No one denies the new t:slim insulin pump by Tandem looks really cool. It does.
But if you’re just getting your feet wet with insulin pumping, or prone to experiencing buyer’s remorse, then this Apple’esque pump may not be the best choice for you.
Once you get past the headlines touting the flashiness of this new 21st century-friendly pump (everyone being smitten with this device because it looks like a small iPhone with color touchscreen for insulin dosing), you get to the practical question: What if I really don’t like it after buying and using it in real life?
Before drowning in t:slim hype leading up to the ADA, I heard back in early May at a JDRF conference in Michigan that Tandem wasn’t treating that question the same as most others in the industry do, with a refund policy.
Nope. If you purchase the t:slim but aren’t entirely happy with it, too bad. You can’t return it. Tandem has taken a hard line stance on this, as in: “if you buy it, you own it.” They say the company’s not going to be in the business of essentially “unprescribing” a product that a physician has already recommended.
Seriously? Am I the only person who researches all the various device options and then tells my doctor which I prefer?? Are doctors really saying to people out there, “No, I think this pump would be more beneficial to you than this one, as far as BG control.” Doubtful.
That’s not how this works, Tandem. Sorry.
Oh, and if it were, then other companies selling insulin pumps wouldn’t have return policies like they do. Actually, they ALL allow returns. We know, because we asked. The big players selling pumps or CGMs responded to inquiries about their return policies:
- Animas/One Touch: Has a policy allowing patients to return the pump within 30 days after they are trained, no questions asked.
- Dexcom: Has a 30-day money-back policy.
- Medtronic: “We have a 30-day return policy for our products and will refund the insurer and the patient.”
- Omnipod: Has an online-posted policy allowing a 45-day return, under certain conditions.
- Roche/Accu Chek: Has a 30-day money back guarantee on the Accu-Chek Spirit pump.
- Heck, even former Deltec folk say they had this with the now-discontinued Cozmo pump.
- Same with the Abbott Navigator CGM, as those who’ve used the device say it also had a 30-day return.
It should be obvious as to why this is a smart customer-friendly option to embrace. You know, just in case the actual use of the new device doesn’t meet the expectation of the polished marketing messages.
Clarification: we’re not talking about “return and exchange” if the pump breaks or malfunctions. That’s something entirely different — a point that Tandem recognizes, offering pretty much the same assurances as all other D-device makers do: promising to get you a replacement pump within 24 hours.
Now, I’m not going to lie. The t:slim is pretty awesome looking and I’m a fan. Features that stand out to me are the Insulin on Board calculation, and the user-friendliness. At first, I wasn’t impressed with the hype and resisted the temptation to get all overly-excited. That changed once I held the credit-card sized device in my hand and played around with a prototype, though.
But I live by the practice of not purchasing something without first having the chance to do an adequate trial-run (apparently Tandem isn’t doing test runs either, a practice that actually does vary between the industry players listed above). A return policy standard reassures me that if a particular product doesn’t work out, I have options.
The reality is people invest in pumps and CGMs for all the right reasons, but it sometimes just doesn’t work out. Unexpected alerts and alarms make the experience more frustrating than beneficial. (Just ask Wil!) New pumpers might not actually like the experience of being attached to a medical device all the time. Or they might have allergic reactions to the infusion sets or supplies. And some might just not like the product as much as they thought they would. Just like with any other product on Earth, only these are even more important because we wear them attached to our bodies 24/7! It’s gotta be the right thing! And how could you know that for sure unless you had a chance to try it out?
At the ADA Scientific Sessions recently, we heard some interesting stats about how many people actually return their pumps or CGMs in the first months after using them (probably for one of the many reasons listed above):
For every one CGMer, two people have the devices but don’t use them. And 1 in 3 PWDs who try a pump or CGM scrap it within a few months.
That number is highest for the age 6 or younger market, where only 33% of CWDs have pumps compared to higher percentages as people age. For CGMs, the largest number of people using the devices are 26 or older, with single-digit use among kids, teens and young adults.
