Tag: CGMs

As the diabetes market observes the 100th anniversary of insulin therapy, manufacturers are optimistic about the growth of medical technology in the category. Specifically, the evolution of continuous glucose meters has charted a path forward for the industry to follow, they say.  Elaine Anderson, head of the Eversense CGM business unit at Parsippany, N.J.-based Ascensia Diabetes Care, calls CGM the “first step change” in diabetes treatment since the “transformative discovery”...

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. – Abbott has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for expansion of reimbursement coverage for its FreeStyle Libre system to include all people with diabetes who use insulin at least once a day. The expanded coverage will enable more people with diabetes to access the glucose data needed to manage their condition without the routine fingersticks associated with traditional blood glucose monitoring. "The best health care solution is the...

When CMS paved the way for coverage of continuous blood glucose monitors (CGMs), it was a shot in the arm for a diabetes market devastated by the competitive bidding program. In the years since, the market has exploded and it shows no signs of slowing down.  In 2020, Medicare spending for CGMs (K0554) was $21,594,764, compared to approximately $4,192,820 in 2017, the year CMS began paying for the devices, according to the HME Databank.   The top provider in 2020: North Coast Medical...

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Advanced Diabetes Supply increases its visibility in the eastern U.S. and gains a large platform on which to grow with its recent acquisition of US Medical Supply (US MED).  “Both companies have a good brand, and they really complement each other,” said Tim Cady, president of ADS. “Our immediate plan, short term, is to keep both brands out there.”  ADS’s focus on insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors – a shift forced...

WASHINGTON – Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, along with Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and Tom Reed, R-NY., Co-Chairs of the Senate and Congressional Diabetes Caucuses, sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough urging the VA to stop requiring veterans to use the medically unnecessary four finger stick tests prior to initiating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) therapy.  In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted...

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Advanced Diabetes Supply has acquired US Medical Supply (US MED), a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital that provides continuous glucose monitors and medical supplies.  Founded in 1996, the Doral, Fla.-based US MED contracts with more than 500 insurance plans covering nearly 200 million lives. It was acquired by H.I.G in 2015.  “H.I.G. served as a value-added partner to our leadership team and supported the transformation of the business,” said...

BASEL, Switzerland – Ascensia Diabetes Care has launched a Patient Assistance Program to reduce out-of-pocket costs for its Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. “Our fundamental goal at Ascensia is to simplify and improve the lives of people living with diabetes through technologies that facilitate better outcomes and reduce the burden of managing the condition,” said Mary Puncochar, head of Ascensia’s Region US. “We therefore want to be able to offer Eversense...

DUBLIN – The biggest barrier to CGMs and other innovative diabetes technology is cost, says Medtronic, and that’s why the company recently launched a CGM Access Discount Program for certain users.  “Our goal is to make therapy available to everyone and we hear cost is one of the top reasons they can’t go on CGMs or fall off (using CGMs),” says Krista Sugerman, vice president of global customer engagement for Medtronic. “We try to...

CHICAGO - With the diabetes management industry growing by leaps and bounds, Frank Brumfield, CEO and owner of FSB Companies, a private investment firm, knew it was time to sell Pinnacle Medical Solutions, a company he’s been involved with since 2006.  “We’re excited to plug in the patient-focus model that The FSB Companies and the Pinnacle management team had built over the years into a much broader platform,” he said. “We wanted to be able to continue...

DUBLIN - Medtronic has launched a CGM Access Discount program that allows users without insurance coverage or those who switched insurance or lost coverage to access discounted out-of-pocket costs for a Medtronic CGM. The discount enables eligible patients to pay $180 for a Medtronic CGM (with a 12-month warranty) and $60/month for sensors. For more information on the program, click here. In October, CMS announced proposed changes that, if finalized, would expand Medicare coverage for CGMs. Earlier...