belive there is over 50 gms of CHO in a medium size McDonalds Fries????
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:38PM EST
if she is doing great with Carb counting she will be great candidate for the Pump ..
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:38PM EST
must be a doctor who deals with pathologies (diseases) of bone...
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:39PM EST
Hi Dorothy!! The pump is doing great--trying to get another pumper here? Hi Ella, we're all convinced that pumping is the way to go!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:39PM EST
hehehe mailman most mcdonald's meals make 7 units of regular for me unless I eat them at supper time in which case it's 10.5 units...
long time Linda ..yes I went to work days for two days this weeka nd I got all screwed up on time to chat and all
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:40PM EST
Osteopathy means disease of the bones I believe...
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:40PM EST
before her aunt moved to nashville she lived in lexington ky and we saw her often but she was not pumping then now the endo she sees in nashville has diabetes also and put her on the pump within a shot period of time. he is also a pump user.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:40PM EST
my mom grew up in lexington kentucky ella...
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:41PM EST
get booted amy?
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:41PM EST
I dislike Mc Donalds anyway ...but what a surprise when I saw theNutirition information on that //pheww I am glad i don't eat there much wow that is a lot of insulin ...hehehehe
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:41PM EST
I've haven't been chatting much either--been taking care of the in-laws. Well, my insurance wrote yesterday and said that the pump was denied!!! GREAT!!! I have precertification numbers and everything....I wasn't very happy when I talked with them yesterday...
Amy in CT @ 152.163.197.192 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:42PM EST
Yes - I keep getting knocked off of here. It's busy - I guess that's why
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:42PM EST
I hate all fast food but seem to be drawn there by peanuts and their older sister...
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:42PM EST
katie never eats french frys so did not know that. can you believe a child that never liked mcDonalds fries.or any fries
Amy in CT @ 152.163.197.192 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:42PM EST
What insurance Co. is it?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:42PM EST
no way linda! fight it...
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:43PM EST
Blue Care--Oh we are having very interesting discussions!!!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:43PM EST
most people I have heard talk about insurance cos say that if they keep after it they get their insulin pumps approved...
sorry to hear that Linda , are you going to appeal ??
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:44PM EST
good for her Ella
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:44PM EST
Kim was really concerned was afraid that she would have her pump taken away!
Kelly @ 205.243.170.10 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:44PM EST
a doctor of osteopathy is similar to a general practioner. An orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon, treats diseases of the bone and the later does surgical proceedure
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:44PM EST
I have had such a raw deal by insurance companies over the years that I was incredibly relieved and almost scared by the rapidity of which they approved my pump...
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:44PM EST
I reassured her that the pump was going nowhere...think I'll hit them on age discrimination...they've never denied a pump before...we're the lucky ones
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:45PM EST
oh that's right kelly remember seeing that in an HMO book with doctors to choose from and wondering what it was and calling about it, but that was about 5 years ago so forgive the forgettfulness...
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:45PM EST
my insurance does not pay for gluegon emergency kit I got the other day. so I called them and reminded them that in july ky. passed a law that insurance had to pay for all diabetic supplys so now they are paying it for me but had to fill out major medical form.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:45PM EST
Linda Blue Care???????
I have Blue cross Blue shield POS and they pay for me ...I suggest you fight them
Kelly @ 205.243.170.10 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:46PM EST
forgive you...oh i have the shortest memory around these days weak grin
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:47PM EST
yes ella I have had glucagon refused (while I was pregnant!!!!!) and luckily had a friend who was a nurse supply me with it...still am angry about it though!
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:47PM EST
They didn't even flinch when I said that Dr. Peterson, their medical officer personally approved it...just said they didn't have any information in the computer...when I told them that I had precertification #s they said that was only a referral number...HA... I even have a precertification # for the hospital too!
Theresa L @ 153.34.26.9 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:47PM EST
Does Ga have the same law about haveing to pay for Diabetic supplys .I have to pay for all my supply and my endo vists.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:48PM EST
linda go after them hard.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:48PM EST
my memory is slowly coming back from what I thought was "the dead" probably because since I went on the pump I don't experience the 2-3 bad insulin reactions a day trying to keep my A1C in target ranges...but it still needs some work LOL!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:48PM EST
theresa every state is different...
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:49PM EST
I don't know about Ga but Utah doesn't have a law like that...the leg. is working on one...had one in committee last January but the insurance companies (specifically blue cross said that they wanted to make a settlement but now they're backing out so there will be another bill this year)
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:49PM EST
I got a letter from the ADA informing me of the new law but I had also called my state rep. to vote yes on this issue I guess he got enough calls to get it passed.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:50PM EST
what makes me the angriest about this whole pump thing is that doctors kept telling me about it but sort of in a way that made me decide not to get it...telling me all the cons and none of the pros...makes me wonder!
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:50PM EST
My Insurance covers everything if it is prescribded
Kelly @ 205.243.170.10 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:50PM EST
is the link in the forum that says new diabetes board a message board for melissa or someone else?
Theresa L @ 153.34.26.9 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:51PM EST
Thanks Dorthy .Does anyone else use tricare or the Military health care system.Do they have prombles getting care .Also with getting insulin *humalog *?
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:51PM EST
blue cross blue shield is what we have but they would not have paid it.
you have to be on your toes with the insurance co.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:51PM EST
it's for melissa kelly, but I think you have to put in a password or something to put in a message...
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:52PM EST
I was denied humalog by my insurance until I said I wanted vials not cartridges for insulin pens, then they covered it (!)
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:52PM EST
cigna HMO is what I have, and it's been a real mixed bag, although I should say nothing but good things because they covered the pump and its supplies 100%!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:52PM EST
Good evening.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:52PM EST
dorothy do you think the docs were trying to tell you there will be a cure in the next five years???(sarcastic smile)
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:53PM EST
HAHAHAHA Mailman touche pussycat! Hi there lisa!
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:53PM EST
LOL Mailman...but how I wish it were true
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:54PM EST
I talked with our cde the other day and told her they were way behind on this pump thing and asked her what happened to continuing education classes for the endo team. she told me I had the option of getting another endo and I said do you know anyone in ky that is for kids on the pump and of coarse she did not know of anty.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:54PM EST
Lisa did your hair dry yet??
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:54PM EST
have you talked with the pump representatives in your area ella for endos who do kids on pumps?
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:54PM EST
Did you read about the disetronic pump that will be pumping into the liver?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:55PM EST
lisa's hair probably takes about 2 1/2 hours to dry...very thick and curly!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:55PM EST
no linda that sounds very interesting is it implantable?
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:55PM EST
MOST docs are behind on pumps, especially for kids
Theresa L @ 153.34.26.9 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:56PM EST
I ended up haveing to go off post to get humalog .I'm still fighting with tricare over ever little thing .
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:56PM EST
yes I have minimed is suppossed to be looking but I can't ever get her on the phone anymore left a message but she has not returned my call.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:56PM EST
Not implantable, would be on the outside but somehow the infusion set would hook up to something inside--at least that's how read it
thr liver already has a supply of Glucose and it is realeased only when you go low and stuff?????
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:56PM EST
what good would it do to implant into the liver???
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:57PM EST
ella I had the same problem with minimed...I think every pump representative should have a fire under their tail but some don't unfortunately...
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:57PM EST
lind I will take the curly hair mine is straight as a stick.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:57PM EST
wouldn't it go more quickly into the system if it was released into the liver mailman?
