omnipod 5 has been a nightmare

[@nathalietinajero5717]

I have been dealing with getting the into kit filled for over 3 months. A straight nightmare. Keep in mind I had just found out I was pregnant when I decided to upgrade to this new system. I had to get the prescription (both the pods and intro kit) pre authorized from my insurance (Anthem Blue Cross) which took long time in itself. The intro kit was only prior authorized to fill for a 30 day time frame. Then when it was time to fill the intro kit Insulet said I had to create an account with Amazon pill pack to get it filled. Long story short Insulet sent the prescription to Amazon pill pack then reversed it over 4 times. Then Amazon said they couldn’t fill it because I needed to get another prior authorization because it was past the time frame of the 30 days. I did end up getting another prior authorization approved After ALL this time and talking to over 15 deferent reps and every person blaming another company or not being knowledgeable ….Speaking to three different reps in upper management and nobody calls me back.I have been T1D for 25yrs and never dealt w this much ever. As of now it is being shipped but I still do not physically have it. I am now almost 5 months pregnant and still trying to have perfect numbers w using insulin pens. Let’s hope I actually get it.

[@dumbnope1]

thanks for sharing...I am in Canada and Omnipod 5 not here yet...I was on Dash but changed back to Medtronic 770g because I needed close loop system to help keep better tighter control. Which is working out well for me...I have recently changed over to Medtronic 780g and wow things are even better now...but was considering omnipod 5 but seems to cumbersome to deal with. But so i hear new sensors for Medtronic and possible patch pump coming with Medtronic so maybe not changing now

[@BuckIt00]

Same here. It took like 3 months to get mine. In fact today is the first day I've used it. Im just looking information up. Still trying to figure out why I need the kit if I can use my phone all I should need is the pod.

[@johnnyrooks]

I HAD LOUSY TRAINING ON THE OMNIPOD 5 AND STILL DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY!

[@Sexyguppy2]

Yup but mine is working pretty well I figure if I watch enough KZbin vids I’ll figure it out eventually lol

[@emgoodman]

A lot of these requirements (for instance requirement to purchase the phone) are made by the FDA. Omnipod can always ensure the App on the phone they distribute is working. Say for instance Samsung upgrades to the latest Android software and the Omnipod app stops working or has bugs. That could have huge, even deadly, ramifications. Having the Omnipod phone available as at the very least a back up is the safest way to go.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

that's a good point, but couldn't you say the same about the Dexcom? what if their app stops working because of a software update? they don't make you buy the receiver. insulin pump manufacturers tell you to keep insulin/syringes just in case similar to how Dexcom tells you to keep a bg tester.

[@FaCeSays]

@@jacobstutzman6797yeah but Dexcom isn’t controlling insulin going in your body and you can check your blood sugar if it stops. So very different situations.

[@jasonnov118]

My son's been on it for almost 3 months now. Definitely a learning curve coming from the dash (no looping). The good: - Nights are amazing. Since on the 5, we've had exactly 0 alarms during bedtime. - I can get dexcom readings from the PDM! - Activity mode helps a lot. As long as there is not a lot of insulin on board of course. - When he's at school, it's really good peace of mind knowing there's an algorithm to give or suspend insulin based on his numbers and trend. And it works! Although... The Bad: - Why suspend insulin after a bolus? Every time, without fail, the 5 essentially shuts the basal off. This initially led to spikes due to not enough pre-bolus time where the carbs get too much of a head-start. Just...at least keep the fasting basal active during this...ffs. - Related to above but a real life scenario; my kid has recess then goes to lunch, there's only time to do a 5 minute pre-bolus from the nurse with the 5 still turning basal off while he's eating(even if he's at 135 and his target is 110). Spiked up to 220 every time. At home with a 15 minute pre-bolus, nice and stead at 120. - Treating lows can be a vicious cycle. All insulin suspended for an hour, goes low, treat low with fast acting sugar, goes up fast, 5 overreacts, causes another low, treat low, goes up fast, etc etc - The algorithm "learns". Personally, I don't like this. On the last pod, my son was sick and needed a bunch for insulin to fight off insulin resistance. On his new pod he's now insulin sensitive and the 5 is now too aggressive causing low after low. Like, just read the numbers and react. Don't try and predict future trends based on the past. Because we all know this is entirely unpredictable. Definitely a learning process for us. I still wouldn't go back to the dash with the programmed basals. We've tweaked the carb ratio at lunch when he's at school since he doesn't get a proper pre-bolus to give a higher dose and that's helped. Started treating lows with slower acting carbs so he doesn't go up so fast to where the 5 overreacts. Omnipod 5 needs further software development for sure, but it's a step in the right direction.