What the stats clearly show is that not everyone who buys a pump or CGM ends up wanting to keep it up. Regardless of how “cool” it may have seemed pre-purchase.
Countless fellow PWDs I know have run into these hurdles and challenges, and have opted to return their devices initially and either go back to injections or switch to another brand. I even thought about that, once… after being persuaded that a different pump had all kinds of cool new features that would help me improve my health. But I discovered after actually wearing and using it that I wasn’t a fan. Although I didn’t get around to returning my pump within the first month’s return period, I still appreciated having the option and eventually did switch back to my original pump company.
Heck, even a quick Google search on “return policy” for the respective device-manufacturers brings up dozens of forum and online discussions about this, with people expressing their appreciation that these return policies are available just in case.
So, we asked Tandem: Why wouldn’t you offer some sort of return policy?
Tandem spokesman Steve Sabicer says there’s no refund policy once a pump is purchased, and that’s an industry standard (um, hello?! remember, the list above?!)
He said Tandem “does not have a published returned policy,” and if a physician happened to “unprescribe” a pump (something he’d never heard of), Tandem would deal with that on a case-by-case basis.
Also, Sabicer said the company is encouraging something called a “30-day seasoning,” to help be sure people are ready for the pump. Hmmm. That sounds like a trial-run to me. Maybe they’re just not formalizing it as a trial run. Whatever.
I called the Tandem customer service hotline to test what those in the trenches might hear (and called the other companies support lines, too, just to fish for inconsistencies with their claims, but didn’t find any).
For Tandem, a friendly rep told me that if I bought a t:slim and wasn’t happy for whatever reason, then a priority would be connecting me with a local area sales rep or territory manager to explore options. This person didn’t know if there was a return option.
With the new pump just becoming available, Tandem is still setting up the regional sales force and getting all their ducks in a row. So exploring my reasons for not liking the pump would probably be in order before making any decisions, I was told.
From a business end, this po
licy makes sense. They are new and don’t want to encourage product returns — especially after the whole song-and-dance of getting insurance company approval for these devices and having the payments applied to accounts.
But from a patient and customer-service point of view, it’s not very realistic about what happens post-purchase if people aren’t pleased with the product.
They started taking customer orders for the t:slim on June 11 while the ADA Scientific Sessions were still ongoing, and word is that shipments will begin in August.
I personally would like to try it out before going through the process of purchasing a t:slim, but if that’s not an option than I guess I won’t be a new Tandem customer at this point. No loss to me, as I’m happy with the pump I have anyhow.
For others who might be considering the t:slim, I’d say be sure you feel strongly about switching before moving forward, and buyers beware: make sure it’s more than just an infatuation with the new Apple-like touchscreen before you commit.
UM… No I wouldn’t even touch this pump with a ten foot pole if there were no clear-cut return policy.
Joe, I had a chance to visit with Tandem last week. They will have a return policy on their site before they ship models. I think they were surprised that folks wanted this info already!
What pump do you have that you like so much….i was a past cozmo user and am quite unhappy with the replacement I chose….i am in the market for another in a year and have been following the tandem news
Hi Mike, I jumped at the chance to try out the T:Slim on my 15yo daughter the minute Laura B posted Tandem was scheduling pump trials at the upcoming CWD conference in July. Yeah I know a short trial (don’t know if it’s with saline or just button pushing) isn’t the same as a real life, in the trenches shake down. But you gotta admit, a teenager is more likely to feel comfortable with Ipod-like technology than, well EVERYTHING else currently on the market. If she isn’t embarassed pulling it out of her pocket, maybe she’ll actually do it.
I was shocked to see the announcement that Tandem is now taking orders, when not a single person has had a chance to actually touch and feel and try this device. There is certainly an appeal to the hi-tech crowd who always needs to have the latest gadget, but this is more than just a toy. Lives are at stake. Would doctors offices order them to offer as trials for their patients? That’s the only real purchaser I could see right now.
The pump uses nonconventional technology. Touch screens (read accidental presses, erratic behavior if wet, can’t use with gloves on…oh, and I read a blog post yesterday about how lancet-calloused fingertips don’t always work well with touchscreens), a dosing/delivery system other than the conventional plunger/piston method, and plenty of other “untesteds”. I have yet to see a patient’s review of the device.