Theresa L @ 153.34.26.9 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:58PM EST
wow that pump is something I haven't heard about .Linda how does it work ?
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:58PM EST
Sorry, I got lost in the land of email.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:58PM EST
I am going to call them tomorrow again hope I get someone to talk with me.
Kelly @ 205.243.170.10 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:58PM EST
how large is this pix and did i link right
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:59PM EST
don't know Dorothy I was posing the question because it only gets released when You r system goes low??Interesting question huh?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:59PM EST
persistence pays off ella! (coming from somebody who is deathly afraid of being persistent)
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 9:59PM EST
Hi Everyone! :-)
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
so is your hair dry Lisa??hehehe
Theresa L @ 153.34.26.9 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
hello Melissa !
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
MM, my hair was dry, but after working out for an hour and 15 minutes its wet again.
HI DOROTHY!!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
hi melissa long time no "see"!
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
Hello Melissa did we strt without you ?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
hi lisa how are you?
Kelly @ 205.243.170.10 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
hello melissa
Sarah @ 206.133.48.30 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
Hi Melissa and everyone else
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:00PM EST
Supposedly it's more normal, insulin would be delivered where it normally is...if you go to the disetronic page it's supposed to be written up there
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:01PM EST
Lisa you worked out too long?!
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:01PM EST
persistence I am not afraid of just ask my husband. when I want something I just can't leave it alone. I want it now. Katie says all you ever talk about is the insulin pump. I told her when you get it you will thank me or at least I hope she does.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:01PM EST
Wow, lots of folks here already! GREAT! and since you are all talking about the pump, why don't we just jump right in with: WHAT IF YOUR INSURANCE SAYS YOU CAN'T HAVE ONE???? (I'll be right back.. I'm going to take roll! LOL)
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:01PM EST
disetronic ...Humm i will have to look later
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:01PM EST
Hi Melissa. Dorothy, I'm fine. I would like to take a nice hot bath and go to bed, but thats not going to happen, I have daycare kids until 12:30.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:02PM EST
LOL, ROFLOL, My kids told me that I was OBSESSED with a pump for Kim...I've really backed off and been happy when she got it
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:02PM EST
I have not heard from our insurance yet and I am afraid they are going to say no.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:03PM EST
how do you take rOLL do I have to say Here or something??hehehe
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:03PM EST
MM, believe me with a body like mine, there is no such thing as working out TOO long. LOL!!
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:03PM EST
how do you take rOLL do I have to say Here or something??hehehe
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:04PM EST
DON'T let them say no...keep going back with all the information you can!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:04PM EST
you look just fine lisa!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:04PM EST
Spencer still has his loaner pump. MM is writting the letter as we speak for the insurance co. They will cover everything 100%, including supplies. Neither my ex husband's or my current husband's insurance will cover glucagon. :-(
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:05PM EST
you do the same thing you do when insurance tells you no about anything else, just keep calling back and askign why...still on my company about why the heck they don't cover blood glucose strips.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:05PM EST
dorothy did the pump co check out your insurance first before they did anything about giving you the pump to try. minimed told me I would have a pump to wear myself in 2 weeks but it has been longer and I have not heard from them yet.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:05PM EST
Dorothy, I didn't know you were looking. LOL!! But thanks.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:05PM EST
LOL Just keep talking and I'll write down everyone's names! I've always kept track of everyone whoever said HELLO at one of my forums! ABout 80% of those who say hello, stay to chat more than that! Not too bad, I think! LOL
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:06PM EST
No strips? Bummer
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:06PM EST
I never needed a letter other than the letter of medical necessity that the doc filled out provided by disetronic...it's still weird that they covered my pupm without ever asking what my therapy was adn what my A1C level was (phew!)
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:06PM EST
glucagon is essential but is it that expensive ?? I have a $10 co-pay for that one and I pay it
Sarah @ 206.133.48.30 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:07PM EST
My problem with supplies was the CDE told me my insurance didn't cover it. 8 months later I found out she was wrong, they'll pay 80%. I just got a refund check for everything I found a receipt for.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:07PM EST
pump company never asked my insurance before giving me a pump to try but they did NOT give me any saline or any infusion sets (and I found out later that was a legal reason -- infusion sets here are strictly prescription items)
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:08PM EST
I had to pay $48 for the first ones and then I can trade them in and get new ones when they expire. But, I didn't like having to shell out $150.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:08PM EST
mailman I just got a new one and my cost was $44.50 but insurance is now going to cover it. I had to pay first and then fill out major medical form.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:08PM EST
glucagon costs about $85 mailman!
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:08PM EST
Lisa Last time I looked at your picture I thought you were fine too!!!!Now Dlorothy says you are fine ..I believe it...hehehe
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:08PM EST
You can't get saline with out a prescription.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:08PM EST
I need to get Kim's prescription filled...we're really pretty lucky, we have two insurances. One from the company he works for (Blue care) and one from the school board he serves on (Educ. Mutual) Blue care pays 50% to $1000 on durable goods. We already there (all those strips) They're the ones giving us the hard time!!!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:09PM EST
we just recently had to switch from an HMA- that covered everything.
Theresa L @ 153.34.26.9 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:09PM EST
It is the cost of the strips that kills me .I wish that where covered.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:09PM EST
Holy cow Dorothy, where do you buy YOUR glucagon?
MM, you are making me blush.........don't stop. LOL!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:10PM EST
I have saline if anybody wants it...new unused and uncorked...
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:10PM EST
Oops, "he" is my husband!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:10PM EST
our new insurance is a ppo, and so far they seem to do the same
just on injection kit??? seems exessive
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:10PM EST
for how many
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:10PM EST
I'm remembering when I had to have it when I was pregnant with peanut and that's 2 years ago but it was indeed $85!!!
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:10PM EST
How is anyone supposed to come up with $200 a month to cover strips! (at about 6 tests a day)
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:11PM EST
Some people I've talked to here say that the doctors will write a script for the strips, and then it is overed.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:11PM EST
sorry almost 3 years ago...maybe there was a shortage of glucagon LOL I thought it was crazy at the time too...
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:11PM EST
I buy Spencer's at Wal-Mart and it was $48 for 1 kit.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:11PM EST
Dorothy the cost of living must be higher in chicago.
last year glugagon cost $ 35.oo now it is going up like all supplys are
are you paying a lot more for fast take strips than profile..
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:12PM EST
linda we do it (cover the strips ourselves) but it's hard believe me! I am hot on the trail of a new medicare thing that if it covers me I will be eternally grateful!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:12PM EST
I am able to get Spencer's strips through the mail using my ex's insurance, he gets a 3 months supply (600) for $10.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:12PM EST
so Lisa do you work out a lot??
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:12PM EST
Kim's strips are covered 80% by the second company--all durable goods are 80%. I can get 5 bottles of humalog for $10 on our script card
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:12PM EST
I have noticed that the strips go up and down...sometimes I buy the advantage because they're cheaper, sometimes the one touch...
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:13PM EST
I have to have a script for everthing or insurance will not pay.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:14PM EST
It's about $130 a month though for me...100 strips costs about $65 and I go through 2 of them.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:14PM EST
Linda, did you you tell everyone your dellema (sp?) yet?
