The use of insulin pumps has been amply demonstrated to be the gold standard therapy for patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, with improved diabetic control, reduced risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) and improved quality of life. We now offer a private pump service, which is proving to be very popular with around 400 patients commencing on pumps with us over the last 3 years. This has the advantage of reducing waiting times to receive an insulin pump and involves a comprehensive education process with an Accredited Diabetic Educator, with Charmaine De Blieck, Lucy Casson, Michelle Redmond and Janelle Collins filling this role.
If you are interested in going onto an insulin pump, you will firstly need to arrange a consultation with Dr Thornley. It is worthwhile prior to consultation reviewing the websites of the different pumps available in Australia, links to these are to the left. The reality check website also has useful information. To save time, the link to the left goes to a checklist, which you will need to discuss with your Health Fund as to whether you will be covered for an insulin pump. It will save time to complete this check list prior to your first review by Dr Thornley. Please note that it is not medically necessary to be admitted to Hospital to commence on an insulin pump, however some Health Funds insist on this. We can facilitate this. Please note that at this point, insulin pumps are not covered by Medicare although there is government subsidy in some cases.
Finally, if you do not already have one, you should obtain from your General Practioner an EPC Diabetic Care Plan which will entitle you to Medicare reimbursement for any extra sessions with a Diabetic Educator or Dietician.
The fee for an insulin pump start is $300, Please note that this is not covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance.
We will shortly be commencing a continuous glucose monitoring loan service!