I understand Tandem’s strategy: they are so confident they’ve created what they believe is the perfect pump. They also are an investment-backed startup without the backing of medical giants Medtronic or Johnson & Johnson (Animas’ parent company) and can’t afford such a return policy. Maybe their product really is perfect, I don’t know. But there needs to be some level of assurance to get people to switch from tried-and-true to the new guy.
Hi Scott! Thanks for the comment, my friend!
You mentioned the number of people who’ve worn the t:slim, and I wanted to address that.
Tandem did studies/trial-runs pre-launch that included 53 patients at 3 sites, with adults 22 or older and a mix of pumpers & MDI.
That is something the companies do, to basically have the data to present on what patient feedback and use looks like.
Thanks for the clarification, Mike. I have no doubt that Tandem conducted trials on the pump to make sure it works as advertised (so did Apple, with the iPhone 3 and the infamous “death grip”), but I don’t know the trial users’ response to it. Did they like it? Will they switch back to one of The Big Three?
User trials are good for protecting the business, but without releasing their opinions, it does little good for the consumer.
Again, apologies if I’m not fully informed, I’d just like to hear an evaluation from someone whose used this, as well as competitor, pumps.
When talking with Tandem last week, I got the impression they were having trouble getting the pumps back from the trial users!
I haven’t worn one, I know the Tandem rep in my area has been wearing one for several weeks now. They have an easy to use lock screen to avoid bum bolusing! You’re right about the screen not working with gloves on. There are various touch screen technologies, Tandem went with a capacitive screen – the same as the iPod/iPad/Android etc. I’ve used a stylus pen with it, that might be a way to get round the gloves problem, which also affects iPads etc..
I was just saying in my show last week that I give them 2 years. It all comes down to patients taking a big risk with switching to the TSlim. Now with this news I am 100% confident in my prediction. Unless someone has 100% DME coverage and just wants to try the latest technology, I don’t see anyone switching from Animas or MM to take the chance.
Now if they went to market with a fully integrated CGM (Dex) and pump combo, that may help get patients to switch, but in the current state, they have no shot.
Even a person with 100% DME coverage takes a significant risk. Once you purchase the pump, it’s unlikely that the insurance company will consider paying for another pump before the 4 year warranty runs out. You’re risking 4 years of health consequences by compromising an important tool in your diabetes management toolbox. That is, unless, you can afford to pay for another pump out-of-pocket.
I agree completely about the CGM. Without that, I feel like it’s an extremely well dressed version of yesterday’s technology. I do have great insurance and would try out the newest stuff, but without CGM, this doesn’t qualify for newest stuff to me.
Words fail me. I can understand that a small company doesn’t want to accept returns, because these medical devices can’t easily be reused by another patient. But when you combine this with Tandem’s apparent reluctance to let people have a loaner for a week, that’s a really, REALLY, bad decision.
I’ve been considering ordering a Tandem, this combination of decisions makes me think that it’s worth waiting for them to change their mind on one of these. Pumps are complex, challenging, devices. Asking users to take this large leap of faith without any safety net is really unacceptable.
Been pumping for 15 years. Tired of Medtronic’s ‘nothing new’ form factor in the last 10 years. Daughter has done Animas (back in 2004 and it didn’t go well) & Medtronic and she has Omnipod now (I’m not happy with tubeless pumping when you don’t have that darn PDM with you). We’ve done medtronic and Dexcom CGMs too – I’ve never, in 15 years, returned a single device within 30 days.
I ordered tSlim on 6/11.
Scott said: “when not a single person has had a chance to actually touch and feel and try this device.” I’ve touched it at a technology conference and if I lived near San Fran or Boston – would have been in their user beta testing (they’ve had 2 or 3 rounds of it, the most recent in late Apr –> May).
Of course, I am a IT nerd as a profession, and I adjust to change/challenges easily. It’s part of my life.
I also have 100% DME since I’ve met my deductible for year.
