CGM FAQs & Troubleshooting
Managing diabetes is easier when you have access to accurate, real-time glucose data. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems help you make informed decisions about your health without the need for frequent fingersticks.
Whether you're considering a CGM for the first time, have questions about coverage, or need help troubleshooting your device, this guide can help. If you need additional assistance, please contact Piedmont Medical Solutions and our team will be happy to help.
Getting Started with CGM
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a method of tracking glucose levels throughout the day and night. A small sensor worn on the body measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and provides readings every few minutes, giving you a more complete picture of your glucose trends.
Unlike traditional fingerstick testing, CGM helps you monitor changes in glucose levels 24 hours a day and can alert you when your levels are rising or falling.
Do I Qualify for a CGM?
Many people with diabetes may qualify for a CGM through their insurance plan. You may be eligible if you:
- Have Type 1 diabetes
- Have Type 2 diabetes
- Use insulin therapy
- Experience episodes of low blood sugar
- Need better visibility into glucose trends and patterns
Our team can verify your benefits and help determine whether you qualify.
How Do I Get a CGM?
Getting started is simple:
- Contact Piedmont Medical Solutions.
- We verify your insurance coverage and benefits.
- We work with your healthcare provider to obtain any required prescription and documentation.
- Once approved, we ship your CGM supplies directly to your home.
Does Insurance Cover CGM Supplies?
Many Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans provide coverage for CGM supplies. Coverage requirements vary by plan, but our team will verify your benefits and explain any costs before you receive your equipment.
Do I Need a Prescription?
Yes. CGM systems require a prescription from your healthcare provider. Depending on your insurance plan, additional chart notes or prior authorization may also be required.
Piedmont Medical Solutions works directly with your provider to help obtain the necessary documentation.
How Does Piedmont Medical Solutions Make It Easy?
We handle the paperwork, insurance verification, and communication with your healthcare provider so you don't have to.
Our team:
- Verifies insurance benefits
- Coordinates with your physician
- Helps gather required documentation
- Keeps you informed throughout the approval process
- Delivers supplies directly to your home
Our goal is to make getting and staying on CGM therapy as simple and stress-free as possible.
What Happens After I'm Approved?
Once approved, your CGM supplies will be shipped directly to your home. We'll also help ensure you continue receiving replacement sensors and supplies as needed so you can stay on therapy without interruption.
General CGM Questions
Who Can Benefit from Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
CGM use may benefit:
- Patients with Type 1 diabetes
- Patients with Type 2 diabetes
- Patients using insulin pumps
- Patients on multiple daily insulin injections
- Patients at risk for hypoglycemia
- Patients who experience frequent glucose fluctuations
- Patients seeking better glucose management and improved outcomes
Many users also benefit from sharing glucose data with family members or caregivers.
What Are the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
CGM systems provide ongoing insight into your glucose levels without the need for repeated fingersticks.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced episodes of hypoglycemia
- Improved glucose management
- Lower A1C levels
- Better visibility into glucose trends
- Increased confidence in daily diabetes management
- Improved quality of life
How Accurate Are CGM Systems?
CGM sensors measure glucose in interstitial fluid rather than directly in the bloodstream, so readings may not exactly match a fingerstick test.
Typical accuracy rates include:
- Dexcom: approximately 9%
- FreeStyle Libre 2: approximately 9.3%
- FreeStyle Libre 14-Day: approximately 9.4%
- FreeStyle Libre 3: approximately 7.9%
Is a Prescription Required?
Yes. CGM systems require a prescription, qualifying chart notes, and, in some cases, prior authorization from your insurance company.
Are CGM Devices Water Resistant?
Yes. Most CGM sensors are water resistant and can be worn during normal daily activities.
However:
- Do not submerge the sensor deeper than 3 feet.
- Do not keep the sensor underwater for more than 30 minutes.
- CGM receivers are not water resistant.
What Are the Contraindications for CGM Use?
CGM sensors should be removed before:
- MRI procedures
- CT scans
- X-rays
- Diathermy treatments
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific device.
Sensor Usage & Placement
How Long Should My Sensor Last?
Sensor lifespan varies by manufacturer:
- Dexcom sensors generally last 10 days.
- FreeStyle Libre sensors generally last 14 days.
Always replace your sensor according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I Restart a Sensor After It Expires?
No. CGM sensors are designed for a specific wear period and should not be restarted or reused after expiration.
A new sensor should be inserted once the current sensor session ends.
Where Should I Place My CGM Sensor?
Choose a location that is:
- Clean and dry
- Relatively flat
- Free of excessive hair
- Away from waistbands or areas that fold frequently
Avoid:
- Scar tissue
- Stretch marks
- Irritated skin
- Areas likely to be bumped or compressed while sleeping
Dexcom G6 Placement
Dexcom G6 is approved for placement on the abdomen.
For patients ages 2-17, the upper buttocks may also be used.
Choose a site:
- At least 3 inches from insulin infusion or injection sites
- Away from waistbands
- Away from scars, tattoos, and irritated skin
- Unlikely to experience pressure during sleep
FreeStyle Libre Placement
FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 sensors are approved for placement on the back of the upper arm.
Avoid placing the sensor over:
- Scars
- Moles
- Stretch marks
- Skin irregularities
Keeping Your Sensor Secure
If your sensor does not stay attached well, consider:
- Medical-grade adhesive bandages
- Waterproof adhesive overpatches
- Sensor retention tapes
- SkinTac or similar adhesive products
Tips:
- Apply adhesive products to clean, dry skin.
- Use an overpatch immediately after insertion if you have oily skin.
- Do not remove reinforcement tape or patches until the sensor is ready to be replaced.
- Do not cover the center opening of a Libre sensor.
Dexcom may also provide adhesive support products for eligible users.
Libre vs. Dexcom
FreeStyle Libre
- Approved for children ages 4 and older
- 14-day sensor life
- Integrated sensor and transmitter
- Requires scanning the sensor for readings
- Generates a new glucose value every minute
- One-hour warmup period
- Data sharing available through the LibreLink app
Dexcom
- Approved for children ages 2 and older
- G6 features a separate transmitter and sensor
- G7 features an integrated transmitter
- Automatically sends readings every 5 minutes
- Works with compatible insulin pumps
- Two-hour warmup period for G6
- Real-time sharing through the Dexcom Follow app
Insulin Pump Compatibility
Do CGM Systems Only Work with Insulin Pumps?
No. CGM systems can be used with or without an insulin pump.
Which Pumps Work With Dexcom?
Dexcom G6 and G7 currently integrate with:
- Tandem insulin pumps
- Omnipod 5
Does FreeStyle Libre Integrate With Insulin Pumps?
Currently, Libre systems do not integrate with insulin pumps.
Understanding CGM Readings
What Do Glucose Trend Arrows Mean?
Trend arrows show the direction and speed at which your glucose levels are changing.
They can help you:
- Identify rising glucose levels
- Detect falling glucose levels
- Make informed treatment decisions
- Prepare for potential highs or lows before they occur
Refer to your device's user guide for the specific meaning of each trend arrow and recommended actions.
Still Have Questions?
If you need help determining your eligibility, understanding your insurance coverage, ordering supplies, or troubleshooting your CGM system, the Piedmont Medical Solutions team is here to help. Contact us today to speak with a CGM specialist.