How to Get a CGM: Steps and Requirements

People using CGMs can see how much sugar is in their blood at any given moment. These small devices stick to your body and show updates all day and night. They’re very useful for those who use insulin or have trouble keeping their blood sugar steady.

You can’t simply buy a CGM at the store without following certain steps. Getting one includes medical checkups, paperwork, and figuring out how to pay. Knowing how this works early on can make things easier and quicker. This guide walks you through each part and explains both insurance and self-pay methods clearly.

7 Easy Steps to Acquire CGM

However, taking things step by step will make them much easier. Every part of the process is well-defined and meant to help you, starting with qualification and ending with using the device.

When you know what’s ahead, your trip is likely to be smoother. The following information will help you get your CGM, set it up and start using it to control your health.

Step 1: Medical Evaluation — Establishing Eligibility

You can’t just get a CGM without a doctor’s approval. The first thing you need is a medical check. You must be able to confirm that the device will be necessary for treating your specific condition.

Detailed Medical Assessment

Your doctor, likely someone who specializes in diabetes, will ask about your current treatment. They will also examine how you monitor your blood sugar, how often you use insulin, and any past problems, such as very low sugar levels.

You might be asked to bring in records showing your past glucose numbers and A1c test results, which tell how your sugar has been over the past few months. You should also tell your doctor if you’ve had issues like not noticing low sugar symptoms. That information helps them understand why a CGM could be a good fit.

This step helps your doctor see if the device will help you. It also builds the case for the next part: writing a prescription and helping you get insurance approval.

Step 2: Getting a Prescription and Documentation

Once your doctor agrees you need a CGM, they will write a prescription. But they also have to provide more than just the name of the device.

Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

Insurance companies usually want a detailed letter explaining why the CGM is needed. This letter includes your health condition, what treatments you’ve tried, and how a CGM can help.

This letter helps the insurance company understand that this device isn’t optional—it’s part of managing your diabetes properly. Without it, your request may get denied.

Sometimes, doctors work with diabetes educators to make sure the letter says everything the insurance company wants to see. It usually talks about:

• Using insulin many times a day or with a pump
• Past episodes of low blood sugar, especially without warning signs
• Struggles reaching safe glucose numbers with fingersticks only
• The need for alerts that show when sugar is too low or too high

When you write a good letter, you are more likely to receive quick approval on your insurance claim.

Step 3: Navigating Insurance Coverage and Prior Authorization

Getting the insurance company to approve a CGM often takes time. Each plan has its own rules. Knowing what your plan needs can help avoid delays.

Insurance Eligibility Criteria

If you’re on Medicare, they’ll check for:

• A diabetes diagnosis
• Insulin use through daily injections or a pump
• Frequent daily checks with fingersticks (usually four or more)
• A strong reason to use a CGM for low sugar prevention

Private insurance may have similar rules, but not always the same. Some also ask for prior approval before you get the device.

Understanding Prior Authorization

The insurance company has to agree in advance to cover your CGM through prior authorization. The order your doctor writes is sent along with the LMN prescription, and you may also receive other documents like glucose records or lab results.

You may need to wait for a few days or over a week. At times, you will have to respond to extra requests or your doctor needs to provide further details. At first, lots of people do not win but, by submitting more evidence, they can succeed later on.

You may benefit from discussing this with a diabetes educator, a pharmacy benefits worker, or someone in a patient support group.

Step 4: Choosing the Right CGM Device for You

If the insurance approves, then it’s time to choose which CGM is best for you. There are different types and each one has elements that could or could not be useful for you.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a CGM

When picking a CGM, think about:

• How long the sensor lasts: Some stay on for a week, others for two or more
• If you need fingersticks to adjust it: Some do, some don’t
• If it works with your phone or insulin pump
• If it gives alerts for high or low blood sugar
• The cost after insurance, which can differ a lot
• How easy it is to apply the sensor

Talk with your doctor about what matters most to you.

Popular CGM Models

Model	Sensor Life	Calibrations	App Compatible	Alerts
Dexcom G7	10 days	No	Yes	Yes
FreeStyle Libre 2	14 days	No	Yes	Yes
FreeStyle Libre 3	14 days	No	Yes	Yes
Medtronic Guardian	7 days	Yes (2/day)	With Pump	Yes
Eversense E3	180 days	Yes (2/day)	Yes	Yes

 

Step 5: Ordering and Setting Up Your CGM

Now that you’ve chosen your CGM, you need to order it. Different insurance providers have their own procedures for this.

Receiving Your CGM

Most insurance plans partner with approved providers responsible for both sending and billing the medical supplies. These companies provide help to customers who have any questions.

After you have the device, read the instructions to attach the sensor, add the transmitter and make the connection with your phone or other display. Most companies include step-by-step directions and videos that help you set up.

Step 6: Training and Ongoing Support

Using a CGM takes a little learning. You need to know how to insert the sensor, read your results, and fix problems if they come up.

Diabetes Education and Support Resources

Many clinics have diabetes training programs. Certified educators can teach you how to:

• Understand your glucose numbers and patterns
• React when levels are too high or low
• Handle errors or issues with the device
• Use the data to make changes to your car

You may also have regular check-ins with your doctor to look at your CGM results and adjust your plan.

Step 7: Managing Costs

Even though CGMs help a lot, they can be expensive. You might still have to pay for sensors or other parts, even with insurance.

Some companies offer help if you can’t afford the device. They might offer payment plans or discounts. Nonprofit groups also sometimes help people get supplies. It’s worth checking all the options to lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Getting a CGM through insurance is not just about asking your doctor. You must meet specific rules depending on the insurance type.

Medicare Requirements (As of 2025):

• Confirmed diabetes diagnosis
• Use of insulin three times a day or more
• Testing blood sugar four times a day or more
• Doctor visit within the past six months
• Proof that the CGM is needed for health reasons

Private Insurance Requirements: 

• Rules change by company, but they usually ask for:
• Proof that you use insulin daily
• Records showing low sugar without symptoms or frequent changes
• A signed prescription and LMN

 

Pro Tip: If you get denied, your doctor can try again with more paperwork to show why you need it.

Conclusion

Although the process for getting a CGM is long, it’s truly valuable. Such devices make managing diabetes is easier. They save you time and hassle from fingersticks, prevent major swings in your blood sugar, and help you feel more in control.

When you finish all the steps, like seeing the doctor and getting the best device for your needs, you’re more likely to do well. Using a good CGM can help you feel at ease and look after your health.

FAQs

Can I Get A CGM Without Insurance?

Yes, you can. Many people buy CGMs directly online or from the company. Prices usually fall between $75 and $400, depending on the model and package.

Do CGMs Hurt When Inserted?

Most individuals only experience a tiny degree of pain. The first time can be confusing, yet soon you will find it is not complicated. The sensor is designed to be both small and gentle during use.

How Long Does It Take To Get Insurance Approval?

It depends. Some people get approved in a few days, while others wait two to three weeks. It starts once your doctor sends all needed forms.

Can Children Use CGMs?

Yes. Devices like Dexcom G6/G7 and Libre 3 are approved for kids, even as young as 2 or 4 years old.

Are CGMs Waterproof?

Most CGMs can handle water from a shower or quick swim. But it’s best not to soak them for too long unless the manual says it’s okay.

Evelyn Brown