I personally don’t see this as a show-stopper for myself. I can see how others might.
@Katie
I understand what you are saying and you really are in a no lose situation since you are 100% DME and hit your deductible. I also get, that you like the newest toys and gadgets, because I’m the same way. (Although, I too have an Omnipod and don’t necessarily agree with the PDM argument, but that’s another topic).
However, I think the bigger point here is that there is a “whoa wait a minute, what?” feeling when a new company enters a market with something as personal as an Insulin Pump and right out of the gates they don’t offer any sort of a return policy. Even more unsettling is the explanation Mike noted above : “Tandem spokesman Steve Sabicer says there’s no refund policy once a pump is purchased, and that’s an industry standard.” Obviously, blatantly untrue.
The immediate question that comes to mind for me is : How financially stable is this company? Obviously, a return will impact the Net Sales of the company, which will then impact the Profit/Loss. By not allowing returns right out of the gates, I’m concerned that Tandem is really desperate to sell these pumps and sell them quickly.
Admittedly, I’m not interested in the tSlim because I would never go backed to tubed pumping unless I had to. However, if I were interested in a tubed pump, I would definitely be all over this thing. BUT, given the news that there is a no return policy, I would force myself to wait a bit because the last thing I would want is a cool looking insulin pump a couple years from now that has no support and eventually would be rendered useless because of the company going belly up.
I’ve been wearing insulin pumps since 1987 and was excited to see a maverick pump company come out with a pump not only focused on doing its basic job well but doing it with style. Tandem appears to have worked long and hard asking diabetics what they want in a pump. They brag about the number of user studies they’ve devoted to this pump during development.
I called them in the last two weeks eager to get set up for a purchase this fall when my current pump warranty runs out. When I asked about trial runs and a 30-day money back guarantee I couldn’t believe their answer. I was so incredulous that I repeated the same question several times to the poor customer service rep. I finally got a call back from the customer service supervisor who told me that indeed, Tandem will not offer a trial period and will not have a 30-day money back guarantee.
I pointed out that they are asking me to make a 4 year commitment (their warranty period) while they are not willing to take any matching risk with me. I told them that their stance implies that they are not confident in their product. I thought later that I should have said that this misguided policy decision is like marrying someone without going on even one date!
I’ve purchased many pumps in my 25 year pump career and have never returned one. The pumps all performed well enough. But with Tandem’s breakthrough of touch screen selection, keystroke minimization, and reduced size, it only makes sense that the ultimate consumer is taking some additional risks.
Tandem’s policy with regard to this is anti-consumer and does not speak well of a company that wants to partner with our community for the long run. I’ll wait and see what happens. I may wait another four years to see if this company can survive that long.
I want to see new blood in the small pump market so hopefully this won’t hurt Tandem in the long run. I sure don’t see brand new pumpers taking this gamble until word of mouth gets around.
“I sure don’t see brand new pumpers taking this gamble until word of mouth gets around.”
Actually, I think this will be most appealing to brand new pumpers who have never used a pump before and may not see the point of a 30 day return policy, or a loaner, or anything else experienced pumpers worry about.
If I was just thinking about my first pump I would be very interested in the Tandem. The touch screen is very appealing and it looks great. But, I worry about the rechargeable battery. That alone immediately limits the life of the pump. Many people are using pumps long out of warranty like the Cozmo or old Minimed 508s. Anything with a non-replaceable rechargeable battery will eventually stop holding a charge. I know people who constantly forget to charge their phones. That would be horrible if you forget to charge your pump and it stops working when you’re out & about.
If this eventually integrates with a CGMS I might consider it. That would probably be even more of a strain on the battery, running it down faster which means needing to recharge it more often. A rechargeable battery that the user could swap out himself would be a vast improvement.
99% of new pumpers trust one source: endo referral. Endo’s won’t refer this in my opinion. A FEW of the unknowns
- no return policy
- unknown company
- support staff not even close to medtronic
- new software
- no user reviews that I can find
It will be interesting to see how the feedback from the initial very brave users looks. It will also be interesting to see if the policies change over time.
