Clinical skills · Focus area 8

Access and affordability

Help people get, and keep, the technology they need. This skill covers identifying the coverage pathway, preparing prior authorization paperwork and finding financial assistance.

This page brings together prior authorization workflows, an affordability program finder, a coverage safety check and related education.

Curated bydanatech Clinical Staff

UpdatedNovember 2026

What this skill covers

Navigating cost, coverage and access to technology.

Coverage pathways

Pharmacy vs. durable medical equipment (DME) vs. over-the-counter pathways
Recognizing differences across payers and plans

Paperwork that works

Supporting prior authorization and documentation
Supporting access to devices and ongoing supplies

Affordability programs

Manufacturer and assistance programs
Addressing cost-related barriers to device use

Start here

The three resources we recommend first for this skill. CE/CME credit and end dates are shown where offered; available credit varies by profession.

Interactive ToolApply
Diabetes Technology Affordability Program Finder
Manufacturer discounts, copay cards and patient assistance programs in one place.
Open affordability finder
WorkflowApply
Prepare and Follow Up on a PA
What to gather before a prior authorization (PA) and what to do after the decision.
Open PA preparation guide
Interactive ToolApply
Coverage Change Safety Check
When a person’s coverage changes, check for supply gaps and escalate before therapy is interrupted.
Run the coverage safety check

Find tools and resources

Choose a resource based on your clinical question or the setting where you’re providing care. Each is labeled by type and by how you’ll use it: Learn, Practice or Apply.

Clinical ReferenceLearnPrior Authorization GlossaryLook up coverage and prior authorization terms.
Case StudyPracticeCase Study: From Denial to ApprovalA criterion-not-met denial turned into an approval, step by step.
WorkflowApplyRespond to a DenialIdentify the denial reason and choose a correction, alternate pathway or appeal.

More learning and CE

Courses, webinars and certificate programs for this skill, with current CE/CME status. Available credit varies by profession.

WebinarNavigating Prior Authorization for Diabetes Technology: A Roundtable DiscussionCommon prior-authorization barriers, preventable denials, documentation and workflow strategies.No CE
WebinarRedefining Insulin Pump Access: A Person-Centered Approach to TechnologyPerson-centered pump access, expectations, training and technology-feature alignment.0.75 CE/CMEthrough Aug 8, 2027
PodcastDiabetes Care and the Marketplace: What’s AheadConversation with Amy Killelea about how policy changes may affect diabetes coverage, costs and access to care. Linked from the Prior Authorization hub.

Looking for a different starting point? The danatech Compass suggests one from your role, setting and what you’re working on. Try the danatech Compass

Sources and scope

CMS Local Coverage Determination L33822: Glucose Monitors.
CMS Local Coverage Determination L33794: External Infusion Pumps.
danatech Diabetes Technology Key Focus Areas framework, revised 2026.

For educational use. Not clinical advice; does not replace clinical judgment, scope of practice, institutional policy or manufacturer instructions.

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DISCLAIMERS: 

This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your diabetes care and education specialist or health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. To find a diabetes care and education specialist near you, visit the ADCES finder tool.

ADCES and danatech curate product specifics and periodically review them for accuracy and relevance. As a result, the information may or may not be the most recent. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website for the latest details if you have any questions.