How To Get A CGM Prescription: 5 Quick Steps!

If you are thinking about using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage your blood sugar, understanding how to get a cgm prescription is the first step.

For most patients who need insurance coverage, obtaining a prescription-level CGM in the United States still requires a doctor's order.

As NIDDK explains, "Continuous glucose monitoring means using a device to automatically estimate your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night."[1]

Doctors can prescribe CGMs for both adults and children[1], and once you have a prescription, you can fill it at a pharmacy or durable medical equipment supplier and apply it toward your insurance benefits.

Many leading CGM brands offer prescription-level devices designed for various types of diabetes and specific glucose management needs.

Important note: This SIBIONICS article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. For specific usage decisions, follow your device's official instructions and consult your healthcare team.

Does A CGM Require A Prescription?

In the United States, prescription CGMs — such as Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3, and Medtronic Guardian 4 — require a doctor's prescription to purchase and to qualify for insurance reimbursement.

As the CDC states, "To qualify for insurance coverage, you may need a medical device prescription from your health care provider."[2]

Since 2024, however, the FDA has cleared the first over-the-counter (OTC) CGMs. Dexcom Stelo became the first OTC CGM in the U.S. in March 2024, intended for adults 18 and older who are not on insulin therapy[3]. More on OTC options later in this article.

So, does cgm require a prescription? The answer depends on the type of device: prescription CGMs require one, while OTC CGMs do not.

If you need insurance coverage to access cgm supplies, a doctor's prescription is essential.

Who Qualifies For A CGM Prescription?

The most common candidates for a CGM prescription are people with diabetes. The CDC notes that "Anyone with diabetes can benefit from using a CGM, but especially those who: Have type 1 diabetes. Have type 2 diabetes and use insulin."[2]

NIDDK further explains: "Your doctor may recommend that you use a CGM if you need insulin to manage type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or another form of diabetes."[1]

As clinical practice has expanded, some people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin — as well as those with frequent glucose fluctuations — have also received prescriptions based on their doctor's assessment.

For people with prediabetes, clinical standards remain unclear. A PMC review notes that "to date, we do not have any consensus guidelines or high-quality evidence to guide CGM goals and metrics for use in prediabetes."[4]

Whether CGM is appropriate for someone with prediabetes should be discussed in depth with a healthcare provider.

Medicare and Medicaid typically require a confirmed diabetes diagnosis along with specific clinical criteria before covering CGM costs[2]. Coverage requirements for private insurance plans vary by policy.

How To Get A CGM Prescription Step By Step?

The following steps apply to most people looking to understand how to get a prescription for a cgm.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before scheduling an appointment, assess whether you meet the basic CGM prescription criteria: Do you have a confirmed diabetes diagnosis (type 1, type 2, or other)? Are you currently using insulin or experiencing frequent glucose fluctuations?

Gather your recent blood glucose logs and HbA1c test results to bring to your appointment. It also helps to contact your insurance provider in advance to find out whether CGM is covered under your plan and whether Prior Authorization is required.

Step 2: Schedule An Appointment With The Right Doctor

Doctors who can prescribe a CGM include your primary care physician (PCP), an endocrinologist, or a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

If your primary care doctor is less familiar with CGM, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. When booking, mention that you want to discuss CGM as part of your diabetes management — this helps the provider come prepared.

Step 3: Talk To Your Doctor About Getting A CGM Prescribed

At your appointment, clearly explain your blood glucose management challenges. When thinking about how to get a doctor to prescribe a cgm, it helps to describe specific gaps in your current approach — such as frequent low or high readings.

You can also mention that NIDDK encourages people with diabetes to proactively discuss CGM use with their doctor[1].

If your doctor hesitates, suggest trying one wear cycle first, or ask for a referral to a diabetes educator for further evaluation.

Those researching how to get prescription for cgm may want to ask directly: Am I a good candidate? Which device fits my situation best?

For those looking for the right cgm suppliers, your doctor can also offer recommendations based on your clinical profile.

Step 4: Choose A CGM Device

Once you have your prescription, you can discuss device options with your doctor and supplier.

• Dexcom G7 15-Day (dexcom.com) — 15-day wear, factory-calibrated
• Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 (freestylelibre.us) — 14-day wear, readings every minute
• Medtronic Guardian 4 (medtronicdiabetes.com) — 7-day wear, integrates with insulin pumps

The good news is that in Europe you can get SIBIONICS CGM without a prescription!

For example, the SIBIONICS CGM GS3 features a 5mm soft fiber filament and a spring-loaded applicator that completes insertion in just 1 second (per SIBIONICS GS3 official documentation).

The GS3 also requires no calibration throughout its entire 14-day wear period, making it a low-maintenance option for daily glucose management.

Your final device choice should factor in your insurance coverage, app compatibility, and lifestyle needs — ideally decided together with your doctor.

Step 5: Fill Your Prescription And Start Using Your CGM

You can fill your prescription at a retail pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens, or through a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier.

If your insurance requires Prior Authorization, your doctor submits the paperwork on your behalf — the review process typically takes about one to two weeks.

If the first request is denied, ask your doctor to submit an appeal with documentation supporting the medical necessity of the CGM.

Once you receive the device, follow the instructions or in-app setup guide to insert the sensor, pair it via Bluetooth, and complete the warm-up period before your first reading.

How To Get A CGM Prescription Online?

For patients who find it difficult to visit a clinic in person, telehealth offers an efficient way to complete the entire process of how to get a cgm prescription online.