My Cozmo warranty is up this year but Im unwilling to be a guinea pig under these restrictions ….
MikeH – Congratulations on your independent stance toward Tandem Diabetes Care. Being closer to all the players in this industry, there always exists the possibility of being co-opted when you have a personal relationship with the industry’s representatives. My regard and respect for DiabetesMine just went up a few notches with your independent, forthright, and consumer champion stance. Bravo!
Indeed, I’m in agreement with Scott, Bernard and many of the others. I would just add that Korean insulin pump maker Sooil (Dana Diabecare) also offers a 30 day refund policy, as does Japanese insulin pump Nipro, neither of which are huge sellers in the U.S., but they realized if they wish to compete in the U.S. insulin pump space, they must have similar policies as the big players. To some extent, this is arrogance on the part of a startup who has zero market share. Is is a cool pump, yes, but that doesn’t mean they can get too cocky so early in their business. Roche is expected to launch it’s Medingo Solo pump in the not-too-distant future as well, so Tandem’s T-Slip isn’t the only game in town.
My warranty on my Animas is up this year and I was actually considering the t:slim, but this makes me hesitate. I’m moving away from Animas because the pump makes do too much damn work. Not really interested in a pod, so this leaves me with medtronic…
Michael – many thanks for this article! I had called up the company a few weeks ago and that sadly was the LAST thing on my mind – ability to return the pump (was I too involved with how Appleish it looked or ????). I just assumed that it would be like any other pump manufacturer – that if it didn’t work out to your liking – you could return it during the time specified time period. Many thanks – striking that pump off my list for replacement of my Animas 2020 (currently no warranty on my pump – and have had s/w issues with that pump right from the start – 2 pumps later over 4 years – hoping this one lasts longer then 2 years until I have enough $$$’s saved in my piggy bank). Maybe by then – Tandem will have changed their mind on their policy – and it’ll be available throughout our big blue marble (currently Americans can only purchase it).
WOW! they want a 4 year commitment, buying a product off a website, without a return policy and NO trial !!!
That is INSANE!!!
I get that they don’t want people getting the pump and returning it for any dumb reason, BUT it is a 4 year commitment and THOUSANDS of dollars…. it isn’t a pack of gum for 99 cents that if you don’t like the flavor you just write off the cost.
Any company producing a quality product should feel confident enough to back it with a trial at the very least, but a 30 day return policy is a no brainer.
Saying no returns & no trials is usually code for , we think it is likely you might not like it so we are not giving you the option.
There is an old comment: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong! Example, it is the hottest day of the year and the day before July 4th (next check out the day before January 1 and over an extended weekend with the temperature below freezing and plenty of snow). The pump fails! Now what? Who do you call? The better question is how fast can I receive a return, replacement pump so that I can continue to just being me with a functioning insulin pump!!!! Next try being away from home and encounter a failure. These are some of the functional day-to-day challenges facing an individual with a pump!
Thanks for the info and as always have a great day.
I agree with everyone that the no-return policy is a bit scary. One thing that you didn’t address is that the return policies of the other manufacturers aren’t all that great either. As far as I know, the 30-day return period for most pumps starts when the device is shipped. For a new pumper, there may be a week or two delay in getting trained, so in reality the person may only have a week or two or less before the return period is up.
One of my major concerns with the Tandem is that it is rechargeable instead of using regular batteries. Many new diabetes devices are coming out now as rechargeable and they seem to think that is what consumers want. It terrifies me to think of the day that I go on a trip, forget my pump charger, and then have my pump run out of power. Or it certainly won’t work for someone who likes to go on wilderness trips with no access to electricity. I am perfectly happy with my Medtronic pump that needs a new AAA battery about every 3 weeks. The batteries are small, cheap, I can carry extras with me, and I can buy them almost anywhere.
Tandem sales rep told me the same, no trial no return! As a new potential pumper, I was really excited about this new pump. But I just can’t take a chance…maybe I will wait and see in the fall once brave pumpers test the t: slim.