[@jasonnov118]

Also, we're paying for all of this out of pocket at cost.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

Thanks for sharing your experience, and sorry you have to pay it all out of pocket, that doesn't sound cheap. no bedtime alarms is great, a good nights sleep is priceless... that's frustrating the O5 doesn't have a temp mode for sickness/stress, I use that all the time on AAPS

[@jasonnov118]

@@jacobstutzman6797 You can switch it over to manual mode and still do a temp basal just like the Dash. I usually switch it to manual and put on a high basal after pod change until I see his BG evening out/going down.

[@KelseySchilt-cn4qz]

Last summer my doctor put me on a sensor leading into the pump. Needless to say I had a blood infection and the other devices I tried to use kept falling off. Thank you for this video I will not be using this product

[@samcrump3829]

I am switching off omnipod 5 after close to a year. I’ve had leaking pods, pods that error out, pods that dump as of recently… I am not willing to deal with their 💩 cs anymore. They won’t replace faulty pods. It doesn’t work with iPhones, no release time frame for pairing with G7 or apple phones… if it works for you that is fantastic I know everyone is different in how their body reacts. But for my body unfortunately I’m making the move off them and on to Tandem.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

Hopefully Tandem works better for you! I was pretty psyched for O5 when it came out, but quickly switched back to Dash w/ aaps.. Lots of wasted potential for O5, not all of it Omnipods fault, some of it is government regulation... but still very disapointing

[@jennp023pr]

I paid my copay about 2 mo ago... I'm still waiting for my into kit. Turns out they "flagged me" as qualify for free trial and they were trying to get me approved for the free trial that I never asked for. I told them send me the product that I already paid for! Nothing less... Still waiting. About to give up

[@jacobstutzman6797]

their customer service honestly has been so terrible since O5 rolled out. Seems like every department is severely understaffed and the rollout hasn't been smooth at all. Changing CEO's right in the middle probably didn't help things either

[@Stinkytoadfrog]

The pods communicate directly with the dexcom transmitter. The algorithm will still work with out a controller or phone. However you will not be able to see your blood glucose readings without any type of controller. Also for food meal bolus you would need some type of controller phone or PDM. But for workouts and other things the algorithm will still function without a controller it communicates directly with the dexcom transmitter. The algorithm does not need a controller to make adjustments automatically. The pod will give three quick beeps when your blood sugar is 55 or below. At that point you should go near your phone or PDM to check your blood glucose value. The algorithm will suspend and will give micro boluses as needed without any type of controller nearby. You could turn your phone off in the algorithm will still function.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

the 3 beeps for an urgant low is really cool, I had no idea that was a thing.. So basically there's no need to have the pdm if you have compatible phone right? just an artificial limitation so they can sell more intro kits?

[@MericanMade24]

The automated mode on omnipod 5 sucks really bad. I am going to have to go to manual mode because of all the highs while on automated.

[@FLeXN]

I definitely have more highs with the omnipod

[@jacobstutzman6797]

interesting. why do you think that is?

[@MericanMade24]

Same here…I’m using more insulin on automated mode if that makes any sense.

[@craigcoffman69]

Safety reasons you have to have PDM. I have tslim and every android update the moble app stops working. PDM is controlled by omni, so you'll have something that works. I am trying omni5 soon as it shows up because tslim doesn't work with Android 13.33.

[@pxblocked1240]

I’m not even bothering with it. I’m still on the original Omnipod. Don’t even want the dash as I hate the thought of having to keep another device charged. It’s so nice just carrying a spare set of batteries with me knowing my PDM won’t die and be out of commission. Then for the 5, the Dexcom is wildly inaccurate for me and is totally unreliable so I definitely can’t rely on that to make safe decisions about insulin. It really sucks that there’s a segment of Diabetics that the Dexcom does not work for and they have made zero effort to figure it out.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

totally unfortunate dexcom doesn't work for you. it's been a godsend for me. Have you tried other cgms?