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:14PM EST
It would seem that a company that pays for pumps and infusion sets 100% would at least think it MIGHT be wise to pay for testing strips!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:14PM EST
MM, I work out 2 times a week by myself and once with a trainer. About 1 hour and 15 minutes each time.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:15PM EST
we heard that linda has been (temporarily) refused by insurance...it's only TEMPORARY though!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:15PM EST
are there parents out there whose doctor's don't write scripts for the strips?
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:15PM EST
I have found the elite are the cheaper ones in my area. the fast take is $59.00 for 50 and the one touch is $38.00 for 50
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:15PM EST
Why have you been refused Linda?????
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:15PM EST
yes linda and a letter is now winging its way from my doctor demanding that strips be covered because they are medically necessary with a pump...although they are JUST as necessary with conventional therapy!!!!!!
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:16PM EST
I get a script from My doc and I get it covered that way I GET 200 for the co-pay
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:17PM EST
Yeah, for those that weren't here: Kim got a pump July 13 after months of negotiations for the pump and finally getting approval from the medical officer...Anyway, I received a letter yesterday saying that the pump has been denied!!! Kim was pretty upset thinking that she might have to give up her pump
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:17PM EST
boy the strips in my area are cheaper...about $32-35 per 50...doctors in both new york (where I used to live) and chicago, illinois refuse to write scripts for glucose strips because they are NOT prescription items, and the pharmacists will not accept scripts for them anyway, and the HMO will not cover them either.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:17PM EST
our dr. writs a script for all supplys.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:18PM EST
Check out this page I found today! Diabetes Hyper Link It tells you which states need scripts for insulin and syringes!
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:18PM EST
that probably is why they are cheaper because insurance does not pay for them.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:18PM EST
Sounds like your docs could use an insurance education Dorothy
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:18PM EST
I used to be able to do that in new york city ella but the last few months of my pregnancy with my 1st baby (this is almost 10 years ago) they stopped accepting scripts for bg strips at the pharmacy. I had scripts refused for INSULIN too in new york for a few months...it's not a prescription item, you see!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:19PM EST
Our HMO certainly did count the strips as a script when the doctor wrote it. I find it hard to believe that any HMO wouldn't.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:19PM EST
Spencer's endo writes a script for everything also.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:20PM EST
they are not a prescription item here either but they still cover them. thank goodness.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:20PM EST
no linda the insurance companies are getting hip to that prescription for the alcohol pads stuff so they just refuse anything that doesn't have to have a prescription written in order to get it and so it's much, much cheaper for them! get this, they cover birth control pills but not blood glucose strips............talk about annoying, I can't even use birth control pills BECAUSE I am diabetic!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:20PM EST
Isn't Humalog a script item?
Sarah @ 206.133.48.30 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:21PM EST
Dorothy, I think it is worse that some will cover Viagra but not birth control.
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:22PM EST
We were "caught" once on a trip...I forgot my daughters insulin and syringes...she just had to show her ID and I paid just about the same as I would have with a script! This was several state away.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:22PM EST
Humalog is still being invetigated by the FDA isn't it??
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:22PM EST
Gee whiz Dorothy...it's always cheaper to not pay for something!!! Don't they realize that it's far cheaper to pay for strips that hospital stays for hypoglycemia or kidney transplants and such?!?!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:22PM EST
I think that every state is different and even different parts of different states are different...that's what's so hard about insurances, especially for us because we've changed insurance co's like 5 times in 5 years making me re-learn all the "rules" each time...and believe me the rules change every time and not usually for the better! One HMO I had sent me bg strips free in the mail and I was in heaven! only lasted 10 months :-(
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:22PM EST
LOL @ Sarah.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:22PM EST
Hmmm Sarah, is there a contradiciton here?
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:23PM EST
our insurance has not refused to pay for anything that we have a script for but glugagon and now they are paying for that. we have a $50.00 deductabe for each member in our family then they pay 80% not bad.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:23PM EST
I seem to remember getting Insulin without a script in Virginia and I had a call in to my doc or the syringes once and that worked???
Sarah @ 206.133.48.30 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:23PM EST
I guess they'd rather pay for prenatal care
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:23PM EST
Through mailorder, our strips are covered 100%! One thing that I find really strange is that when I got in with a prescription for insulin, they charge $78 for one box of cartridges! yet if I have to pay for it myself, they choose another price for me... $35!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:23PM EST
I honestly think that the insurance cos figure that those of us who are GOING to take care of ourselves will do it anyway
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:24PM EST
Sue I've done that before! Went to the pharmacy BEGGING for insulin and needles, gave them the doc's phone number and everything and they told me I could have as many as I needed and didn't need a prescription for it! It was amazing!
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:25PM EST
In Utah, only humalog requires a prescription
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:25PM EST
you're kidding melissa what a racket! NO WONDER I am having trouble getting my bg strips covered if that's what the stupid idiot pharmacies are doing to the insurance cos.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:26PM EST
melissa that is why insurance is so highly priced.
my husbands co. pays $2,500 dollars monthly for insurance for his employees.
(cyber)mailman @ 206.173.0.70 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:26PM EST
well folk duty calls got to go ...L8tr..hope to read the froum tomorrow ...poof
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:26PM EST
Well Melissa, you might have just hit on a real problem with why the insurances don't like to pay everything...I've often wondered if the prices on everything would drop if there were no insurance
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:27PM EST
my husband only has 9 emplyees including himself.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:27PM EST "Just wanted to let you know that today I heard the worst story about Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I
work for a couple who are sales people for Ely Lilly and they were telling me that. Everyone who is on
Prozac will have to be switched to Praxil(unsure of spelling). The only way they will pay for Prozac is if
the patient had been put on Praxil and it failed. What this means is that all these patients who have
been doing well on Prozac will now have to be switched to Praxil even if the patient is doing well on the
Prozac, or BC/BS will not pay for it. What a bite for all the patients that pay their premiums and they
can't get what the dr. prescribed to them because some MORON in the BC/BS office decided they are
not going to pay for it. Another words who is the dr. the Insurance co? They seem to be holding the
cards. "
I actually think they choose what they'll cover using darts!! LOL Here's a letter I just got from Randy and Denise Clemons...
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:27PM EST
I know that insurance prices are sky rocketing where my husband works...
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:27PM EST
goodnight mailman!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:27PM EST
prices would drop dramatically linda but one more thing would hing would have to be gotten rid of and that's medicare/medicaid. unfortunately people don't seem to have any morals/principles, and medical personnel/pharmaceutical personnel are only human.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:29PM EST
I think you all are right! Somehow, it seems a war between pharmacies, doctors and hospitals got started with the insurance companies and WE are caught in between!!!