[...] T:Slim does not give refunds. You buy it, you own it. Here’s the blog link I read it at: http://www.diabetesmine.com/2012/06/buyers-beware-tandem-says-no-returns-on-tslim.html . I’ll keep the T:Slim link in the right hand column, but caveat emptor … let the [...]
I am currently up for a new pump ( still on a Cozmo). I literally have filled out the paperwork for the t-slim and was going to fax it in today!
Not anymore! This no return policy puts a bad taste in my mouth. I tweeted earlier today that now I feel like this pump is a gamble.
Dear Tandem want to know my policy? If you don’t change your return policy in the next 30 days… I’m not buying! plan and simple, I’m not getting stuck with a pump company for the next 4-5 years that doesn’t see the value in a fair return policy.
I am interested to see. As for now my forms won’t be sent.
The problem with blogs like this is that there is SO MUCH misinformation. I am a pumper and I am considering the Tandem pump. One thing I will DEFINITELY do is NOT take any information taken here at face value and I hope others don’t either. Has anyone actually looked at the company policy on each manufacturer’s website or just taken what you see here as the truth. Or just call a customer service rep and take what they say as the policy. What happens if you try to return a device and find that you can’t return it because you don’t have anything in writing?
I checked.
ANIMAS: does NOT have a written return policy and I was told they consider returns on a case-by-case basis. Just try to find on on their website. When you call, you are told it is 30 days, but why won’t they put it in writing on their website and what happens when you get the pump and try to return it? “Um, the guy on the phone told me I can return it within 30 days…” Get it in writing if it exists and post it here! I can’t find anything in writing.
MEDTRONIC: (from their website)
Returns & Exchanges
Return Policy
There may come a time you will want to return a device or product that does not meet your needs. When attempting to make a return, it is important to keep in mind that:
Product should be unopened
Product should be undamaged
Shipped to you within the last 30 days
PRODUCT SHOULD BE UNOPENED?!?!?!? All of you people that are saying Tandem should have a return policy so you can try out the pump and return it if you don’t like it. How can you try out a Medtronic pump and then return it in 30 days if you can’t open the box?!?
Just an example folks. Do your own research.
@Teri You make a good point. Some people did research and have experience returning pumps and others do not. Hence why this article has such importance for novice pumpers and people with diabetes on return policies of new devices.
“Should be” unopened does not mean “has to be”
That is the big difference. Tandem gives you no wiggle room on a return of a device that might not personally work for certain individuals.
Honestly I don’t think I would have a return issue starting on the t-slim pump from tandem. I haven’t used a return policy on any diabetes devices before. But is me.
My stance on not purchasing a t-slim currently is because of the bigger picture. It’s because I don’t want a no return policy to be an industry standard in the diabetes market. It’s because I know there are people out there with diabetes that might need to return this device and not have the option. I don’t think that is fair.
I am just in a position were I was actually going to fax in my forms to get the t-slim, now that will wait. Not because I won’t like the device, but because I don’t like the policy.
@ Teri
Nobody is saying Mike’s post is the end all be all. However, it is good information for PWD’s to have who are contemplating taking the plunge on the tSlim.
Not sure what pump you are on, but what if you get the tSlim and after using it for a week or two you realize that you don’t like the interface or your other pump better suited your needs? I’m sure we are all hoping that Tandem will look at each situation on a case by case basis, but their rep’s comments certainly are unsettling (if you buy it, it’s yours). Personally, I know 2 people who have switched to a MM pump and returned it within a month and went back to their old pump (both Animas). I also question the future customer experience with Tandem coming right out of the gates saying that there is no returns. Not a good sign for a brand new company with an unproven product, but that’s just me.
Before slamming a post like Mike’s just realize we are all here trying to help each other and I’d rather have as much information as possible when making a decision like buying a new insulin pump.
Before lecturing PWD’s on “doing their own research” realize that we are and this blog is part of it.
Exactly, do your research. I returned a device on day 28 and got a full refund. If you have a 30-day money back warranty, at least you have some chance if you totally dislike the product. If you yourself can’t test it out beforehand, it’s unlikely you’ll know if all features are to your liking. Four years is a long time to be stuck with something that just doesn’t work for you.
