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CMS changes course on CGM policy

CMS changes course on CGM policy

WASHINGTON - CMS will allow Medicare beneficiaries to use smart phone technology with their continuous glucose monitors, it announced.

The announcement reverses guidance issued in March 2017 in which the agency said beneficiaries could not use a non-DME device, such as a smart phone or tablet as the display device—in conflict with how many use their CGMs.

“CMS heard from numerous stakeholders who shared their concerns that Medicare's CG coverage policy limited their use of CGMs in conjunction with their smartphones, preventing the from sharing data with family members, physicians and caregivers,” the agency stated in a bulletin.

CMS in January 2017 approved certain CGMs as durable medical equipment if they were approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in place of a blood glucose monitor when making treatment decisions.

The DME MAC contractors will issue a revised policy article in the near future, at which tie the change will be effective.

Currently, only the Dexcom G5 and the Freestyle Libre CGMs are approved.

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