Is there anyone out there who uses a contact/detach set with a 31" or 43" length? The folks at Animas say they have only 23" length. Liz wrote a web site (PDF file) for Unomedical that shows they have 23",31", and 43". Over two days I tried to track down a phone number for them. Today I found one, supposedly in Texas, but given the Mexican music I suspect it was in Mexico. It gave me a chance to practice my Spanish. Eventually I was given the phone number for Insulfon, which gave me the number for Intrapump. The nice lady there told me to call Animas. The local Animas rep also thinks they have a longer length, but not according to the order department.
I did learn that Roche has a set, Rapid-D, with longer tubing lengths. So I did call them to find out what I need to do to get some samples. I was told that I only needed to give them my address and they would send some 31" samples. As I thought a prescription is needed I am not sure if I will get any samples.
Soooo, if there is someone who uses an infusion set without an insertion contraption and it comes in longer than 23", please, please, let me know how you got it.

Thanks,
Suzan

The Rapid-D is the same set. There are many diabetic supply stores on the web where you could get both your reservoirs and any brand of infusion set. You just need to check with your insurance, or find a store you like and then ask them if they work with your insurance company. Just do a search on Rapid-D and you will see the different lengths.
Another alternative if your insurance allows it go ahead and order them from Roche and order your other supplies from Animas (after you decide if you like them, of course).

Linda B.

Suzan,

There are a bunch of DME suppliers online that you could possible order from. It will all depend on who is in network with your insurance, though. I get my pump supplies from Minimed but I get my test strips through Edgepark. I could also get my pump stuff from them but find it's easier to go through Minimed.

Edgepark has Rapid-D sets listed in all different lengths. They would work with your pump as they have a luer lock connection. Maybe you could call Edgepark to see if they work with your insurance. If they do, they would do the work of calling your doctor for a new prescription.

Thanks Linda B and Liz,
I called my insurance company to see what I need to do to get supplies. She said that I couldn't do anything, that the doctor's office would have to state to the insurance company that it was medically necessary to have 43", that my convenience issue made no difference. She didn't have a clue what I was talking about and I eventually just thanked her, said "I give up" and hung up the phone. I guess I could call back and ask who is in their network. But she wouldn't know anything. I will call Edgepark If stress makes a need for more basal, I better ratch it up.

If you call your insurance company again you have to ask them what DME suppliers are in network. Don't mention what you're looking for or why, just ask who is in network. If you do a Google search you can probably find a bunch of places to call and they would know if they take your insurance or not. Edgepark is one of the bigger companies and is a good place to start. I have read good things about Advanced Diabetes Supply but have never dealt with them myself. One of the owners, Tim Cady, has posted messages on the insulin-pumpers.org mailing list in the past. American Diabetes Wholesale is yet another place. I think I may have actually ordered something from them once as a cash customer, just a one time thing. You can also try getting Rapid-D sets directly from Accu-Chek.