[@pxblocked1240]

@@jacobstutzman6797 Yeah, the Freestlye Libre. There's just something with the methodology these CGM's are using that doesn't jibe with certain diabetic's body chemistries. WIsh they would try to figure it out but it must be such a small segment of people complaining in the grand scheme of things that these companies don't seem interested in spending a dollar doing R&D and figuring it out because it works for most people.

[@ladybugdlee6184]

I Went Thru the Same Thing... Pods from Pharmacy but No Intro Kit... Had to go thru Hoops.

[@debradavid929]

I am shocked…. and now kinda worried…. I got a full set up…. But was told that they are working to also make it compatible with my iPhone…. As Dexcom is…. Lol I would still go back to my old pump, and just the return to old pump and use the Dexcom data as a tool…. Lol I’m still old school and older that you……

[@graphene1487]

Yeah, thank you for this video! A real life experience. I'm contemplating a switch to Omnipod. The medtronic infusion sets are not working properly and I'm having to send them back. Possible recall on the horizon i think. Medtronic reservoir and quickset sets do not connect correctly and leak insulin into the 780g. I pray noone else is experiencing this. Blood sugar rollercoaster over here 🫠

[@WELaird]

Been on omnipod 5 for lil over 48 hours some reason it keep going into extended bolus causing me my bgl to ho to 51 at night whilr sleeping, it took over 4 hours for the omnipod 5 give me my meal time bolus. Omnipod is a joke, going back to 24 hour insulin and fast acting sliding scale.

[@tinaschmidt3914]

Jacob, I agree that the whole process with Omnipod/Insulet was a nightmare to get started on the Omnipod 5. I've been an Omnipod user for about 6 years now and a Minimed user for 18-20 years before that. I did find out from Insulet that the kit (the pdm) is not charged to our insurance. It is a "give me". The only thing you are charged for in the kit are the actual pods in the kit. I my kit there were 11 pods total, being charged for 10 of those pods as 1 is considered for the initial set up and and as a "trial" pod. I only know this because they sent me two separate kits and I was worried I was charged for two pdms but I did find out that the PDM is not part of the cost, only the pods themselves are charged to insurance.

[@duanekeith7816]

The intro kit may reduce liability concerns.

[@donnawebb5382]

Just upgraded to Omnipod5 and Dexcom g6. What a 💩show. I wanted to ditch the CGM device only to find out after an hour on hold that it’s not compatible with my iPhone. The applicator pods and transmitter attachment process for the Dexcom G6 is soooo much more complicated than the Libre product. Also of note is that Dexcom G6 is only good for 10 days vs Libre’s are good for 14 days($$$$$$). I also find that the adhesive on the G6 is far inferior to the Libre devices. I’m really dissatisfied with The G6.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

sorry your having a bad experience here. iPhone support will come sooner or later! I was the opposite where the libre was horrible for me and dexcom was great, but everybody is different. Things will be a lot better when it starts working with the g7. Between that and iPhone support, it'll get a lot better for you. Hang tight!

[@jacobrenamedisrael86]

Hey Jake.. I am sorry you've been having so much difficulty getting started on the O5. I know exactly what you mean though as I also had a sizeable out -of-pocket expense for the intro kit. However, in my case, the intro kit ended up being around $120.00. I couldn't afford that and I ended up calling my local Salvation Army social services. They actually paid for the entire thing at a pharmacy they work with, i.e. Fruth pharmacy. Therefore, I paid $0.00 for the kit. Lastly, I have not started the O5 just yet because I am on the last APS objective on the Dash and want to finish that first. Also, I am really not looking forward to having to carry around another device (PDM/Controller) since my phone isn't on their list...I have the OnePlus Nord N20. At any rate, I would suggest you try calling your local Salvation Army or Mountain Mission to see if they can help because I expect that they very likely will help you as they did me. Wishing you the best in this Jake as I certainly understand the struggle. Keep us posted!

[@jacobstutzman6797]

appreciate the advice.. I wouldn't even mind paying $120 (roughly what I pay each month for pods anyways) I just refuse to pay all of the cost, it's ridiculous my insurance refuses to cover it.