Telehealth platforms such as Teladoc, PlushCare, and Sesame all support CGM prescription services.

The typical process involves creating an account, completing a health questionnaire, having a video or messaging consultation, and receiving an electronic prescription (get a cgm prescription online) sent directly to your chosen pharmacy.

Online prescriptions carry the same clinical requirements as in-person ones — you still need to meet the CGM eligibility criteria. Platform fees vary by service, and some may be partially reimbursable through insurance.

Prescription CGM brands are available through your preferred pharmacy once an online prescription is issued.

Can You Get A CGM Without A Doctor Prescription?

For those wondering how to get a cgm without a prescription, the answer in the U.S. has changed since 2024.

Dexcom Stelo received FDA clearance in March 2024 as the first OTC CGM, intended for adults 18 and older who are not on insulin therapy[3].

Abbott then received FDA clearance for two OTC CGMs in June 2024: Libre Rio (for adults with type 2 diabetes not using insulin) and Lingo (for healthy adults who want to understand how their lifestyle affects blood sugar)[5].

OTC CGMs can be purchased online without a doctor's prescription. The main limitations: they are generally not covered by insurance, and they are not appropriate for people who use insulin or who are at risk for serious hypoglycemia.

OTC CGM availability also varies by region. Always verify the regulatory status in your specific country or region before purchasing any CGM device.

So do you need a prescription to get a cgm? If you go the OTC route, no — but insurance reimbursement does not apply.

For anyone weighing options across different cgm brands, the right choice depends on your health status and insurance situation.

Can you get a cgm without a doctor prescription? Yes — for eligible adults in the U.S., OTC CGMs are now a real option, though the eligible population remains relatively limited.

Verdict

To summarize, how to get a cgm prescription follows a clear five-step path: confirm your eligibility, schedule with the right doctor, discuss your needs at the appointment, choose your device, and fill the prescription before activating your CGM.

How to get a prescription for cgm is achievable through either an in-person visit or a telehealth platform.

Either way, taking the time to get cgm prescription coverage through proper channels means you can use the device with insurance support and clinical guidance.

For those who do not use insulin and do not need insurance coverage, OTC CGMs offer an alternative that requires no prescription.

Whichever path you choose, working with your healthcare team will help you get the most from your CGM. For specific guidance on how to get a cgm prescribed, refer to your local healthcare providers and your device's official documentation.

FAQ

Q: How do I get a cgm prescription?

Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist and explain your blood glucose management needs. Once your doctor determines you are eligible and writes a prescription, you can fill it at a pharmacy or through a DME supplier.

Q: Does cgm require a prescription in the US?

Prescription CGMs require a doctor's prescription, and only prescription CGMs qualify for insurance reimbursement[2].

Since 2024, the FDA has cleared select OTC CGMs — such as Dexcom Stelo — for adults not using insulin, which do not require a prescription[3].

Q: Do you need a prescription to get a cgm?

It depends on the type of device. Prescription CGMs require a doctor's order to qualify for insurance coverage, while OTC CGMs can be purchased without one — though they are typically not covered by insurance.

Q: How to get a doctor to prescribe a cgm?

Explain your blood glucose challenges and bring your glucose logs and HbA1c results to the appointment. NIDDK encourages people with diabetes to proactively discuss CGM use with their doctor.

If your doctor is hesitant, suggest a trial wear cycle or ask for a referral to a diabetes educator.

Q: How to get a cgm prescription online?

Sign up on a telehealth platform such as Teladoc or PlushCare, complete the medical questionnaire, and have a virtual consultation.

If you meet the clinical criteria, the provider will issue an electronic prescription sent directly to your pharmacy.

Q: Can you get a cgm without a doctor prescription?

Yes. The FDA cleared Dexcom Stelo[3] and Abbott's Libre Rio and Lingo[5] as OTC CGMs in 2024, available to specific adult populations without a prescription.

However, OTC CGMs are generally not covered by insurance and are not suitable for patients who use insulin.

Q: How long does it take to get a cgm prescription?

Scheduling a doctor's appointment typically takes a few days to several weeks depending on availability. If insurance requires Prior Authorization, the review process generally takes one to two weeks.

Through telehealth platforms, some patients receive an electronic prescription on the same day or the following day.

Q: How to get a cgm prescribed for prediabetes?

Getting a CGM prescribed for prediabetes can be challenging, as current clinical guidelines do not yet establish a unified standard for this population[4].

Talk to your doctor about your individual situation and consider whether an OTC CGM might meet your needs.

References

[1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Continuous Glucose Monitoring. niddk.nih.gov. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/continuous-glucose-monitors.html
[3] MedTech Dive. Dexcom receives FDA clearance for first OTC glucose sensor. medtechdive.com. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-stelo-over-the-counter-cgm/709416/
[4] Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Prediabetes: What Are the Best Metrics? Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11307227/
[5] Beyond Type 1. Abbott Gets FDA Clearance for Two Over-the-Counter CGMs. beyondtype1.org. https://beyondtype1.org/abbott-gets-fda-clearance-for-two-over-the-counter-cgms/

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Author Information

This article was written by the SIBIONICS CGM Professional Health Content Team. The author has years of research experience in CGM and diabetes management, helping users optimize their device experience through science-based practices.

Last Updated: April 27, 2026

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2.Does Medicaid Cover CGM 2026: State Coverage!
3.How To Use Continuous Glucose Monitor 2026: Only 5 Steps!