During our recent webinar on CGM data management, we covered the clinical and financial impacts of remote CGM monitoring for diabetes care, and answered some key questions from participants. Our discussion spanned a range of topics, from how to integrate remote monitoring into daily practice to the long-term benefits for both patients and providers. We also delved into the potential challenges and ways to overcome them.
Here's a recap of some of the most insightful questions and responses from the session, providing deeper insights into the evolving role of remote CGM monitoring and regular data reviews in diabetes management. You can also watch the recording here.
1. What have you seen to be the clinical impact of remote CGM monitoring on time in range (TIR) and glycemic management?
Jodi Hughes, SweetSpot Director of Diabetes Education and Clinical Services: Remote monitoring can significantly improve a patient's time in range and overall glycemic control. In our ongoing clinical studies, we’ve seen promising results, with a 10%+ increase in time in range and a 1%+ reduction in A1C after just six touchpoints with the patient. The frequency of patient interactions is key, and our studies show that six touchpoints are the magic number for noticeable improvements. It’s not just about reviewing data, but about consistently engaging with patients to optimize their care.
2. Does the data collected from a CGM need to be from office-provided devices to use certain billing codes?
Dr. Amiad Fredman, SweetSpot Chief Product Officer: For CPT codes 99457 and 99458, the device does not need to be office-provided since these codes pertain to treatment management time. However, for CPT code 99454, which covers data collection, it becomes more complex if the device isn’t provided by the office. SweetSpot helps in this area by allowing billing for 99454 through software classified as a medical device, which synthesizes the data. As long as the office provides either the physical CGM or the software as a medical device, billing remains compliant. (Read more about CPT codes here.)
3. Is there a contractual fee between endocrinology clinics and SweetSpot?
Amiad Fredman: SweetSpot was designed to be simple and cost-effective for endocrinology practices. Unlike many platforms, there’s no subscription fee. Instead, we have set fees for each CPT code recommended by using the platform, allowing practices to easily track their billing and revenue. Our model ensures that practices are always profitable— and we’re committed to helping them thrive financially.
4. What does the breakdown of program participants look like in terms of diabetes types at SweetSpot?
Jodi Hughes: Currently, most CGM users in our program have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, particularly those on insulin or glucose-lowering medications. With recent ADA guideline updates, we expect more Type 2 patients who are not on insulin to start benefiting from CGMs as well. We are also looking to expand CGM use among pregnant patients, including those with gestational diabetes, though this remains a developing area.
5. How do you handle patient cost concerns with the SweetSpot program?
Amiad Fredman: We believe in transparent communication from the start. At SweetSpot, we help clinic staff have open conversations with patients about costs. We proactively explain their insurance coverage, including average copays and coinsurance. Typically, costs for Medicare and secondary insurance patients are fully covered, while commercial patients might face a copay around $30, with coinsurance ranging from $6 to $15. Of course, this all depends on their specific insurance plan. We ensure patients understand the value of the service they’re receiving and provide clear options. If a patient chooses to opt out, we respect their decision but make sure they have all the necessary information.
6. How do you adapt to practices with smaller, more intimate patient populations?
Jodi Hughes: SweetSpot works with clinics of all sizes, including small ones with close patient relationships. We don't aim to replace these connections but to enhance them. Our platform can be tailored to meet the specific needs of smaller practices, allowing them to continue personal interactions with patients while utilizing the remote monitoring tools to streamline care. Whether a clinic is large or small, SweetSpot provides the flexibility to integrate seamlessly into their workflow.
7. How does RPM billing impact billing Chronic Care Management (CCM)?
Amiad Fredman: RPM and CCM can be billed together, and many practices already have CCM programs in place before starting with SweetSpot. The key is making sure the time counted for one program isn’t also counted for the other. SweetSpot makes this easy—any time spent on care management related to remote diabetes monitoring is tracked and compiled within SweetSpot, while care teams can continue using their existing workflows to document separate CCM activities. This keeps everything clear, distinct, and compliant.
8. Can you explain the impact of your recent integration with Eversense365?
Amiad Fredman: Our recent integration with Eversense 365 marks an exciting step forward in making continuous glucose monitoring more actionable for providers. Eversense 365 is the first and only one-year CGM, and with this integration, SweetSpot now enables endocrinology practices to seamlessly monitor its data alongside other CGM and insulin pump data. This means providers can collaborate with our team to proactively adjust treatment plans, ensuring patients receive continuous support between visits. You can find more in our recent blog post about the announcement.
As technology continues to advance, the role of remote CGM monitoring in improving patient outcomes will only grow, making it a crucial part of modern diabetes management. At SweetSpot, we partner with endocrinology clinics to seamlessly integrate remote CGM monitoring into their practice, ensuring better care for patients. If you’d like to discuss how we can support your clinic in leveraging data from CGMs and insulin pumps to enhance patient outcomes, reach out to us at info@sweetspot.health.
SweetSpot is hosting another webinar in April on getting the most of out CGM data at your practice. Register here to join live or access the recording after the event.
SweetSpot partners with endocrinology practices to provide virtual CGM monitoring and enhanced patient care.
SweetSpot combines a centralized software platform for managing diabetes device data, such as data from CGMs and insulin pumps, with wrap-around clinical support services. SweetSpot’s virtual team of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) perform monthly CGM data reviews and coordinate with providers and patients to facilitate treatment plan changes. By actively managing and remotely reviewing CGM data between patient visits, we ensure patients receive timely treatment adjustments to improve glycemic control and patient outcomes.
Additionally, SweetSpot’s automated capture of reimbursable care events optimizes CPT code utilization, unlocking new revenue streams for practices and making our partnerships both clinically effective and financially profitable.
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