@Teri – we talked with each company’s official spokesperson and called their hotlines, and this is what we were told. It is possible they lied to us, but that wouldn’t be very smart on their part, would it?
I received an email this morning from tandem.
they stated they WILL have a 30 day return policy. it is limited, but you CAN return it with in 30 days now.
I would ask them for the DETAILS before ordering. But the email I received stated they are now going to offer a 30 day return
@Betty – Aha!! I’d be very surprised if that’s not a response to our story here and all the reader comments. Power of the Patient Voice triumphs!!
[...] I like my Bolus Wizard, my not-really-integrated CGM, and my predictive alerts. And I’m not ready to trust [...]
Well over 15 pump companies have come and gone in the last 20 years. I personally have an issue with “relying” on a product that has not been tested in the masses. Sure they tested it on a few hundred people. How about 5000 people? 10,000 people? I would much rather stick with the veteran industry leaders and not put my life in the hands of the rookie.
Just thought of another thing…. Even though my cell phone supposedly “locks” the touchscreen, it pocket calls at least one person every 2-3 days. Tandem will no doubt coin their very own phrase, “The Butt Bolus” when people accidentally activate their touchscreens and get something they did not intend.
[...] opportunity because I had many questions about the pump, its associated software, and especially the recent news about return policies and trials of the t:slim [...]
Give them some time. My guess is that they want to work out some inevitable new company challenges. I suspect they will get some traction from a core group of veteran pumpers. Much easier for them to fix potential problems, if any when only dealing with a core group of experienced users. Looks like a good product but this is not like some new and improved laundry soap – it is a highly advanced piece of equipment with moving parts / complex software. This is also good for the industry in general in that user interface of pumps and medical devices in general could get a much needed kick in the innovation posterior.
[...] opportunity because I had many questions about the pump, its associated software, and especially the recent news about return policies and trials of the t:slim [...]
I would prefer if Tandem offered a version that was not dependent on the Touch Screen. For those who are leery about using touch for medical devices… worried about accidental delivery of a bolus by a preteen or teen. It is slender, and if it is really the size of a credit card (looks larger) I’m sure a lot of people would snap this up. Ourselves among them. I would not waste my four-year warranty on this pump; however. I would buy it out of pocket, as it is about $1,000. I would save my warranty for the $8,000 pumps. Minimed may come out with their patch pump before four years is out and a lot of people might want to try these. It’s one thing to be out $1,000; it’s another to have used up your warranty for an $8,000 pump and have to pay out of pocket if you are not happy with the T-Slim. Once this hits the market, we will see plenty of reviews. I would want to wait and see before putting any new medical device on my child.
My “promo” of the T:Slim arrived from AADE. This looks very promising. Some of this “pro” and “con”talk seems like marketing talk. As a diabetic educator, pharmacist and consultant the T:Slim is clearly a break through product.
I will contact them for more information. Animas responds to my questions. Medtronics ” phone reps” seem vague and unsupportive . So I am going to give Tandem and their device a chance . As a pharmacist I am waiting to seem how the new “flat” insulin holding device is filled and what insulin is recommended and how it is reloaded.
All of these pumps create problems for some children. The constant “real time”
data changing dose might be troublesome for some patients. Lets look at ease of use and flexibility vs the pathophysiology of T1 and T2D and not act like super shoppers at a mall sale.
I have thousands of patients who would benefit from simplicity. Removing the need to be trained in analytics, physiology, complex meal plans, effects of exercise would remove stress from their lives.
I still am at a loss why everyone on this site always talks about warranty end dates and getting new pumps. I have Anthem BC PPO and have a MM pump years out of warranty. I was told I have to wait until my pump breaks before I can get a new one. I got my first MM 506 in the early 90s and now use CGM but the oldest one where I am 40-50 before the alarm goes off at the setting of 80. I would really like the newer technology, but I definitely want a CGM pump.
Yaa ofcourse t:slim is a amazing thing. It is the Insulin on Board calculation, and the user-friendliness. It is more reliable and comfortabe and very easy to use. I am fan of it.