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:29PM EST
Grrrr, I have read that the insurance companies are starting to invest in pharmacuticals and will cover the drugs they're invested in faster than others...I don't get coverage on one of my asthma inhalers
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:30PM EST
the dilemma is that whenever something is going to be covered by somebody other than the person who is getting the healthcare (although they are of course paying for it indirectly) the healthcare teams go completely beserk figuring out who to soak. So WE end up soaked
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:30PM EST
finally medicare pays for strips. I know a lot of old people that did not check much before because they could not buy the strips.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:31PM EST
Our insurance told me we couldn't get Humalog! That instead we had to get HUMILIN!!!!! I'm SURE they threw darts at a board over that one! LOL
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:31PM EST
linda that should come under conflict of interest...insurance companies investing in pharmaceuticals good grief!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:31PM EST
I am sorry, but I think we all need to get a grip on this...having worked in the field (years ago), and having delat with insurance companies for my daughter, MOST of the time they do the job they are supposed to do.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:31PM EST
Before we did the chronic illness thing, I had absolutely no idea how frustrating it could be to work with insurance cos. Never had to fight with anybody about coverage. It's so frustrating to think that Kim can't get the supplies she needs
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:32PM EST
YEA Ella!! Did you see the article in Diabetes Forecast? I put a link to it on the Entrance page! That's so great that the elderly can get what they need!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:32PM EST
yeah that one is interesting melissa they told me the same thing and I explained patiently over and over again that this was a synthetic insulin exactly the same as humilin but had a completely different coverage time...I guess I musta whined enough because they told me that indeed I could have humalog covered but only if it wasn't cartridges for insulin pens.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:33PM EST
yes I have seen it. and now all the pharmancys here have it posted in their shops.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:33PM EST
Hmm, I wonder why they won't pay for cartridges...we do get those covered
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:34PM EST
Aren't the rules and regulations for these insurance companies all very different though Sue? If they're not covering what we need, how can we get them to change their minds? WE went through allll kinds of hassle to get SPECIAL permission to have our Humalog covered!
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:34PM EST
why did they not want to cover cartridges because it cost more.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:34PM EST
What is the difference if its in a vial or a cartridge??? That is so stupid.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:34PM EST
The problem with dealing with the insurance companies is that the only people we talk to when we have a problem is the poor clerk on the phone...I usually try to at least talk to a supervisor is there's a problem
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:35PM EST
the problem that has had me reeling over the past 16 years that I've had to deal with my own coverage is that since people change jobs regularly there are other things to deal with insurance-wise than just an insurance company doing the job it has contracted to do. the rules change every time you get new insurance and you also have to comply with a "pre-existing condition" thing that can leave you without coverage for a year or more on your "condition"
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:36PM EST
I thought they couldn't use the pre-existing condition thing anymore.
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:36PM EST
Both my husband's work and the school district changed insurance coverage the same month last year...talk about grief! It was hard to make sure that everything got billed where it was supposed to go!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:36PM EST
I used to buy lots of syringes and bottles of insulin right before I quit a job so that I would have enough to cover me through the pre-existing condition thing. I have been totally uncovered for diabetes for about 5 years in the last 15 years due to "preexisting condition" clauses.
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:36PM EST
the pre-existing condition is why we have not tried to get cheaper insurance to afraid they won't cover katies supplys.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:36PM EST Hi Lynn and Norma!! Welcome! :-)
We had to explain that one was a specific type of insulin and the other was a brand name and you couldn't just tell us humilin... humilin WHAT? we asked them.. They finally got the picture and gave us permission to get it! What about the rest of the diabetics who use their company?
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:37PM EST
I guess because of the HMO,now PPO plan we had/have, I am really surprised that you had so much toruble. All our doctor and the endo did was write the script. No one even questioned our er visit(s) ( 2) in 10 years).
Linda/So. Utah @ 207.49.60.138 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:37PM EST
Say, I have to leave now...good luck with figuring out everything
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:38PM EST
no lisa it varies state by state. Here in illinois it's illegal for HMOs to tack on a "preexisting condition" clause so that's what I always choose for my family. not very good coverage for little kids who deserve to always have the same family physician -- my kids have had several pediatricians, my youngest one (2 years old) has already had 3 pediatricians!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:38PM EST
When I had to buy the insuln myself, Humalog cartridges were $35 but a vial of it was $10!
Ella @ 209.209.178.14 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:38PM EST
goodnight Linda. I have to leave also need to pack getting out of town for the weekend.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:39PM EST
I take my kids to the same ped. whether its covered by insurance or not. Thank goodness my kids are never sick. Knock on wood.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:39PM EST
wow melissa the differences in price everybody is quoting is staggering to me! humalog in a vial in illinois is like $27
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:40PM EST
no way I would do that lisa...I've seen what happens to kids if they have to go to a hospital that is not covered by their pediatrician. I choose a pedicatrician who is connected to a hospital that is covered by my HMO. Period.
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:41PM EST
Before we switched to an HMO our ped office had 6 doctors...even less of a way for my little guys to know who the doctor was! Even the ob-gyn who delivered my daughter wasn't the one I started with. Don't blame the not knowing your doctor on HMO's. They weren't the first to start that.
Mykid'sdad @ 198.78.17.218 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:41PM EST
Has anyone had a problem using humalog?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:41PM EST
Here in my little (!) town there are 4 hospitals (and like 8 more in close proximity) and usually only 2 of them are covered per HMO. I am terribly sorry but I have always had an absolutely horrible time with insurance.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:42PM EST
Do any states besides Texas have programs to help with insurance and medical costs for kids with chronic diseases? In Texas, we have CIDC! You have to apply and qualify for income requirements but they're pretty leniant! They have saved our lives more than once!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:42PM EST
The hospital in town is under both my ex's and current husbands insurance, but I don't think our Dr. is.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:42PM EST
I have always loved humalog mykid's dad, but have heard that some people have problems with it being a bit too short acting
Brenda H. @ 206.112.197.133 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:42PM EST
Just checking in. Someone in the CWD parents room said she couldn't get in here, but seems ok for me. I am going back there as I don't have too much to say about insurance and diabetes (now why won't they pay for the $280 dental work one of the kids had????) Have a nice evening.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:43PM EST
Nite Linda and Ella! Hi Brenda and Marcia and MyKid'sDad! Cute handle! :-)
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:43PM EST
your doctor is not in your town lisa?
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.194 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:43PM EST
I work backwards when I choose which insurance plan. (We usually have a choice of 2).. first I make sure the endo is on the provider list then pick a ped I know will refer to the endo team.. This year I paid extra to be able to option out and go to whomever I want..(for a price of course)
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:43PM EST
Dorothy, I have found with the HMO that all you need do is write them a letter/contact them in the time frame (usually 24 to 36 hours), and talk to them...all our er to non HMO hospitals for both my kids have been covered.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:43PM EST
hi and bye brenda...
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:44PM EST
If my kids are really sick I will take whoever is on call, I don't care if they are covered or not. If its a scheduled physical or something I always take them to the same Dr.
Mykid'sdad @ 198.78.17.218 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:44PM EST
We have just changed insurance carriers. I hope that we get better service than we have had.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:45PM EST
well so far sue I have just changed doctors...so that my kids will have no problems having a doc they don't know taking care of them in a hospital they've never been in (I know, I should not assume they'll be in the hospital but I always take a "worst case scenario" with kids maybe because of my own chronic disease)
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:46PM EST
Sue I've had the same problem about not knowing who the doc was who was delivering my baby or which ped we'd be seeing! Not till I got away from the city and into a small town! My OB is the only one out here for 35 miles so they HAVE to cover him! and we're lucky our family doctor is on the plan!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:46PM EST
I have no choice of insurance carriers...I get whatever my job (and now my husband's job) gives us!!!!!!!!!!!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:46PM EST
Dorothy, yes our Dr. is in our home town. Actually his office is in the same building as the hospital.
Mykid'sdad @ 198.78.17.218 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:47PM EST
Same here and I hope we are getting some dump of a group.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:47PM EST
OH that sounds familiar melissa! I loved one of the ob/gyn's who was in a practice of 5 and was lucky enough (or stubborn enough) to get her when I delivered my baby! Can't tell you how much that contributed to my successful VBAC.
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:47PM EST
And, after having kids in hospitals, their doctors aren't here either!