[@ben1133]

Good information. Thanks!

[@RachelKitty18]

Omg that’s terrible! So sorry that happened to you. I just got mine and the only inconvenience was that they said they would ship it for next day but it took like 3 days. I hope everything smooths out and gets better 😊

[@Mack20-19]

I’m getting a Dexcom G6 soon and a Omnipod 5 too.

[@shankyaj6310]

I think its about security. You are using a medical device and if someone hacks your device that can lead to unthinkable outcomes

[@jacobstutzman6797]

No doubt, and I totally understand being cautious with that. But honestly, is the exact same app running on the galaxy s21 ultra going to be less secure than running on the galaxy s22 ultra? Why does every device need to be tested?

[@megasc0rcher]

bs that they force us to do this

[@95South_]

Everything is a big inconvenience when it comes to medical supplies in United States. You have to beg to get what you want.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

it's a bit ridiculous to be sure. I was doing some work in a doctors office and they had a poster that I think pretty acurately describes the healthcare system it said something like: "pre authorizations be like: Doctor: My patient needs this perscription Pharmacy to insurance: Hey we're going to fill this prescription the doctor called in for this patient" Insurance: Let's verify with the Doctor that this patient needs this prescription" funny, but sadly accurate

[@tre33911]

I've had it bad w this never can get it to read change sensors everything I just read the dexcom and type in blue socks but Haye the jabs

[@Kitten-empire-hidden-santuary]

I with directly through the manufacturer insulet who found a supplier who was in network with my insurance and gave me a copay card 0 for intro kit

[@shauntayecooper9489]

Same here

[@thekevindentonroadshowlive9454]

Apparently the doctors don’t know or understand it’s two prescriptions.. one for the pods .. one for the intro kit

[@jacobstutzman6797]

I'm sure that's the case for some people, my doctor did call in a separate intro kit prescription, my insurance just didn't cover it

[@reggiemyers9173]

Same thing happened to me but worse!

[@thehappydiabetic5380]

There have been countless stories of Insurance issues with not getting the PDM for free. It’s been an absolute mess with insurance companies across the board. I was lucky to get in on a trial release, so when I made my first pharmacy order I didn’t need to bother with the starter kit. Still, I’m going to have to trade OmniPod 5 for Tandem. It boils down to cost. The first 3 month supply cost me $300. If CVS had them in stock, it would have only been $200. CVS Caremark is Care Firsts preferred supplier. It seems Walgreens is Omnipod’s preferred pharmacy. Now a 3 month sully costs me $450. Unacceptable. Tandem will cost me $900 up front, then $80 every 3 months for the tubing. Over 5 years (warrant period) it’s a $6500 difference.

[@jacobstutzman6797]

that's just crazy... it sucks how much cost of treatment plays into how we treat our diabetes... tandem wasn't great for me, but I know a lot of people like it. hope it works for you!

[@darinl848]

same thing happened to me. unfortunately i have an iphone because older CGM's were only compatible with iphones. i don't like Samsung (long story) so will never buy one.

[@UrLocalMMDMaker]

Um no

[@xxBlackpspxx]

I hope they will support freestyle libre 3 soon! Don't like the dexcoms

[@jacobstutzman6797]

agreed. the more choices the better! Especially because dexcom is taking their sweet time getting the g7 rolled out

[@stevenbrown1688]

This Omnipod company has HORRIBLE customer service. They do no reply to messages or return phone calls. 3 months and I am still not up and running. It is not worth the hassle. I would rather go back to finger sticks than having to deal with these monsters. Do not do business with omnipod or ASPN pharmacy or pill pick pharmacy. What a nightmare!!!!

[@jacobstutzman6797]

Agreed, Omnipod has had by far the worst customer service of any company I've dealt with.. Long hold times, no answers... seems like they rushed the launch and should have had more support staff hired.

[@stevenbrown1688]

It’s rediculous that you can’t use an iPhone. The most popular phone in the world

[@jacobstutzman6797]

It is, and honestly I'm surprised this hasn't been released yet. We knew samsung would be first because of the partnership and the pdm's being on android phones... but it's been horrible how slow they've added additional phones. A company with a market cap of $24.5 billion should have better software engineers.