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Dexcom CGM facts, specs and Medicare notes

Dexcom G7, Dexcom G7 15 Day and Dexcom G6: wear time, warm-up, ages and Medicare notes from Dexcom's own pages.

Written by PlanScout teamReviewed by PlanScout Internal Review TeamLast reviewed Oct 25, 20266 sourcesHow we make money
  • Dexcom makes the G7 and G7 15 Day sensors. The G6 is its earlier model.[1],[2]
  • Readings go to a compatible phone or a Dexcom receiver. No scanning is needed.[3],[2]

Dexcom G7

Continuous glucose monitor

Wear timeUp to 10 days, plus a 12-hour grace period[3],[1]
Warm-up30 minutes[3]
Fingerstick calibrationNot required[4]
Ages2 and older[3]
Where wornBack of the upper arm (ages 2+), or upper buttocks for ages 2 to 6[3]
WaterWaterproof up to 7.8 feet, per Dexcom[3]

Dexcom G7 15 Day

Continuous glucose monitor

Wear time15 days, plus a 12-hour grace period[1]
Warm-up60 minutes[1]
AgesAdults 18 and older[1]

Dexcom G6

Continuous glucose monitor

FingersticksNo fingersticks or calibrations, per Dexcom[2]
ReadingsCompatible phone or Dexcom receiver[2]

Medicare notes

  • Medicare requires the device be ordered within its approved uses. A person under 18 would not qualify for the G7 15 Day.[5],[1]
  • If you only ever use the phone app, Medicare does not pay for supplies. Using the receiver at least some days keeps them covered.[6]

See the Medicare price in your ZIP code

Good to know

  • Dexcom says to use a fingerstick for treatment decisions when readings don't match your symptoms.[3]

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Reviewed & sourced

Reviewer
PlanScout Internal Review Team. Checks facts and plain-English accuracy; has no say in how results are ordered.
What was checked
Owner sign-off for the PlanScout Internal Review Team: Medicare coverage rules, costs and brand facts against the cited sources
Last reviewed
Oct 25, 2026
Next review
Before Jan 1, 2027 (new plan year), or sooner if Medicare changes a rule.
Corrections
See something wrong? Tell us. We fix confirmed errors within 2 business days and note the change in the page's change log.
Change log
  • Oct 25, 2026: First published and reviewed.
Sources (6)
  1. Dexcom: How is Dexcom G7 15 Day different from Dexcom G7? (retrieved Oct 25, 2026)
  2. Dexcom: Dexcom G6 CGM system (retrieved Oct 25, 2026)
  3. Dexcom: Dexcom G7 overview (retrieved Oct 25, 2026)
  4. Dexcom: Can I calibrate Dexcom G7? (retrieved Oct 25, 2026)
  5. Medicare Coverage Database: Glucose Monitors, LCD L33822 (revision effective 10/01/2024) (retrieved Oct 25, 2026)
  6. Medicare Coverage Database: Glucose Monitor Policy Article A52464 (revision effective 02/18/2025) (retrieved Oct 25, 2026)