Here's a brief guide on how to apply for insulin pump therapy.
- Speak to your clinic team:
They will be able to tell you all about the ins and outs of insulin pump therapy. The transition can be a challenge - many people liken it to being newly diagnosed! Not only do you have to be mentally prepared, but it's also essential that you're practicing skills such as carb counting and regular blood glucose monitoring in order for insulin pump therapy to be effective - Do your research:
Pump Brand - Take a look at the different options available in Australia. It's completely your choice which type of pump you would like to go on, so look online (the websites even have online education packages!), contact the company reps or take a brochure from clinic. It's important that you have a good understanding of the features and capabilities of the insulin pump.
Health fund - check if your health fund will cover the cost of an insulin pump. If your child doesn't have private health insurance, now is the time to look into it. If health insurance is not feasible, speak to your clinic team about other options. - Complete the paperwork:
Once your family have decided that insulin pump therapy is definitely something you would like to do and you have spoken to your clinic team, the final step is to complete some paperwork. This includes:- The "Insulin Pump Choice Form" - to be signed off by all members of the clinic team before submission
- An insulin pump order form
- Relevant Health Fund paperwork
Once the paperwork is submitted, you will be placed on the bottom of the pump waitlist. Wait times can vary. If you have any queries about your estimated wait time and you are on the waitlist, please contact the pump-coordinator
Frances Delos Santos
Acting Clinical Nurse Consultant / Diabetes Nurse Educator
Pump Co-Ordinator