They may check in once or twice, but generally speaking they aren't there.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:47PM EST
so lisa how come he isn't affiliated with the hospital?
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.194 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:48PM EST
With our insurance, we need to get prior authorization to go to the ER--(can't just go for a sore throat or ear ache).. without prior authorization you can be stuck with the whole bill if the visit is not deemed life threatening.. If you could see all of the kids that end up in ER with diaper rashes etc. you would know why the insurance companies felt they needed to crack down.. at any rate, even with approval we pay a $50 co-pay for ER--only $15 for an office visit.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:49PM EST
One nice thing about our insurance... Our new endo wasn't on the plan but we wanted to see him! Our insurance company said he could sign up to be part of the program, told us exactly which one he needed to apply for, sent him the paperwork and everything and now he's on it! It was actually pretty easy!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:49PM EST
sue if your doctor isn't affiliated with the hospital, it takes much longer to be seen if there is an emergency visit (found this out the hard way) and it also makes it hard to get approved for medications afterwards (found this out the hard way TOO)
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:50PM EST
Our Dr is affiliated with the hospital, I just don't think he is a preferred network provider.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:50PM EST
marcia for us the same thing; paid $50 the day I pulled peanut's elbow out of her socket YUCK I still feel guilty...
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:50PM EST
Marcia, THAT IS part of the problem... remember what the term EMERNGENCY ROOM is. Everyone must crack down on that. It does drive up medical costs, insurance and otherwise.
Lynn from MD @ 204.255.212.166 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:50PM EST
Hi and bye, everyone. I just stopped in for a while to lurk.
Bye.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:51PM EST
Spencer's endo wasn't on the list either, we just signed him up. A visit to the endo is only $5.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.194 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:52PM EST
And if your Dr is not associated with the hospital..you get a pot luck Dr (whoever happens to be on call) if you show up..not always a good choice!!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:53PM EST
I saw it again the other night when i went to the emergency room because the endo on call was afraid to let me go without an emergency room visit for an infected infusion site...lots of people there for things that weren't emergencies but they had no insurance so they went there...one poor lady who was OBVIOUSLY about to give birth and they made her just sit in the waiting room...still was sitting there when I was asked in, I wanted to give her my place but was told "no"
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:53PM EST
Marcia, I think that's how ours is too! $15 for office visit, $50 for ER! And it BETTER be good or we get the ER bill!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:53PM EST
If you go to a hospital/doctor not affiliated with your HMO/insurance company, you must follow up with your regular doctor. IF the doctor then disagrees with the treatment, you need more action...but in most cases of "true" emergencies, most doctors would allow the visit to a non participating practitioner.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:53PM EST
In our case the same Dr. that we go to has about 6 other Drs in the same building and they all work at the hospital. If we go to the ER we just get which ever Dr. is on call.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:54PM EST
marcia that is the nightmare we have already experienced and that is why I will NEVER allow my kids to have a doc who is not affiliated with a hospital that the HMO covers!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:54PM EST
Thanks for coming Lynn! Come again soon! :-)
Sarah @ 206.133.48.30 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:54PM EST
Well, I have to go now. It was interesting listening to everyone
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:55PM EST
good night lynn and sarah...
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:55PM EST
WOW Dorothy! that is incredible! Did that lady deliver in the waiting room?? My goodness!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:56PM EST
Insurance is a difficult thing for people who can get insurance through their job but has anybody tried to get diabetes covered through private insurance?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:56PM EST
I dunno melissa but her noises sounded pretty peculiar when I went into the back area, although she was gone when I came out!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:57PM EST
Goodnight Sarah! Thanks for coming! :-)
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.194 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:57PM EST
Washington State has a Basic Health plan based on income..(not welfare).. you get to choose one of 3 plans and they can't ask about pre existing things.. they are stuck with you.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:58PM EST
I joined the musician's union in new york when I got out of Julliard hoping to "become" a musician and quickly found that the pre-existing was 2 years in the insurance and I would have to pay the premiums (quite large!) foror 2 years before being able to breathe easy if something went wrong.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:58PM EST Someone wrote to me about getting private insurance! Her husband was starting his own business and they needed insurance! most places were telling her they wouldn't cover her diabetic son PERIOD!!!
Gee whiz, thank goodness for that Dorothy!! Shoot!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 10:59PM EST
and the musician's union is an umbrella policy...in the private sector I was completely uninsurable from what I discovered...tried to get like 10 different policies and was turned down each time!
sue @ 209.182.66.21 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:00PM EST
The answer to some of these questions and comments seems to be a united (government) health care system, which would be an even worse nightmare. Just ask the Europeans who wait in "lines' for weeks to have a broken limb set!. This is why so many other people from other countries come here for health care. We don't have a national healthcare system...and for the most part, it works better than the socialistic ones do!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:01PM EST
Just had that experience tryign to get life insurance...they wrote me a polite letter saying my "recent diagnosis of insulin dependent diabetes" made me ineligible...I left quite a nasty message on their voicemail sayign that I would have appreciated them telling me that from the start before they called me every single night during dinner time asking stupid and detailed personal questions!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:02PM EST
WOW! I thought health care in England and France was sooo good! I even spoke to somoene from the Netherlands... a nurse who rode a bike to her patient's houses! and she said EVERYTHING was covered there for diabetes care! she also said they paid HIGH taxes!!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:02PM EST
Hmmmm sue I really wonder if national health care would be an answer, but don't think it would -- wonder if there maybe should be national healthcare that people had to pay a special tax for or something, or what would regulate it -- who would trust the federal government to regulate the healthcare industry! Nobody in their right mind...
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:03PM EST
the netherlands healthcare system works wonderfully but remember it's a small country...
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:03PM EST
My mom's friend is an eye doctor over there and says the healthcare system is just incredible.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:05PM EST
LOL Your "recent" diagnosis?? hehehe
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:06PM EST
Yea that's what my friend had said... the healthcare was soo great! She spent some time in England too, working there but I never did hear what she thought of their healthcare system!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:07PM EST
yeah can you believe it melissa! I didn't mislead them for an instant either. that was the preface of my message...if you people had been listening you would have HEARD that I have been diabetic for 20 YEARS...I also discontinued my application a few days earlier because they kept calling every night with the same stupid questions. If I had to tell them my height and weight one more time I was going to SCREAM.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:07PM EST
Hi Renee!! It's good to see you!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:07PM EST
Hi sara and renee!
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.77 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:08PM EST
Hi, we have a health source insurance, it helps out a lot
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:08PM EST
hehehehehe Height and weight is sooo important though Dorothy! they gotta get it down to the POUND and OUNCES cause it could effect your life expectancy! LOL hehehehe
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:08PM EST
so does everybody think that if you get (what you deem unfairly) denied by insurance companies you should just keep fighting/trying until you get an acceptable answer?
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:09PM EST
Hi Sara! Renee, what kind of plan is it?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:09PM EST
what is health source insurance?
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:10PM EST
CONNIE!!!
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.77 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:10PM EST
It's called mid south, we have a co-pay at the doctor of $15, and all the diabetes suplies are coverd, no more than $15 for a prescription
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:11PM EST
Hi everyone.
Connie @ 207.194.16.183 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:11PM EST
Hi everyone!! Just lurking!!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:11PM EST
Dorothy, I HAVE spoken with some very nice and helpful people at insurance companies! Also, there are the "go between" kind of people who help you find the right insurance company! They've been pretty good about telling me what my options are and what I COULD do to solve this problem!
