Kathryn Said:

How do you choose and buy diabetic devices/supplies? Do you have a choice or does your doctor/insurance pick?

We Answered:

I've had type one diabetes for almost ten years- and that's a long time when you're 17. In the beginning we (my parents and I) chose my supplies based on whatever the doctor told us. As I've gotten older, I've started doing more research on my own.

For things like blood sugar testing equipment, I ask my doctor what the options are, and weigh each product's advantages against what is important to me. Things I keep in mind are cost of the test strips, memory, and range of testing. I used to use the Freestyle Flash because of its size and its backlight. But if something happened to my pump and I didn't get insulin, the testing range of the flash doesn't go past 500. I know that sounds really high, but when you're on short-acting insulin alone, if you don't get the insulin your blood glucose can rise quickly to really bad numbers.

When I chose my pump, I went with MiniMed. At the time that I got my first pump (2002/2003) it had the most features available. When I chose my second pump early this year, I chose MiniMed again. I looked through all of th information given to me, and all that was available on the internet. I go through insulin quickly, and the Minimed pump had the largest reservoir, and that was important to me. It has several compatable infusion sets, and if I wasn't comfortable with one, I could try another.

In a way I think that the MiniMed pumps are becoming the "iPods" of diabetic supplies. They have a wide selection of products for your pump (belt clips, bra pouches, skins).

Paul Said:

How do I see a doctor to get my IUD Mirena out when I don't have insurance?

We Answered:

IUDs can cause problems if left in longer than they are supposed to so it is best to have it removed. With no insurance, I would recommend that you visit your local Planned Parenthood clinic. They will work with you to not only give you a lower fee, but one that you can pay off monthly and can afford.

Mitchell Said:

I am looking for a good no fault insurance doctor in honolulu, hawaii?

We Answered:

You can easily check your minimal health care rates in internet, for example here - healthquotes.awardspace.info

Maureen Said:

can i see a dentist doctor without insurance and how much will it cost?

We Answered:

I would encourage you to visit this great website: www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online over 5 years ago. I have both so when I max out on my insurance I have a great backup. They have saved me thousands of dollars on all of my dental services when my insurance was max out. From exams, extractions, xrays, fillings, Cleanings, and even my braces had great coverage. They even had my very affordable benefits active in 2 hours and was able to use them the very same day. Good luck and Hope this helps

Annie Said:

Can my doctor/insurance company legally change my medication without my consent?

We Answered:

Read the fine print in your insurance policy. I'm sure it's legal if they did it. They have so many different tiers for the medicines any more and they probably changed it to a less costly medicine that's supposed to serve the same purpose. If you have any different reaction to the new med, contact your doctor and he can try to fight the insurance company on your behalf to allow the original one to be covered as an exception. That exception will have to be approved periodically by the insurance company.

Velma Said:

What is the cheapest way to go to the doctor withouth insurance?

We Answered:

There are some free clinics or low fee clinics around. You should go to your local Dept. of Human Services or Health Dept. and ask them. Good luck.

Frances Said:

Can a doctor include my social security number in form faxed to another doctor or insurance company?

We Answered:

It's legal but not a good idea to have your SS# exposed like that. Technically the doctor does not need your SS#. I suggest you ask that the doctor stop faxing it around.

Some insurance companies use your SS# in their claims processing. So you may have trouble getting around that.