Why DME Providers Should Offer Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is quickly becoming a standard in diabetes management. While Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) remains vital, CGM adds continuous data, proactive alerts, and actionable insights that can improve outcomes and streamline care. For DME providers, offering CGM supports better clinical results and creates a sustainable, recurring revenue model.
“Technology-supported diabetes care isn’t just the future—it’s the present. CGM gives providers and patients the tools to act in real time and improve long-term outcomes.”
Clinical Value of CGM
CGM systems use small sensors placed under the skin to measure glucose every few minutes and transmit results to a receiver or smartphone. This enables trend analysis, alerts, and remote review.
- Better Outcomes: CGM use is associated with improved A1C, fewer hypoglycemic episodes, and increased time-in-range (70–180 mg/dL), a metric linked to lower complication risk (ADA – CGM & Time in Range).
- Higher Engagement: Trend arrows and reports help patients understand how diet, activity, and medication affect glucose (Dexcom: A1C vs TIR).
- Safety Benefits: Real-time and predictive alerts support timely action and may reduce urgent events (Abbott FreeStyle Libre).
Why CGM Matters for DME Providers
- Growing Coverage & Demand: Medicare and many commercial plans cover CGM for eligible patients, accelerating adoption (Dexcom Reimbursement).
- Recurring Supply Revenue: Most sensors are replaced every 10–14 days, creating predictable reorder cycles (see product details: Abbott • Dexcom).
- Clinical Differentiation: Offering CGM positions DME providers as proactive partners aligned with modern diabetes guidelines (ADA).
- Adjacency Opportunities: CGM customers often need related supplies (skin prep, overlays, sharps containers), increasing basket size.
Implementation Tips for DME Teams
- Train Staff on Basics: Ensure teams understand sensor wear time, app setup, and alert settings using manufacturer materials (Abbott; Dexcom).
- Streamline Onboarding: Provide a simple checklist: eligibility, documentation, coverage verification, product selection, and follow-up schedule.
- Support TIR Conversations: Encourage clinicians and patients to look at time-in-range trends alongside A1C for day-to-day guidance (ADA – CGM & Time in Range).
Real-World Example
A patient who previously checked 3–4 times per day moves to CGM. Their clinician reviews two weeks of trend graphs remotely and adjusts therapy. The DME provider that supplies sensors consistently becomes a key partner—ensuring uninterrupted access to devices that directly impact patient safety, engagement, and outcomes (see product education: Abbott; Dexcom).
Conclusion
CGM is a clinical innovation and a business opportunity. For DME providers, adding leading systems such as Abbott FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G7 means delivering measurable improvements in care while building a reliable, recurring revenue stream—supported by expanding payer coverage and strong patient demand.
Explore the evidence and implementation guidance from: American Diabetes Association, Abbott FreeStyle Libre, and Dexcom.
