What made you choose Ping ?? Options

[RobL]

Hey Guys,

I was just wondering what made you choose the Ping. I was directed to minimed by my doctor however I like the fact that the Ping is waterproof and has a color screen. Anyhow would like to know your thoughts

Thanks

Rob

[PumperMan]

Color screen!
Combination Meter/Remote control!
Luer Lock infusion sets (important, we have many allergies)
Superb tech support/ trainers/ reps
Small basals
Superbly written manuals/ training materials
Small size pump which is full featured.
Reliability!
Excellent menu system!

[Mitch(formerly C...]

Ditto as to what Pumperman said.

I had called both companies the same day and I had my pump approved before the MM rep even called me. I also love the remote as it allows me to wear the pump on my leg and not have to pull it out to bolus. Waterproof aspect is an added benefit. I went on all the rides and pools at a waterpark for 8 hours and never took it off. I had called the customer service before I did it just to make sure it was safe and the only thing they said was go have a good time. I did.

I am not sure if MM would have had the same response.

Good luck

Mitch

[rkicklighter]

Hey Guys,

I was just wondering what made you choose the Ping. I was directed to minimed by my doctor however I like the fact that the Ping is waterproof and has a color screen. Anyhow would like to know your thoughts

Thanks

Rob

My doc had never seen the Ping, only used MM for years until I told him I was going to get a Ping, no discussion, no compromise. Being the great doc he is, he said what the he!! my patients need more choices! I got my Ping, got training and taught my doc about the pump. Last Friday I took part in a demo training session for his whole office with my Animas rep. Guess I was the "Show" in Show and Tell!

Being the first Ping user in my rural community has generated many requests from people wanting to see and ask questions about the Ping. All anyone around here has ever known is MM. Not sure why unless it's because we are a small rural community with the largest city 50 miles away. (it's not that large either).

Anyway, the 2 main reasons I chose the Ping are 1. Remote bolus capability and 2. Waterproof.

I had already chose the Ping before MM's rep contacted me. Didn't like his sales pitch either, don't like pushy sales people or those who blatently cut down their competition. Needless to say he was pi$$ed when I went to a Ping! He'll get over it!

RK

[John Leveritt]

Hey Guys,

I was just wondering what made you choose the Ping. I was directed to minimed by my doctor however I like the fact that the Ping is waterproof and has a color screen. Anyhow would like to know your thoughts

Thanks

Rob

I chose the ping, for three reasons. 1.) my endo recommended it. 2.) I've used the OneTouch meters for years, and since you have to check your blood any way, why not just use the meter to give yourself a bolus (the Ping comes with a remote OneTouch meter). 3.) The ping, has a really clear, and color screen.


This post has been edited by John Leveritt: Jul 19 2009, 05:53 PM

[frank]

Animas is the company my insurance directed me to. I am sure that if I want the MM they would have gone for it too. That being said, I was very comfortable with all the Animas folks I dealt with right from the start. I actually started on the 2020 but Animas upgraded me to the Ping 3-4 months after I got the 2020.

[Andy O'Connor]

Hi, all

I chose the Ping for several reasons. First and foremost, it had the smallest basal rate. I may or may not need that but it also allows closer adjustments to the basal rate. Second, I have used the OneTouch meter for years and I wanted a pump that had an integrated meter function. Makes bolusing a whole lot easier and the ability to have a carb counting function makes it even easier. Third, Animas (Johnson & Johnson) has a great back up system with great counselors and technical support to include good documentation. You don't want to have a pump that isn't supported (it can kill you, you know). Also when traveling, they will provide you with a backup pump for FREE! Where in this world do you get anything free anymore? Four, it uses a Luer lock which allows ME to choose what infusion set I want to use and makes it easier to get something to use in an emergency in case supplies are lost. Fifth, battery lasts longer than on other pumps. Enough said about that one. Six, they have a great upgrade policy. Yes, CGM may be something in my future (I hope) and the Ping (or Animas) promises the ability to incorporate that functionality. Seven, its waterproof. Truly! No, you can't go SCUBA diving with it, unless you are limiting your excursions to less than 12 feet. But you can actually swim with the darn thing still attached! Great if you live in a hurricane area, too (just kidding with this one). But if you did visit one of those nice locations where you can snorkel and enjoy the beach and water with everyone else, the Ping can go right along with you. Therefore, Cayman Island Stingray Cove is IN without having to worry about screwing up your basal. Eight, I am actually a NASA Space Shuttle engineer and I love technology. The Ping overs the bells and whistles if you are into that sort of thing. You can even load your own alarm tunes so you don't have to be like everyone else and you can differentiate your pump alarm from yours or someone else's cell phone ring.
Ok, I'm done. There are more reasons I can come up with but then Animas would have to hire me away from NASA to sell their product.

Keep motivated and happy pumping!
Andy

[Nell-wnc]

If only the Animas pump had a 300 unit reservoir!!!!! I am due to change in the next 6 to 12 months and really wish..... but I think Animas started out focusing on kids so they probably think no one needs high insulin doses. But as you have diabetes longer, some get more and more insulin insensitive and need higher doses.

[kartuneman]

My insurance coverage! The ping was the ONLY pump they would help me pay for!
I am new to pumping so not a big deal to me. Having no choices seemed odd to me.

[Colleen]

"I had already chose the Ping before MM's rep contacted me. Didn't like his sales pitch either, don't like pushy sales people or those who blatently cut down their competition. Needless to say he was pi$$ed when I went to a Ping! He'll get over it!"

Interesting - I had the same issue. The MM rep was quite rude and actually said, "You'll be sorry and calling me when you want to change."

I chose the Ping because of the remote bolus. Definitely easier for a newby to deal with (but wish the screen was easier to view). I've been using it for 7 months. A few glitches but Animas has been helpful.

Colleen

PS - Andy
At some point, could you instruct on how to change the alarm tune?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[wolfman]

Just wanted to say that I previously had an Animas pump, 5+ years ago and I loved it and the support. I have heard that MM charges for a loaner pump. Doesn't sound like a good option especially when you have to shell out a large sum of cash to start with! I was the first patient in my Endo's office to get an Animas pump and I was very, very happy with it.

The ONLY reason that I switched to MM was the promise of the CGMS, but later found out that my insurance was nearly impossible to convience of the need. Now I wish that I would have stayed with Animas. I am seriously considering looking at them again this time around.

BTW: I also experienced the rude rep syndrome with MM, must have the same rep?! I was also quoted a price at the beginning but ended up paying more after all was said and done. He actually lied to me. Another strike against MM.

My hesitation this time it the lack of an integrated pump/CGMS. I suppose that I could live with it until that happens, but it would be a definite selling point to me.

I love to see some more posts here about experiences with the DEXCOM 7+ and Ping pump.

God bless, Mike

[ang]

When I got my pump, I met with omnipod and talked to MM, The rep from MM never showed or ever even called me back. The insurance specalist got every ready for my pump and cgms within a week of the insurance approval. I was trained the next week. Aside from the rep. MM has been great. I'm switching insurance's soon(new company coming in) and will be changing the the animas and dexcom. My toddler is always pulling sets or my pump has been falling off the holster clip on my belt.

[AKA]

I decided to go with the Ping because it's waterproof, has the remote, and has great customer service. I will be getting my pump tomorrow, two weeks from the day I first contacted them and asked to meet with a sales rep. The sales rep for Omnipod never did answer my email. Also, they will work my insurance, so I won't have to deal with Liberty anymore for my MM supplies!! I also will be getting the DexCom soon and am excited about that!