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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is launching a new billing solution to allow Medicare patients who use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System to fill their prescription at any of its more than 9,200 U.S. retail pharmacy locations. Walgreens is now the largest retail pharmacy chain providing nationwide distribution for Dexcom CGM.
Currently, prescriptions for CGM devices covered by Medicare Part B are filled through Durable Medical Equipment suppliers, manufacturers or limited pharmacies, which can result in additional healthcare costs and delays in obtaining devices. With Walgreens new billing solution, patients who are prescribed the Dexcom G6 will be able to obtain the system quickly and conveniently at their local Walgreens pharmacy. Walgreens is also working with other CGM manufactures to incorporate their product into the new Medicare billing model.
“Leveraging Walgreens nationwide footprint and our expertise in providing medical billing solutions, we’re able to deliver a unique combination of personalized care and streamlined processes, making it easier for physicians and patients to prescribe and fill the Dexcom G6 at our stores,” said Rick Gates, senior vice president of pharmacy and healthcare, Walgreens. “This builds on Walgreens commitment to providing innovative solutions to simplify the customer experience and support patients managing chronic conditions, like diabetes.”
Earlier this year, Walgreens announced the expansion of the Walgreens Find Care platform to include Dexcom and additional connected devices and digital therapeutic solutions for patients with chronic conditions. On the Walgreens Find Care platform, diabetes patients can learn how to simplify and centralize critical health information with state-of-the-art health monitoring devices, like the Dexcom G6 CGM.
“Research continues to demonstrate CGM should be the standard of care for all diabetes patients on intensive insulin therapy,” said Kevin Sayer, executive chairman president and chief executive officer of Dexcom. “Getting the Dexcom G6 into the hands of Medicare patients through Walgreens pharmacies is a significant step forward in increasing access to the most powerful diabetes management tool available.”
The Dexcom G6 uses a small, wearable sensor and transmitter to continuously measure and send glucose levels wirelessly to a smart device or receiver, giving patients real-time glucose data without the need to prick their finger. The system also offers customizable alerts and alarms to help avoid dangerous low and high blood sugar events and a function that allows patients to share their glucose data in real time with up to 10 followers.
Walgreens also accepts commercial insurance patients for all CGM devices, as well as Medicare Part B for select specialty medications and other blood glucose monitoring and supplies. Patients can get all their diabetes testing supplies at any neighborhood Walgreens store. Walgreens will bill Medicare Part B and qualified supplemental insurance, which means little or no out of pocket cost to patients.
