For many diabetics it is essential that they have the right supplies on hand at all times to take care of their disease. Having to follow a diet, taking medications and getting enough exercise each day are also part of living a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. Knowing where to locate medical supplies may be difficult because not all diabetes-related supplies are available at drugstores.
Types of Supplies
Some of the supplies that are delivered by most diabetic supply companies include the tools needed to help maintain the health of the diabetic. Insulin syringes are used to administer the insulin into the body. They range in gauge or needle sizes from 28 to 31. A finer needle may not be as harsh on the skin during the injection, but the insulin may not flow out as fast. There are also different sizes of syringes ranging from 1 to 3/10 cc. This depends on how much insulin the diabetic has to administer at one time. Glucose meters along with diabetic testing strips are offered by most mail-order companies. Lancet pens and refill lancets that are used for poking the finger can also be ordered. Insulin itself may not be deliverable by a mail-order company because it is a prescription drug and generally has to be picked up at the pharmacy.
Initial Prescription
To order from a mail-order supply company, an initial prescription from a doctor or physician must first be established. This is generally done after the physician makes a diagnoses of type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes. Blood work, including a glucose-fasting test, will help determine if the body is making its own insulin; if not, the physician may likely give a diagnosis of diabetes along with a treatment plan. One of the treatment plans may include for the patient to test his blood sugar daily and administer insulin per a sliding scale based on what his result was.
Arrival Time
Once a mail order is placed through the physician or the patient it generally can take up to 7 to 10 days for supplies to arrive. Most packages arrive through the postal service or through an independent delivery company. Some orders may be rushed, especially if the patient needs to get initially started on stocking up his diabetic supplies.
Reordering
Most diabetic supplies should be reordered monthly. This can be done by the patient as long as there is approval from the physician. The company will ask the patient a series of questions related to his diabetes care. This may include how many times he tests per day and how much insulin he usually uses. This is important because it helps the companies to determine how much to send so the patient doesn't run out early. Most diabetic supply companies also have to have authorization from the physician to refill supplies, which is usually done via fax or phone.
Companies and Coverage
There are several companies that deliver diabetic supplies by mail. Many work with different insurance companies. Medicare and most government insurance generally cover the cost of the supplies. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and other major carriers only cover supplies based on the health care coverage each patient has. Some popular diabetic supply companies include Liberty Medical, Diabetic Supplies of America and Advanced Diabetes Supply.
Liberty Medical
10045 South Federal Highway
Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952
(800) 376-1599
Diabetic Supplies of America
700 Old Dixie Hwy
Suite 110
Lake Park, FL 33403
(800) 555-2561
Advanced Diabetes Supply
2544 Campbell Place, Suite 150
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(800) 730-9887
