Where You Get Your CGM Matters

Where you get your CGM matters: Why choosing a company like EHCS can boost success

Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system helps you manage diabetes by tracking your glucose levels throughout the day, which can help you stay in control and increase your time in range. A recent study found that patients who get their CGMs through a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider like Edwards Health Care Services (EHCS), instead of a pharmacy, are more likely to use them consistently. Why? Some DMEs – like EHCS – offer better support, personalized experiences, and assistance with insurance claims, making it easier for you to stay on track. Plus, better CGM usage means fewer health issues and lower overall costs for you.

The Role of CGMs in Diabetes Care

CGMs are invaluable tools for people with diabetes, providing near-constant feedback on glucose levels and reducing the need for fingerstick testing. These devices help you and your healthcare team to make timely, data-driven decisions, improving overall health outcomes. The adoption of CGM devices has been a game-changer, particularly for individuals with Type 1 diabetes and those managing insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes.

We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to follow your doctor’s treatment regimen, including the use of your CGM. Higher adherence leads to better glucose control, fewer complications, and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. And surprisingly, where you get your CGM – through a pharmacy or a DME like EHCS – can significantly impact your adherence and healthcare costs.

Key Findings from the Study: Pharmacy vs. DME Sourcing

A recent study, “Exploring the Impact of Device Sourcing on Real-World Adherence and Cost Implications of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients With Diabetes,” revealed several important findings related to how CGMs are sourced:

1. Better Adherence with DME Suppliers: The study found that patients who sourced their CGMs through DME suppliers were more likely to maintain consistent use of their devices. These patients also demonstrated higher rates of resuming therapy if they had experienced a lapse in usage. The structured support and education that often come with using a DME supplier may explain this improved adherence.
2. Lower Overall Healthcare Costs: While the upfront costs of obtaining a CGM might be similar across pharmacies and DMEs, the study highlighted that DME-sourced patients incurred lower long-term healthcare costs. The improved adherence observed in the DME group likely contributes to this, as better glucose control leads to fewer diabetes-related complications, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
3. Better Continuity of Therapy: Patients using DMEs like EHCS were more likely to continue CGM therapy after an interruption. This could be attributed to the personalized support provided by DME suppliers, which ensures patients are more informed and equipped to use their CGMs effectively.

Why DME Sourcing Works Better for CGM Users

For many patients, the choice between sourcing a CGM device from a pharmacy or a DME supplier may seem like a simple logistical decision, but it can have profound implications on adherence and outcomes. Here are a few reasons why sourcing through a DME supplier often leads to better results:

• Personalized Support and Onboarding: For more than 30 years, EHCS has been working with patients, their healthcare teams, and insurance plans to provide the best products for effective diabetes therapy. DME suppliers like EHCS can offer more personalized guidance, from setting up your account and using your CGM to managing reorders, so you never run out of supplies.
• Comprehensive Insurance Navigation: With decades of experience navigating insurance claims and approvals, EHCS is well-suited to help patients access the devices they need with minimal hassle. This seamless process can reduce interruptions in therapy and ensure that patients continue to use their devices regularly.
• Higher Quality of Education: DMEs typically provide more in-depth education on how to maximize the benefits of a CGM. We have close relationships with the manufacturers, and we are trained on products from the beginning and work with you to ensure you receive the right training. We’ve found that proper education is critical to adherence because if you understand how the device works and how to interpret the data, you’re more likely to use it consistently.

The Value of DME in CGM Therapy

For patients with diabetes, the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices can be life-changing. As this study shows, where and how patients obtain these devices matters significantly. DME suppliers like EHCS are uniquely positioned to support higher adherence rates, better glucose control, and lower healthcare costs, offering clear advantages over pharmacy-based sourcing.

By choosing EHCS, you’re more likely to stick with your CGM therapy, avoid gaps in usage, and experience better health outcomes. If you ever have questions or need assistance with your CGM, we are here to help!

For more insights into the study, you can access the full text here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38804821. If you’re ready to receive your CGM supplies from EHCS, you can click the button below to get started, call us at 1.800.951.1725, or email our Diabetes Care team at dca@myehcs.com.