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.77 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:11PM EST
It's called mid south, we have a co-pay at the doctor of $15, and all the diabetes suplies are coverd, no more than $15 for a prescription
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:12PM EST
Renee, that's like what our's is!
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.77 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:12PM EST
My picture is not working, sorry that last one got sent twice
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:13PM EST
sorry, was here before, my computer decided to restart.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:13PM EST
The addy of your smiley face is spelt wrong Renee!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:14PM EST
I have rarely had people who knew the "ins and outs" of insurance helping me on the phone when I call insurance companies melissa, maybe that's what has made it sooooooo difficult for me. I am not by nature a combative person, being mostly a bit shy accept for my 12 years in NYC learning to be a "big mouth" and it always irks me to have to ride roughshod over somebody to get my point across. It should not take angry or forceful words to get something that is necessary from an insurance company!
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.77 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:14PM EST
There it is. We got the insurance 3 monthes before my son was diagnosed, some one was watching out for us, it would have broke us!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:15PM EST
sorry "accept" = "except"
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:16PM EST
Have you been discussing what type of coverage each person has?
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:17PM EST
WE've always just had the insurance from Daryl's work! For awhile we were on Medicaid once, and we always had CIDC to help us out! It's going to be pretty nice being on that program again! I went in the pharmacy a couple weeks ago and they just handed me the insulin I needed! It was great!
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:17PM EST
What is CIDC?
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:17PM EST
That and everything else about insurance Sara!
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:18PM EST
I like having the supplies delivered to the house. No more waiting in line. YIPPY!!!!!!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:18PM EST
It's a program in Texas for Chronically Ill and Disabled Children! They help with medical expenses, wether or not you have insurance! If you DO have insurance, they'll even pay your deductible for you!
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:19PM EST
I think we have good coverage. What types of problems have you all had?
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:19PM EST
Melissa. that sounds good. I'm sure Washington doesn't have anything like that.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:19PM EST
It was incredibly euphoric having bg strips sent to my house after 2 insurances that didn't cover them at all, and then made you cover them and they paid you back in their own sweet time (usually 6 weeks later)...I was truly sorry to lose that insurance!
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:20PM EST
Melissa, how is it funded (CIDC)? And even folks with insurance can get it?
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:20PM EST
hello to all How is everyone tonite?
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.74 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:21PM EST
I got kicked out, said the URL was busy
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:21PM EST
Dorothy, that sounds very convenient. I still am visiting the pharmacy, however, the endo made the prescription larger, so they will give me twice as much for the same $10 co-pay. It should lessen our annual output.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:21PM EST
so now I guess my diabetes "only" costs me about $140/month...bg strips at about $130/month and a humalog prescription at $10/month
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:22PM EST
anyone have any good advice for a military couple looking for supplemental ins. coverage?
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.74 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:22PM EST
I am looking into the home delivery right now, I should hear from them tomorrow
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:22PM EST
Hi Jeffry and Brandy! Sue, it's part of the Texas Department of Health! I guess taxes go into it!
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:23PM EST
sara I found that sometimes you have to find out from your insurance company how many months of a "chronic" drug they cover and you can sometimes get more than your doc writes for...
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:23PM EST
I am paying four $10 co-pays every other month. And the endo and lab is covered 80%.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:23PM EST
Hello Melissa!! We found out a lot of info about the mail-order pharm.
Dorothy @ 24.131.146.202 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:23PM EST
have a baby demanding to go to bed...night all!
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:24PM EST
I had some problems getting back also..lost my side bar thingy to scroll down.
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:24PM EST
If we want to compare costs of having diabetes, just think about the cost of losing our child, or of them losing their kidney, sight, limb...the "cost" of managing diabetes is peanuts!~
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:24PM EST
I just called my ex husband's insurance co. and asked if they had a mail order pharmacy, they gave me the number and the rest is history.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:24PM EST
I've been trying to find a webpage about CIDC but all I could find was a note about a change they made to it in 1995! Diabetes Hyper Link You have to apply for medicaid at the same time! They want to be sure CIDC is your very last resource!
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:24PM EST
Dorothy, our insurance covers everything. I guess I'm lucky. I thought everyone had similar set-ups.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:25PM EST
$4 for a 90 day supply of each prescription. Not sure what it is for a non-military family.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:26PM EST
Stephanie's pump supplies and test strips are covered 100%..(I hold my breath every year thinking they are going to wise up).. office calls have a $15 co-pay... prescriptions are also $15 co-pays..we can send away and get 3 months worth for the same $15...
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:26PM EST
Jeffrey, I pay $10 for a 90 day supply for each prescription.
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:26PM EST
Jeff/Brandy, you have even a better deal than me! And your docs are free. Or do they send you to a civilian endo?
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:26PM EST
Which mail order phamacy J & B?
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:27PM EST
Spencer's pump and supplies will be covered 100%.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:27PM EST
that sounds good Lisa. At first we were told it was going to cost us 20% for every prescription.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:27PM EST
Nite Dorothy!! :-)
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:28PM EST
Jeffrey, yes I was very happy when I found out we could go through this mail order place.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:28PM EST
J & B, $4 per prescription is REALLY good! That's the one thing I miss about the military! Supplies came soooo easily!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:29PM EST
It is the Department of Defense Mail order Pharmacy. And our docs aren't free anymore. We have a 20% copay for all visits. If Brandon is put in over night it is only $10.20 per night. And we also have a $150 deductible and a $1000 cat. cap
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:30PM EST
Jeff/Brandy, I guess times have changed at the military.
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.57 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:30PM EST
Melissa, I just mailed you the letter I wrote for Daniel's class.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:30PM EST
$15 FOR A $20 BOTTLE OF INSULIN IS A 75% CHARGE!! Unless it is a really expensive medicine the 20% would be cheaper for us.. but I can't complain as long as they pay for those strips and pump supplies!! How much do you guess pump supplies would be a month.. not to mention the $5000 pump itself.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:30PM EST
Melissa we have been fighting for about 3 weeks now because it is all name brand prescriptions and they didn't want to supply us with those. They said we had to have specialized notes stating it was medically necessary. Which was hard because we had to go through the Children's Hospital of Phili and the base pediatrician.
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:31PM EST
Is there insulin that isn't name brand?
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:32PM EST
On top of that they are not wanting to pay his $13,500 hospital stay when we first moved here because he wasn't referred there by a naval pediatrician. We explained it was an emergency. He had full blown ketoacidosis again and they wanted us to wait two days to get a normal appointment for a referral.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:32PM EST
Name brand??? Soooo... what did they think they would be giving you? Off brand insulin?? LOL Geez! Tell them you want to see the off brand!! LOL
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:33PM EST
Jeff/Brandy, okay, so maybe the military hasn't changed all that much....LOL.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:33PM EST
They are more upset about his insulin syringes, lancets, etc. I finally got all the notes from his 5 doctors stating it was necessary. But thank god we finally got all the notes and are sending it in to be processed.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:33PM EST
Our mail order pharmacy once sent me 3 boxes of large gauge needles one time instead of the ultra fines.. saying that was what was authorized.. and had the nerve to actually say to me that "some kids like the big needles!!"..boy did I write a nasty letter..
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:34PM EST
Thank you so much Renee! Have you seen Mary's House? I haven't read the letter yet but I bet it would be great to have in there! Would it be ok if I submitted it to Mary?
