Insulin pumps usually cost more. Although some households may be able to afford insulin pumps.
An insulin pump can help diabetic patients achieve greater health and a sense of normalcy. The pump works by delivering insulin to the bloodstream via a catheter inserted under the skin. This allows patients to avoid multiple needle pricks and insulin injections each day.
Those who are thinking about purchasing an insulin pump should take into account not only the cost of the pump itself but also the cost of the monthly consumables, accessories, and insurance. Also crucial to consider is how you will obtain the necessary insulin pump-centered care.
How Much Does an Insulin Pump Cost?
According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, insulin pumps cost between $4,500 and $6,500 for individuals without insurance. The price varies depending upon the features, brand and size of the pump. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Insulin Pump costs about $4,600 and includes only a few a features, such as software that allows readings to be downloaded to a personal digital assistant (PDA). The Minimed Paradigm 522 is more expensive, retailing at about $5,200, but includes more features, like continuous glucose monitoring.
Cost of extra accessories
You may need or wish to buy additional accessories including pouches to hold your pump securely on your body.
A range of pouches are available including:
- Waist worn pump pouches
- Bra held pump pouches
- Arm band pump pouches
- Thigh band pump pouches
- Waterproof pump pouches for showering
Insulin pump pouches are available in all sorts of different designs and typically cost between $12 and $22 per pouch.
Cost of Insuring an Insulin Pump
The price of the pump may be covered by some insurance policies. Patients with insurance should often anticipate to pay $5 to 50% of the entire cost of the pump in copays and coinsurance.
Even though infusion tubes, syringes, and batteries are typically included with pumps, patients will still need to regularly replenish these supplies. According to Boston, Massachusetts’ Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a part of Harvard Medical School, these things cost roughly $1,500 annually. These expenses may be covered by some insurance plans, but only at standard coinsurance and copay rates of $5 to 50% of the total cost.
What Do Insulin Pump Consist of
An insulin pump is usually about the size of a deck of cards, although the size can vary depending on the model. You wear the pump outside your body.
The pump usually consists of:
- a display screen
- a place for an insulin container
- a thin cannula, or tube, that attaches to your body
You can insert the cannula in a variety of places on your body. Some of the most common places include your stomach, thigh, or buttocks.
The cannula acts as the go-between from the pump to your skin. You place the little end of the cannula in the subcutaneous tissue below your skin. You’ll usually cover this end with a small, clear or flesh-colored bandage, so it stays in place and doesn’t become dislodged.
How to use an insulin pump
It’s very important that you spend time with a diabetes educator or your doctor to learn how to use your insulin pump properly.
Before you start using an insulin pump, it’s important that you know how to:
- attach the infusion set to your body
- change the insulin in your pump
- troubleshoot problems with your device
- change the infusion set
- manage the different features that the pump has
Can you sleep with an insulin pump?
It shouldn’t be an issue to sleep with your pump on. You can attach your pump to your nightshirt or pajama bottoms if you’re wearing pajamas. You don’t have to be concerned about unintentionally adjusting your insulin dosage by rolling onto your insulin pump.
