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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on July 27, 2009 at 8:49am

Hey, no s..... Sherlock!

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on July 27, 2009 at 10:06am

Oh...that's just what I tend to say when I'm really upset and it's apparent to everyone why. I left out the expletive. Nothing personal...at least NOT towards you.

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Permalink Reply by Kristin on July 27, 2009 at 9:20am

Wow. This is unbelievable. They definitely should have mentioned/ checked if your insurance covers the training!

I wonder why insurance won't cover this? They will pay for your pump but not teaching you to use it well?? Doesn't make any sense!

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Permalink Reply by FatCatAnna on July 27, 2009 at 11:38am

That is so strange Janice - that you and others have been charged for training on your pumps. I have never heard of this being done here in Canada. For the two pumps I've been on over the years - the companies that sold me my pump would provide me with a qualified person - bit of a wait mind you due to not many knowledgable people in the pumping area (it's still relatively new here in my country) - but still - even one hour with someone helped answer questions that I had that I couldn't figure out on my own/manual.

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Permalink Reply by Brunetta on July 27, 2009 at 11:49am

Janice, this IS strange. I use a Paradgm 522, an upgrade, and was trained by the Minimed Pump trainer at her office, She was a resident at a nearby children;s hospitall , a Type 1 paradgim pump wearer herself, and my docor's office had nothing to do with the initial training. I thought all pump companies did it like this. The doctor may provide an office for the training, but the trainers are paid by the pimp comopanies..Is that not the procedure for Insulet? Maybe you should ask on the Omnipod users groupI think there is one....I do not thinkj that youshould be held liable for a training that your doc's office does not provide.....

God Bless

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Permalink Reply by Jim on July 27, 2009 at 3:22pm

I just started on the Paradigm system last week and Medtronic/Minimed sent a terrific trainer out to my house, and I don't believe there's any charge for this.

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Permalink Reply by Pavlos on July 28, 2009 at 6:29am

Same here for me. I was trained by a Minimed rep and I was never charged a dime. When I had originally asked my endo for training he said "oh, you're one of those people" implying that I am stupid for even wanting training. Minimed just took charge for me though and had me train with one of their people.

It is absolutely ridiculous that they'd charge you that much. I guess it's like all things in healthcare here . . . overpriced for no reason.

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on July 29, 2009 at 8:26am

OK GUYS...The first phone call this morning was from my OmniPod representative telling me NOT to pay the ridiculous bill. He said that Insulet would "resolve" the issue. We have enough problems in life and surely don't need someone/something else piling on. I appreciate all of your comments.

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Permalink Reply by Unicornzzz on July 30, 2009 at 9:32pm

Recheck with the pump company. My training was covered by them. If they do not cover it go back to the insurance company and appeal. If they ok you for the pump then how are you supposed to use it if you do not get trained on how to use it.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Hagen on July 31, 2009 at 7:31am

Janice- My guess is that the doc's office incorectly coded the bill they sent to insurance. I have had training at the doc's office 3 times for different pumps and it is always covered by BCBS. Insurance is all about the coding, I have been billed for other things and when I tell the provider they recode it and I don't pay. Also, the doc's office should have been paying you. They were wasting your time while their person was educated. Just my opinion.

Glad to hear insulet is going to take care of it for you!

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on July 31, 2009 at 8:17am

I had a situation late last year when one of my doctor's offices had incorrectly coded my services. They refused to admit their mistake and insisted that I pay the outstanding balance. The insurance company even called them and explained to them that if they would simply re-code and re-submit, everything would be paid. They refused!! This went back and forth until I was informed that this matter would be turned over for collections and I would not be allowed to return. I was forced to plead to the insurance company and a supervisor asked me what services I had had; and re-coded it herself. RESOLVED. I informed my doctor about all of the hassel and presented him with the letter from the insurance company. The doctor is outstanding..obviously some of his office staff are NOT!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Hagen on July 31, 2009 at 8:54am

I would keep him informed about this. He will know he is losing patients over stuff like this. It should not be that hard to get care. Even if it is a big clinic the docs have a lot of pull. If they want change it will happen. You should not have to work that hard to use him!

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