Long-Term AACE Advocacy Results in CMS Approving Coverage of CGMs

Friday, January 13, 2017 3:28 pm EST
Dateline: JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) applaud the ruling by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to categorize as durable medical equipment, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGMs) devices approved by the FDA for use in making diabetes treatment decisions. 

This ruling is in response to a multi-year advocacy effort by AACE and its members on behalf of their patients, as well as our sister societies in the diabetes community.  It represents a critical step forward in securing Medicare coverage for millions of people with diabetes who successfully use CGMs to help manage their diabetes.

In 2014, AACE/ACE convened a Consensus Conference on Glucose Monitoring and determined that “glucose monitoring is essential to diabetes care, particularly for reducing hypoglycemia, provided it is structured;” and recognized the complicated and costly issues for patients regarding access and reimbursement.

Last July, Immediate Past President Dr. George Grunberger and Board Member Dr. Kathleen Wyne, served on a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Panel that voted to recognize certain CGMs as therapeutic, providing a pathway for a future coverage decision. AACE member Dr. Michael Dempsey presented AACE’s position to support the expanded use of CGM at that FDA Advisory Committee hearing, and more than 200 AACE members submitted written comments to the FDA in support of AACE’s position.

Last fall, Dr. Grunberger met with CMS officials about the therapeutic value of CGMs and reiterated the need for a change in Medicare coverage policy on CGMs.

“This important decision by CMS takes us one-step closer in making the best diabetes treatment decisions for our patients,” said Dr. Grunberger, who chaired the 2014 Consensus Conference.

“AACE has actively worked to achieve this goal for several years. We are pleased our persistence has paid off and more of our patients will soon have access to this beneficial technology,” said AACE President Dr. Pauline Camacho.

CGMs are cellphone-sized, wearable devices that monitor patients’ glucose levels throughout the day and night, helping them make proper decisions on adjusting their diet and insulin.

About the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) represents more than 7,000 endocrinologists in the United States and abroad. AACE is the largest association of clinical endocrinologists in the world. The majority of AACE members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and concentrate on the treatment of patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity. Visit our site at http://www.aace.com.

About the American College of Endocrinology (ACE)

The American College of Endocrinology (ACE) is the charitable, educational and scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). ACE is the leader in advancing the care and prevention of endocrine and metabolic disorders by: providing professional education and reliable public health information; recognizing excellence in education, research and service; promoting clinical research and defining the future of Clinical Endocrinology. For more information, please visit http://www.aace.com/college.