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.57 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:34PM EST
Ya, a kid would like a bigger needle! LOL
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:34PM EST
We are taking him in tomorrow for a referral appointment so they will cover his next visit. The base is 1 hour and 30 minutes away just so they can say "we can't treat a 2 year old diabetic, you have to take him to Chop" LOL
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.57 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:35PM EST
Yes, if you think it's not stupid
Sara in Seattle @ 208.253.75.139 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:35PM EST
Nice chatting, got to go. Good night.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:36PM EST
By the way Melissa... yesterday was his 1 year anniversary since diagnosis. *Big Grin* We did indeed make it.. LOL
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:36PM EST
After reading all this, I guess I must "wake up and smell the roses", doctors, and insurance companies, hospitals, and even the military don't give a darn about MY (YOUR) kid. And we have been lucky.
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:36PM EST
Renee, where are you in SC? I'm in Greenwood!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:36PM EST
Goodnight Sara
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:36PM EST J & B, I've NEVER seen an off brand item in diabetes care! If I had, I'd probably be using it!
LOL Ohh man Marcia!! LOL And did they send the ultra fines??
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:36PM EST
I said, "What kid, a little baby masochist??!!"
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:37PM EST
I got those 30 gauge ultra-fines in a flash.. and my co-payment back to boot!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:37PM EST
So do any of you use a supplemental insurance to offset the cost of deductions, prescriptions, etc? We need to get one because we are getting stuck paying at least $1150 a year for his care.
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.57 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:37PM EST
Peggy, I live in Myrtle Beach
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:38PM EST
LOL @ Marcia. Did you really? What did they say?
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:38PM EST
LOL Marcia.
Are you all using the B-D Ultra Fine II Lancets and Syringes now? We have been using them for almost a week now and Brandon is doing great with them.
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:39PM EST
Renee, we're about 5 hours apart. I have a 12 year old daughter, you?
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:39PM EST J & B, that is fantastic!! Congrats! Boy I sure remember when you first turned up here!! LOL Knew you could do it though!!
Nite Sara! Sue I guess that's why there's always such a big stink going on over insurance! WE've never had many problems either till just recently! and did you see the CNN article I pot on the Entrance page? I haven't watched the news in AGES and didn't even realize they were all talking about HMO's these days!
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.57 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:39PM EST
I have a 5 year old son.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:40PM EST
Melissa... I have a lot of items I am going to try to scan this weekend about inhaled insulins, meters, snack ideas etc. I will let you know when I get them all up. You can place them on your pages as well. Lots of info on Lispro Humalog too.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:40PM EST
I can't even remember his responce to that.. but I remember his name.."Andrew"..almost looked him up when we visited San Diego but thought I might lose my temper all over again. He called the pediatrician one time questioning why we were using both NPH and Lente.."it is usually one or the other"..
renee/FL @ 207.69.247.19 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:41PM EST
I am in Florida and Have a 10 year old Daughter
Renee SC @ 152.163.201.83 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:41PM EST
Hi renee/FL
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:41PM EST
Anyone heard anything interesting about the inhaled insulin?
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:42PM EST
Thanks Melissa... sure was tough. We figured out yesterday that he spent a total of 10 weeks in the hospital during the first year. It is amazing to see what the Children's Hospital has done for him. I refuse to ever take him back to a military facility agty again. The only problem we have had now is lows. But we are working on those now. 2 seizures last week. Now good readings. *whew* *Smile*
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:42PM EST
WE've been using them all along J & B! What were you using? and we don't have supplemental insurance cause at one time, when we looked into it, it was just too expensive! maybe it's different now! But we are on a special Texas program that helps chronically ill children! Renee, I'll look at it later! I'm sure it would fit right in at Mary's House! :-)
renee/FL @ 207.69.247.19 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:42PM EST
Hi Renee SC i may be moving to NC soon
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:42PM EST
Hi Renee, my daughter is 12.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:43PM EST
I have an article here Peggy that I can send you if you want when I scan it this weekend. I haven't heard anything about it since the article was written actually.
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:43PM EST
Hi renee/fl...we live in CT and have a 14 year old daughter...and a son leaving for college in one week. Scary.
Zorel @ 38.14.111.190 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:43PM EST
POM, I'm back! Finally settled down for a while.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:44PM EST
Diabetes interview has a pretty interesting article about the inhaled insulin.. also very interesting stuff about Dr. Soon-Shiong and his islet transplant.. He is being sued for mis-appropriation of the research funds!! and rumor is that Steven Craig was taking insulin for the past 5 years..
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:44PM EST
If you can send me some info on that program you are using. Maybe there is something here. We had the next size needles and they were causing lumps under his skin. The doctor's just changed them last week. No more crying when he gets his shot.
renee/FL @ 207.69.247.19 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:45PM EST
well i have my soon to be 10 year old and a 20 and a 21 and the 20 made Me a geandma 2 yrs ago
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:45PM EST
Sue, where in CT do you live? My brother lives in Branford and works in New Haven.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:45PM EST
Marcia.. is that at diabetesworld.com?
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:46PM EST
Jeffrey/Brandy..are you using the short needles.. so much nicer..unless of course he is one of the kids that like big needles!!LOL
Zorel @ 38.14.111.190 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:46PM EST
POM, I'll just email you.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:46PM EST
We only have a 2 year old for now. Maybe some news about another one in a week or two.. dunno yet.
renee/FL @ 207.69.247.19 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:47PM EST
that should have been Grandma and i am only 33 as of Last April
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:47PM EST
Lisa D., in Stafford Springs...near the Mass. border
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:47PM EST Peggy, I have a whole bunch of links about inhaled insulin if you're interested! But most people have sort of laughed at the whole thing and would prefer if they spent their time working on a cure!
Hi Renee! My daughter is 8 and has had diabetes since she was 6 months old! She's on 4 shots a day (Pens, so we can't mix them!) and on a constant carbohydrate diet... which is new and is working GREAT for her!
WHOA!!!! SEizures?? Gosh I hope that doesn't happen again! That must be pretty darn scarey! I thank God it's never happened to Kristina in 7 1/2 years of dealing with this!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:48PM EST
Marcia.. we just got the really short needles and I am in love with them. He wasn't gaining any weight and had no fat on his body so giving him the shots caused bruising and lumps because no matter what we did we always seemed to get into the muscle. The new ones are working much better. Also.. in 3 weeks he has put on 7 pounds. Finally up to 27 pounds.
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:48PM EST
"Diabetes Interview" is a newspaper like publication that comes out each month..one of my favorites.. lots of updated stuff and researchinfo. and yes you can get the free weekly e-mail letter at the diabetesworld site.
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:48PM EST
renee/fl...god bless you! Took on quite a bit.
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:49PM EST
Marcia, I subscribed to get the 3 free issues and I never got one. :-(
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:50PM EST Marcia, I'm so out of touch... I hadn't heard about those rumors! I heard about the doc being sued though! He was supposed to start some clinical trials this month or next though! Do you know if they are still going to do that?
HEY ZOREL!!! Yes!! Do email me! I need your new new addy! It's sooo good to see you!
