@A MyChronicPainTeam Member I'm now on my 3rd Medtronic pump (when the battery poops out they have to put in a new one). The newer ones hold more medicine so the refills are a little further apart. A Paralegal here knows of a client of ours who has one and he is checking on the Medicare issue. If I learn anything useful, I will let you know, though it looks like Pam answered your question. I just wanted to offer my support, because I've had body issues around having this hockey puck sized bulge with a scar across it. At every refill, whomever fills it asks me if it's working, and I say that I'm operating (no pun intended) on the assumption it works, because if without it my pain would be even worse...yikes. Mine dispenses Dilaudid & Clonidine. Lots of fun at the airport - have to get a separate pat down and show them the Medtronic ID card. By now you must be asking when the support part starts! I'm sorry. I only meant to wish you luck not only with Medicare but with success and pain relief. That's all I meant to offer! Blessings.

Mentioned Users

A MyChron...

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member These pumps are considered durable medical equipment and are FDA-approved for this indication. Your doctor should be able to get a pre-implant approval through Medicare prior to the testing. Warning, these are usually used only for people who have tried everything else (and I'm including implantable nerve stimulators) and have failed to gain adequate control. They are usually used for terminal cancer patients because the doses of morphine that they've taken (we're talking >100 mg for 24 hours!) no longer work. I hope this helps you!

Blessed Be!

Mentioned Users

A MyChron...

Try chatting with JeanCram. She has years of experience with pain pumps and is very encouraging and helpful.

I already am use to having to have to take xrays along for my titanium for C3-C7 replacement in my spine.