Did you know that you can:
Check what diabetes supplies you last ordered, and when?
See when you're next eligible to order CGMs?
Most of us only think about the NDSS when we go to the pharmacy to order diabetes supplies. But there are some times when it's helpful to know what products you ordered last time, or whether you can order a spare transmitter for that overseas holiday you've got coming up (lucky you!). This is where the NDSS portal can be useful.
What is the NDSS?
Backing up slightly, if you're not familiar, the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is the body that subsidises diabetes products (such as syringes, insulin pump supplies and continuous glucose monitors) for people with diabetes. So when you place an order at the pharmacy, they ask for your NDSS number to confirm you're eligible for the subsidy.
'My NDSS' Portal
People with diabetes didn't used to have access to their records in the NDSS database. The only way you could find out if you'd been granted access to CGMs or gone over your limit was by either going into a pharmacy and trying to place an order (and hoping it was approved!) or by calling NDSS. With the introduction of the 'My NDSS' portal though, you can check and update various things yourself, including:
Viewing your product purchase history, and eligibility;
Getting a digital copy of your NDSS registration card; and
Updating your personal details and what they send you emails about.
In my humble opinion, the first and third ones are the most useful. The 'My Products' page shows me when I can next order CGMs and transmitters. And if I've just changed pumps recently (to a different brand or model) it will also show me whether the changes that my diabetes educator submitted to NDSS have been processed, and hence whether I can start ordering the new reservoirs and infusion sets for that pump.
Looking at my account below, you can see that I can order CGM sensors from today onwards (7 August) and I can next order a transmitter in March 2025 (Medtronic transmitters last a year). I do also enjoy seeing that I'm eligible for CGM for the next 975 years! 😂
Seeing which infusion sets I've ordered before is also helpful. Even though I've had type 1 for 24 years, somehow I can never remember which length of tubing I order for my pump. 🤦🏻♂️ Nothing worse than getting the ones that are too short (can't place the pump on the bed while I change my trousers) or too long (wake up at 3am with the tubing wrapped around me 3 times). Below is my recent purchase history.
Communications preferences is the other helpful one. I completely agree that foot health is super important for people with diabetes, but I don't need reminders from my diabetes educator, GP, endocrinologist and NDSS! 🙃 But that's just me. Subscribe to what you feel is useful for you.
Creating a 'My NDSS' account
To create an account, you'll need to know your NDSS number and Medicare number. You'll also need an email address and mobile phone number (for two-factor authentication). If you still have a physical NDSS physical card, you'll find your NDSS number on that. If you don't know your number, you'll need to call NDSS (1800 637 700).
You can create an account by going to the NDSS website and clicking/tapping on 'My NDSS' in the top-left corner.
You probably won't need it tomorrow, but when you do need it, you'll be glad you've got access to it.
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