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:50PM EST
Melissa, I think the idea of inhaled insulin is great. Especially for getting small doses of short acting insulin along the way, which works much better than trying to anticipate the long acting ones. And we are so glad you've never dealt with seizures, cause it's awful! We've been through several.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:51PM EST
I never got my August issue Lisa! I was supposed to get June, July and August free!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:51PM EST
Melissa.. this last episode was his 7th and 8th one. The 8th one he was in the hospital when he had it and it took them 20 minutes to get it to stop. They didn't have glucagon available on the ward. They wanted to give him D25. And it doesn't work for him. We told them that in the ER but they wouldn't listen to us. They checked his sugar while he was seizing wasting 5 minutes and then wouldn't listen to me. The doctor actually wanted us to try to get him to drink or eat. I yelled" His jaw is locked up and his body is rigid. He will not be able to eat or drink" IT took Jeff threatening them with a lawsuit to get the glucagon in the room. At 18 minutes into the seizure he just collapsed on my chest. It was pretty scary.
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:51PM EST
Melissa...NEVER a seizure? How lucky you are! Our duaghter was diagnosed at just 4 and is now 14 1/2, and has had 4 of them. I am now a very gray old lady! Tell us your secret to no lows that produce seizures!
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:52PM EST
I need to go.. catch everyone agoin..Bye
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:52PM EST
We will never take him to that hospital again. It was the closet one to Jeff's work (that is where the first seizure occured).
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:52PM EST
Peggy, I think one of the concerns here about that was how would you REALLY know how much insulin got breathed in? What if the child had a cold?? and also, there would STILL be shots to deal with!
renee/FL @ 207.69.247.19 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:52PM EST
my Daughter has seizures alot and You are right... I just pray it will end....
Lisa D. (Spencer's Mom) @ 206.155.90.51 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:53PM EST
I wonder if I should email them about the free issues. If I like it I will definatly subscribe to it.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:54PM EST
we have had 8 seizures, 10 hospitalizations from ketoacidosis and numerous ER visits for various illnesses caused from out of control blood sugars in one year. Hopefully this year will be better. *smile*
Marcia...WA @ 209.17.80.82 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:55PM EST
We have never had a seizure in 12 years either..(knock wood).. Jeff, D25 should work faster than glucagon if they have a good IV site. I think luck plays a part in no seizures..Stephanie has a very good tolerence to lows.. really leaving now..LOL
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:55PM EST
But thankfully he is finally picking up words again and learning new things daily.
Melissa you are definately lucky!!!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:55PM EST
I guess we're just lucky! I've also kept her blood sugars alittle higher than necessary! And for the last 3 years, she's been a bit out of control with many high numbers and an A1c continually in the 9's! Now she's 8.4 after less than 3 months on this constant carb diet! She's just never passed out at all from lows! When she was a baby, she had several lows that just read LO on the meter! But other than that, she doesn't get lower than 35 and she can still function at that! today she was 41 and managed to go downstairs to the nurses office on her own!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:56PM EST
The only thing about the D25 ... it seems to collapse his veins and burn them so the endo's don't want him to have it. His veins are small and he doesn't have very many good ones. They would rather use glucagon on him.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:56PM EST
Bye Marcia! Good to see you!
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:57PM EST
Okay...the other end of that is the few times our daughter did't have a seizure...she needed oxygen! She is really tolerant of ows too...can't tell she has them till it is almost too late.
renee/FL @ 207.69.247.19 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:57PM EST
ell all it is 12 AM and i need to try t oget my 2 hrs sleep
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:58PM EST
Brandon's HA1C is 10.2
He has passed out many times from them. Brandon is on a constant carb diet now for the last 3 weeks and it seems to be working awesomesome for him as well. That is great that she hasn't had any seizures and can still function around 35.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:58PM EST
The constant carb diet has been a LIFESAVER for us! I can't believe our old doc never recommended it! When we saw the new dieticians, they said she'd been on a toddler's diet all this time! and she's 8!! As soon as we started it, her blood sugars came RIGHT into control! and I'm freaking when I see a 135 at midnight!! hehehehe I'm more comfortable seeing a 200! LOL
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:59PM EST
Melissa, My daughter is like that too., BUT she has stopped breathing twice when neither one of us knew she was low.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Thu, Aug 20, 11:59PM EST
goodnight Renee
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:00AM EST
Yea she's amazing! She caught the low when she was at 81 today but cause I screwed up on her breakfast, the juice box she had for the 81 didn't do diddly squat! She was well aware of the low and still felt miserable when I got there at lunch time and she was back up to 112!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:00AM EST
Gosh Sue.. how do you know when that is going to happen? Do you check her in the middle of the night?
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:01AM EST
Mine has done her own test successfully at 35 on several occasions. Then comes to me and says "Mom, I think I need a snack. I don't feel too good...." I guess!!!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:01AM EST
How was her sugar at dinner time Melissa? Did she start feeling better?
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:01AM EST
WOw Sue! Now THAT would be scarey! I'm sooo glad Krsitina is so sensitive to her lows! We also test often enough that we can catch them! and ever since Lyn's grandaughter had a seizure and then Todd's Paralysis, I have tested EVERY night!! THAT scared me!!!
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:02AM EST
Night all...Jeffry & Brandy---treat your cchild as normal as much as you can. As they get older they will thank you for it. Becca at 14 is at a HGA1C of 7.3. She is thrilled, and we learned together that she needs to do it. Start early. Only bad thin are the lows...she can't tolerate a 35 and doesn't know it! Is not symptomatic of lows.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:02AM EST
Brandon is just now getting to the point of saying "snack" or "test me" or he will just go get his kit and bring it too me. It certainly has helped us because he doesn't show symptoms as low as 15. The other day he was 23 and you couldn't tell until I checked his sugar for lunch.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:03AM EST Peggy when she was in kindergarten, she started really being able to tell when she was low! I asked her then how she could tell! and this darling little 5 year old proceeded to tell me in explicit detail how the shakiness traveled through her body! I was just amazed that someone so young could be sooo in tune with her body!!
Yes by the end of school she was in the 200's! LOL I overdid the snacks just a bit.. maybe by only 15 carbs though! Not much!
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:04AM EST
They tolerate lows much better when their bs has been running good. When they've been running high a lot, a low really knocks them down.
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:04AM EST
goodnight Sue. He knows how to use his machine, insert the test strip, load up the lancet pen, stick his own finger... just has a little trouble with getting the blood on the strip. LOL.. .not bad for a 2 year old.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:05AM EST
Kristina has always looked pale at about 50! Her lips would turn white!
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:05AM EST
Melissa, mine used to tell me her stomach felt shaky.
sue @ 209.182.69.39 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:05AM EST
Before I leave, Becca tests 6 times a day, and yes we test at night, in the middle, and sometimes we still miss a low. Must come with the teenage hormone thing. We have switched doses, and inuslins, but she started the lows early, so I can't even blame the hormones!
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:06AM EST
isn't it amazing Melissa. I still can't believe that they adapt so quickly!!!
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:06AM EST
Yea I know last year, a low would make it hard for Kristina to concentrate at school for the rest of the day! So far, she's had 2 lows since school started and she doesn't seem to have too much trouble with them! We're still adjusting for school though!
Peggy @ 205.153.60.35 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:07AM EST
Does anyone here NOT test in the night? That's why I'm here now, cause I do better to stay up late to test, and then I can sleep, then my husband tests at 3 or 4.
Melissa (POM) @ 207.22.198.167 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:07AM EST
Jeffrey & Brandy @ 209.116.185.32 . . . . Fri, Aug 21, 12:07AM EST
Nothing changes with Brandon. He had a low when he was first at children's hospital .. it was 39 and the doctor's couldn't believe he still wanted to play and not have a snack. 
Email Melissa