Telehealth vs In-Person: Getting Your CGM Prescription

This article provides general information about telehealth, including how telehealth can offer seniors access to CGM prescriptions. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice specific to your situation.

Getting your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) prescription doesn’t have to mean a trip to the doctor’s office anymore. Thanks to telehealth options, Medicare seniors can now obtain CGM prescriptions from the comfort of home. Let’s explore how telehealth CGM prescription for seniors works and compare it with traditional in-person visits.

What is Telehealth for CGM Prescriptions?

Telehealth means meeting with your doctor through video chat or phone call instead of visiting the office. For CGM prescriptions, you’ll discuss your diabetes management needs just like an in-person visit, but from your own home.

What This Means for You: No driving to appointments, waiting rooms, or exposure to illness – especially helpful if you have mobility challenges or live far from your doctor.

How CGM Telehealth Appointments Work

During a virtual visit, your doctor will:

Review your diabetes history
Discuss blood sugar patterns
Assess your CGM needs
Write the prescription electronically
Send it directly to your pharmacy or DME supplier

Comparing Telehealth vs. In-Person CGM Prescriptions

Telehealth Appointments

Advantages:

✓ Connect from home using computer or smartphone
✓ Medicare covers most telehealth visits
✓ Typically shorter wait times for appointments
✓ No travel or transportation needed
✓ Family members can join easily
✓ Access to specialists regardless of location
✓ Appointments available evenings/weekends
✓ Reduced exposure to illnesses

Challenges:

✗ Requires basic technology skills
✗ Need reliable internet connection
✗ Can’t perform physical examinations
✗ May feel less personal initially

In-Person Visits

Advantages:

✓ Direct physical examination if needed
✓ No technology requirements
✓ Hands-on device training possible
✓ Established comfort with traditional visits
✓ Immediate help with paperwork
✓ Can address multiple issues easily

Challenges:

✗ Requires transportation
✗ Usually longer wait times
✗ Exposure to other patients
✗ Time away from home
✗ Weather can cancel appointments
✗ Parking costs and hassles

💡 Technology Help: If you’re new to video calls, ask a family member to help set up your first telehealth appointment. Many doctors’ offices also offer practice sessions to test your connection before the actual visit.

Medicare Coverage: Same Benefits, Different Delivery

Coverage Comparison

Telehealth CGM Appointments:

Covered by Medicare Part B
Same copay as office visits (typically 20%)
No special enrollment needed
Available nationwide since 2020

In-Person CGM Appointments:

Covered by Medicare Part B
Standard 20% copay after deductible
Traditional coverage rules apply
Available at any Medicare provider

Bottom Line: Medicare treats telehealth and in-person visits equally for CGM prescriptions. Your out-of-pocket costs remain the same.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your CGM Prescription via Telehealth

1. Schedule Your Appointment

Contact your doctor’s office:

Ask if they offer telehealth
Request CGM prescription appointment
Confirm Medicare coverage
Get instructions for connecting

What to ask:

“Do you prescribe CGMs via telehealth?”
“What platform do you use?”
“Can someone help me test the technology?”

2. Prepare for Your Visit

One Week Before:

Download required apps
Test your camera and microphone
Gather diabetes records
Write down questions

Documents to Have Ready:

Recent blood sugar logs
Current medication list
Previous A1C results
Any CGM research you’ve done

3. During Your Appointment

What to Discuss:

Current diabetes management challenges
Frequency of blood sugar testing
History of high/low blood sugar events
Why you want a CGM
Which CGM interests you

Key Points to Mention:

Difficulty with finger sticks
Nighttime blood sugar concerns
Desire for better control
Medicare coverage questions

4. After Your Appointment

Next Steps:

Prescription sent to DME supplier
Insurance verification begins
Training scheduled (virtual or in-person)
Supplies ordered and shipped

Technology Requirements for Telehealth

Minimum Needs

Internet:

Broadband connection preferred
Smartphone data works too
Test speed at fast.com (need 5+ Mbps)

Device Options:

Smartphone with camera
Tablet (iPad, etc.)
Computer with webcam
Some offices provide devices

Software:

Usually free apps
Common: Zoom, Doxy.me, MyChart
Office provides instructions

Making Technology Work for You

If You’re Not Tech-Savvy:

Start Simple: Use whatever device you’re most comfortable with
Get Help: Ask family or senior center for assistance
Practice First: Do a test call with a friend
Have Backup: Keep office phone number handy

Barbara, 73: “I was scared of video calls, but my grandson helped me practice. Now I love telehealth – it’s like my doctor makes house calls!”

