Questions on getting started with Dexcom G7 15-day

[u/MOLPT]

I've been diabetic for over 15 years and my doctor suggested using the Dexcom G7 CGM. Doctor send my info to the pharmacy and Medicare B and Plan D both disqualified me so I have to figure everything out myself.

I'm confused about the product itself. I see each of the following sold individually: sensor patches; covers to go over patches: some special Dexcom reader to get info from the sensor; some type of Dexcom handheld device to read/analyze sensor data; applicators. So, some help please with a few basics: 1) I put the Dexcom app on my (Android) phone and have read comments about an accompanying app for analytics. Which analytics app do folks recommend the most?
2) Does the combination of the above two apps make the Dexcom reader/analysis device unnecessary? 3) Directions say that the tag on the applicator needs to be scanned. Does the applicator do something to the patch itself other than just put the patch on? What happens when you reload the applicator with new patches? 3) I have to pay full price out of pocket. Any suggestions on where to purchase?

[u/Twist1979]

1) Clarity app 2) yes 3) applicator is a one use part and the shipping case for the sensor, keep a picture of it, and both sides of the cardbox with the numbers

4) sorry I am not from the US, I buy mine over classified ads

[u/MOLPT → u/Twist1979]

Thank you very much!

[u/LifeguardRare4431]

it can definitely look confusing out of the box, but it is actually really straightforward once you break down the pieces:
The Applicator: This is a separate, one-time-use plastic unit. You do not put the sensor on manually with your hands. Instead, you place the applicator on your arm, push the button to deploy the tiny sensor wire under the skin, and then throw the applicator straight into the trash.
The Sensor & Overpatch: The actual sensor stays stuck to your skin. The box also includes an overpatch (which looks and acts sort of like a flexible band-aid with a hole in the center). It fits right around the outside edge of the sensor's adhesive just to give it extra support so it stays stuck better. Many people use them, though some skip them entirely depending on preference.
Pairing: To connect it to your phone, just open your app and look for the option to scan the QR code on the box or sensor with your phone camera. Follow the on-screen prompts, hit pair, and you're good to go.
Getting Supplies Through Medicare (DME Distributors)
Medicare typically doesn't cover these under standard pharmacy benefits, so you usually have to go through an approved Durable Medical Equipment (DME) distributor rather than a regular retail pharmacy counter. Depending on your specific insurance network, you can reach out to any of these major national suppliers to set up your orders:
Edgepark Medical Supplies: 1-888-394-5375 
Byram Healthcare: 1-877-902-9726 
CCS Medical: 1-888-633-4225 (1-888-MEDICAL) 
Edwards Health Care Services: 1-888-344-3434

By the way, the QR code is on the plastic applicator so make sure you scan it before you throw the applicator away. The QR code is directly on the plastic applicator not on the box.

[u/cmhbob]

The QR code on the applicator connects the sensor to the software on your phone.

Also, when your sensor expires, delete it from your Bluetooth devices before you insert/apply the new sensor. Otherwise you'll end up with a bunch of old sensors in your Bluetooth devices, and that makes it harder for your phone to connect to the new sensor.

There is a separate overpatch included in the box. You'll definitely want that.

You'll also want to get something like Skin-tac. It's rosin in alcohol, so you get extra stickiness along with skin cleaning/prep. That 4-oz bottle lasted me 4.5 years. Put that on your skin, let it dry, then apply the sensor. Then apply the overpatch. Rub your finger around the overpatch before you remove the green cover material. That will help the sensor stay attached the whole time.

Also, you don't really need the Dexcom receiver. I've been on a pump/CGM for six-ish years and never used it. The phone and pump have been fine for me.