For UnitedHealthcare members receiving a prescription for an insulin pump for the first time, the MiniMed™670G system from Medtronic* is our preferred pump for adults and children age 7 and older, given the safety, quality and lower cost it offers. Pediatric patients who are currently using a non-Medtronic pump may remain on that pump in conjunction with the physician’s treatment plan.
There is no change to coverage for members currently on an insulin pump and receiving supplies. Similarly, there is no change for the use of non-durable insulin pumps such as tubeless pumps. The vast majority of all UnitedHealthcare members using insulin pumps today use a MiniMed™ device from Medtronic.
We will continue to have a clinical review process in place for prescribing physicians and members who feel a non-Medtronic device may be preferred.
The MiniMed™670G system from Medtronic is being made more widely available because in 2018 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device for children ages 7 and up.
We first entered into our preferred agreement with Medtronic in 2016. Our goal is to offer members a better care experience by providing access to advanced diabetes technology and comprehensive support services. We also aspire to find new ways to place greater focus on quality rather than the volume of care delivered, and to analyze the total cost of care for diabetes management and bring a value-based approach to diabetes care for UnitedHealthcare members.
For UnitedHealthcare members with questions: Please call the number on the back of your member ID card.
*The Medtronic MiniMed™ 670G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons, age 7 and older, requiring insulin
as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 670G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on Continuous Glucose Monitor sensor glucose values, and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose value falls below or is predicted to fall below
predefined threshold values. The system requires a prescription. The Guardian™ Sensor (3) glucose values are not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a finger stick may be required. A confirmatory finger
stick test via the CONTOURRNEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter is required prior to making adjustments to diabetes therapy. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the CONTOURRNEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to help ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the CONTOURRNEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a
blood glucose meter result taken from an Alternative Site (palm) or from a control solution test. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise. If a control solution test
is out of range, please note that the result may be transmitted to your pump when in the “Always” send mode.
WARNING: Medtronic performed an evaluation of the MiniMed™ 670G system and determined that it may not be safe for use in children under age 7 because of the way that the system is designed and the daily insulin requirements. Therefore, this device should not be used in anyone under age 7. This device should also not be used in patients who require less than a total daily insulin dose of 8 units per day because the device requires a minimum of 8 units per day to operate safely.