When to Choose Telehealth vs. In-Person

Choose Telehealth When:

Ideal Situations:

Routine CGM prescription renewal
Initial CGM consultation
Follow-up appointments
Bad weather conditions
Transportation challenges
Living far from doctor
Mobility limitations
Caregiver needs to attend

Perfect For:

Discussing blood sugar patterns
Reviewing CGM options
Prescription adjustments
Insurance questions

Choose In-Person When:

Better Situations:

First-time CGM user wanting hands-on training
Physical symptoms need examination
Complex medical conditions
Combining with other procedures
Prefer face-to-face interaction
No internet access
Technology anxiety

Necessary For:

Annual physical exams
Diabetic foot checks
Blood pressure readings
Lab work needed

Real Senior Experiences

Success Stories: Telehealth

Robert, 76 – Rural Montana: “My endocrinologist is 150 miles away. Telehealth saved me from dangerous winter drives. Got my CGM prescription in 15 minutes from my kitchen table. The video quality was fine, and my doctor could see my blood sugar logs when I held them up.”

Maria, 69 – Urban Chicago: “I use a walker and medical transport is expensive. My daughter joins my telehealth visits from her office. She helps explain things and takes notes. We got my Freestyle Libre prescribed without leaving home.”

Success Stories: In-Person

James, 72 – Suburban Phoenix: “I wanted to see and touch different CGM models before choosing. My doctor had samples in the office. The diabetes educator showed me exactly how to apply the sensor. That hands-on experience gave me confidence.”

Dorothy, 78 – Small Town Iowa: “I’m old-fashioned and like seeing my doctor face-to-face. She knows I’m not good with computers. We discussed CGMs during my regular checkup. Having her explain everything in person helped me understand.”

Making the Right Choice for You

Questions to Ask Yourself

About Technology:

Do I have reliable internet?
Am I comfortable with video calls?
Can someone help me if needed?
Do I have a device with a camera?

About Travel:

Is getting to appointments difficult?
Do weather conditions affect my travel?
Are parking and walking challenging?
Do I rely on others for rides?

About Preferences:

Do I prefer face-to-face conversations?
Would I benefit from hands-on demonstrations?
Do I want family members to join?
Am I comfortable trying new things?

Combining Both Approaches

Many seniors find a hybrid approach works best:

The Best of Both Worlds

Sarah’s Strategy: “I see my doctor in person every three months for checkups. Between visits, we use telehealth for prescription renewals and quick questions. This gives me regular face time while reducing travel.”

Benefits of Mixing:

Regular physical assessments
Convenient follow-ups
Flexibility for weather/health
Maintains personal connection
Maximizes Medicare benefits

Tips for Successful CGM Prescriptions

For Telehealth Success

Before Appointment:

List specific diabetes challenges
Note blood sugar patterns
Research CGM options
Prepare technology questions

During Visit:

Be specific about needs
Show blood sugar logs clearly
Ask about Medicare coverage
Request written instructions

After Appointment:

Confirm prescription details
Understand next steps
Schedule follow-up if needed
Ask about training options

For In-Person Success

Before Visit:

Bring blood sugar records
List current medications
Note questions about CGMs
Bring insurance cards

During Visit:

Ask to see CGM samples
Discuss lifestyle needs
Clarify insurance coverage
Request hands-on demonstration

After Visit:

Understand prescription process
Know who to contact
Schedule training if needed
Get supplier information

Common Questions About CGM Prescriptions

Can any doctor prescribe CGMs?

Yes! Your primary care doctor can prescribe CGMs. You don’t need a specialist, though endocrinologists may have more experience with different models.

How long do CGM prescriptions last?

Typically 12 months. You’ll need annual renewals, which can be done via telehealth or in-person visits.

What if I want to switch CGM types?

Discuss with your doctor during any appointment type. They can write a new prescription for a different model if medically appropriate.

Do I need special documentation?

Your doctor handles the Medicare documentation. They’ll note:

Diabetes diagnosis
Treatment plan
Medical necessity
Recent visit date

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Coverage is the Same

Key Point: Medicare covers CGM prescriptions equally, whether obtained through telehealth or in-person visits.

What You Pay:

Part B deductible applies
20% coinsurance (both visit types)
Medigap may cover your portion
Medicare Advantage varies by plan

Your Action Plan

If Choosing Telehealth:

Week 1: Call doctor about telehealth options
Week 2: Set up and test technology
Week 3: Schedule appointment
Week 4: Have visit and get prescription

If Choosing In-Person:

Week 1: Schedule appointment
Week 2: Gather medical records
Week 3: Prepare questions
Week 4: Attend visit and get prescription

The Future of CGM Prescriptions

Healthcare is evolving to offer more choices:

Coming Soon:

Easier telehealth platforms
AI-assisted prescription processes
Better insurance integration
More hybrid care options

What Won’t Change:

Need for doctor oversight
Medicare coverage benefits
Your right to choose
Quality care standards

Making Your Decision

Remember, there’s no “wrong” choice between telehealth and in-person visits for CGM prescriptions. The best option is the one that:

Fits your lifestyle
Feels comfortable
Gets you the care you need
Helps you manage diabetes better

As Tom, 74, says: “I tried telehealth reluctantly but now love the convenience. My neighbor prefers in-person visits. We both got our CGMs and that’s what matters!”

Need Help with Medicare CGM Coverage?

Whether you choose telehealth or in-person visits, our specialists can help you navigate Medicare requirements and get the CGM supplies you need.

Call Now: 727-831-3729

Senior CGM Support – Supporting Your CGM Journey, However You Choose to Travel