Afrezza Process Takes Time!!!

[nccapitalist]

It took me 6 weeks to see my endocrinologist for the initial 45 minute first appointment allotment slot.
Less than one week to have IOS Spirometry test scheduled and one more week to see endocrinologist to evaluate test results.
Two sample kits of Afrezza obtained that carry me another 20 days.
From what I'm hearing, this is a typical timeline, if not slower than mine since my schedule fit the endocrinologist's or visa versa.

I will not have my first script written until I see him again with my logbook on June 1st.

The whole process from the initial endo phone call to Afrezza written script takes roughly 3-4 months.

Now you can see why it's taking so long to build up script numbers (Nrx) and refills (Rrx)!!
It hasn't even been 4 months since official launch date.

BTW, I am a T2 Afrezza user like my friend Spiro.

[benh]

Certainly adds weight to the 'we are 8 weeks behind' from the ASM.

[babaoriley]

I'm pretty confident that, given some time, the process will be significantly streamlined. This type of delay could easily discourage a material percentage of otherwise users, so once it's addressed, things will be that much better. Note, that insurance was not one of the delays in nccapitalist's situation. Wonder if he might comment on how that has gone for him/her.

[_neil]

It's sobering to hear first hand experiences about the actual time it takes from phonecall to actual filling of the prescription. I am trying to understand what part of this entire process was unpredictable. Shouldnt the (well compensated) management be expected to be in the know about the procedures needed and hence not be surprised that things are 8 weeks behind? I'm not implying that this is some srious impediment to market penetration. Just trying to think aloud as to what they expected going in. At best, this seems like a miscommunicaton to shareholders. At worst, it's a blunder that should teach them some solid lessons for the future.

[nccapitalist]

United Healthcare does not cover Afrezza for our small group. Other larger companies under UHC are covered, however. I am switching to Coventry soon and they cover Afrezza under their tier 3 drug coverage. In the meantime, I'm using the Sanofi savings card @ Afrezza.com. They are generous in covering about half the prescription amount.

[spiro]

N.C,

Welcome to the board, It's great to have another Type 2 on board, who is only using Afrezza to treat his diabetes. It's sad that it took so long to get started, but it seems that you are off to a great start.

Spiro here

[nccapitalist]

Spiro,

Thank you in helping me better understand how Afrezza is helping my cells utilize glucose effectively as a T2.

I searched for an endocrinologist when my last A1C read 7.6 and fasting glucose of 145!  My internist told me to watch my diet, exercise more, lose a little weight and see him in 6 months.  That advice was sad indeed.  I stopped my denial and headed straight for an endocrine practice that knew Afrezza.

It was one of the BEST decisions of my life.  I went from just a financial Afrezza investor to an investment in my future health.

I now look forward to an A1C in three months that I'm confident will be in the pre-diabetic range with the possibility of landing in non-diabetic territory.

Thanks again!

[Deleted]

May 26, 2015 16:42:42 GMT -5 nccapitalist said:

Spiro,

Thank you in helping me better understand how Afrezza is helping my cells utilize glucose effectively as a T2.

I searched for an endocrinologist when my last A1C read 7.6 and fasting glucose of 145!  My internist told me to watch my diet, exercise more, lose a little weight and see him in 6 months.  That advice was sad indeed.  I stopped my denial and headed straight for an endocrine practice that knew Afrezza.

It was one of the BEST decisions of my life.  I went from just a financial Afrezza investor to an investment in my future health.

I now look forward to an A1C in three months that I'm confident will be in the pre-diabetic range with the possibility of landing in non-diabetic territory.

Thanks again!

If your results are anything like spiros, scream it from the rooftops. And make a neat graph like spiro did too.

[robsacher]

What do you guys think of the idea of an Afrezza clinic, a place where doctors prescribe Afrezza before injected insulin?  Who wants to invest?

[mnholdem]

Now come on! Hakan has already compared Afrezza to Apple...

...now we plan to open Afrezza stores? Sign me up!    

[babaoriley]

Just about anything would fly in California, Rob!

N.C., I think you should know, Spiro is off to Greece to advise re their debt crisis, and not any issues to do with public health, so be careful!

Incredibly, Spiro is going to address, in Greek, a closed session of the Hellenic Parliament, and one of his suggestions will be that Greece borrow some more money from the EU and clandestinely buy MannKind stock, thus enabling the Greeks to work out of their currently dire straits. Geez, I guess I oughtn't to post this, but I doubt Angela Merkel reads this forum any more, so no harm done.

[ashiwi]

What's a few million shares tacked on to the Greek debt? It might save the EU.

[kc]

Welcome aboard the Mannkind rocketship.  Any friend of Spiro is a friend of all of us MannKind groupies.  

[nccapitalist]

Thanks KC!

[kball]

Now maybe add a giant muffin from Starbucks and a dreamboat to your avatar and you're all set!