My blood is boiling...

[Geordie lass]

I received a letter from my GP surgery today telling me that the practice has reviewed all Type 1 patients with the blood glucose monitoring and that I am having my blood glucose monitor changed to a recommended one and that my repeat prescription for blood testing strips will be changed to the new meter strips. I was absolutely furious as I was never consulted over this, neither was I given a choice as to whether I want to keep my own meter or move to a new one. The reason why I am so furious is because my current meter is synced to my insulin pump, so records my blood sugar levels automatically to my pump. Why should I be inconvenienced just because the surgery is having a cost cutting exercise, at the expense of their patients. This is so disempowering and I really feel very angry that the surgery can even do this. Of course, I tried to contact the nurse who sent me the letter, but guess what...she was not in today! What a surprise! So will be speaking with them on Monday and telling them that I am not changing my meter. Has anyone else had this same problem and how have you dealt with it?

 

[mo1905]

There have been quite a few posts here with similar concerns. Many have got back in touch with their docs and successfully argued their case to remain on current meter. Must admit, I've never hidden the fact that I believe it's a good idea for NHS to reduce number of meters they use but I totally understand your concerns and there will always be exceptions. Try to remain calm and state your concerns and hopefully you can keep your preferred meter. Good luck, Mo

 

[Geordie lass]

Thanks Mo for your reply. I've been T1 diabetic for 10 years and had various meters thrown at me, but I've never had a letter stating I have to change meters. I've only had my current meter for 18 months and I can't see the point in giving me a new one when mine works perfectly well with my insulin pump. It's all cost cutting at the end of the day with no regard to the patient who has to use these meters on a daily basis! This is enough to raise my blood sugar levels...that's for sure! Thanks anyway.

 

[Brunneria]

It would annoy me too.

Um, have you checked that the new meter they are 'pushing' doesn't sync with your pump?

That fact is either going to win, or lose, your argument for you, so might be good to check first...

Good luck.

 

[jodysd6]

I think most pumps only have one meter that will sync with them and they are usually a modified version of a normally available meter, so they should make an exception for that reason. With my pump the meter controls it and I can't manually enter a glucose reading into it to be used in the bolus calculator without using it, with my last pump you could manually enter a reading but it was easier and reduced errors to have the meter linked. I would think once you speak to them or to your DSN they will reverse the decision.

 

[Geordie lass]

Thanks B for your reply. No it definitely doesn't sync with my pump. I checked online. I got my Medtronic pump in Australia along with the Medtronic Contour Link meter, so I have saved the NHS a lot of money by doing this, I don't think any other meter syncs with my pump. Will have to see what they say on Monday, but I am definitely not changing my meter to suit their needs! I certainly won't be losing this argument, that's for sure.

 

[Geordie lass]

I think most pumps only have one meter that will sync with them and they are usually a modified version of a normally available meter, so they should make an exception for that reason. With my pump the meter controls it and I can't manually enter a glucose reading into it to be used in the bolus calculator without using it, with my last pump you could manually enter a reading but it was easier and reduced errors to have the meter linked. I would think once you speak to them or to your DSN they will reverse the decision.

Thanks for your post Jodie. I don't think the nurse has a clue that I am even using a pump and that my meter is linked to it! It is just so annoying to receive such a letter. If I wasn't such a headstrong person I would probably accept their decision, but not me...I always fight my corner when it comes to my diabetes...after all I am the one who has to live with it on a daily basis. Bring on Monday!

 

[forty six]

My local surgery did the same thing to my Type 1 friend not 4 months ago, she purchased her meter as well so saved them money. Then to make matters worse once they had changed her over they sent her another letter saying due to further cost cutting they were reducing her strips by a third.

She replied to them and said that if they did, she would continue to use the strips as she had in the past and that when she ran out earlier than usual, she would go to the local A&E department as an emergency to get her bloods checked. She also sent the letter to the Health Authority. Strangely they decided not to follow up on their proposal!

Good luck for Monday,

 

[Heathenlass]

Hi Michelle,
yes, this is being brought out throughout the region It is a standard letter for all diabetics currently prescribed a meter. and strips.
As you say, no one consulted us!

However, you do NOT have to have your meter changed despite what they say, if you register your protest and reasons why with your GP. I have a copy of the memo sent round to the practices earlier in the year, and I'll see if I can post it on here though that may not be possible. As far as I can see though, your meter is on the list of those that are "Special Circumstance " and you should be allowed to continue using it.

I just argued that I saw no reason to change, my current meter loses less test strips because it allows a top up of blood so works out cheaper in the long run. I was rather expecting a fight, so was slightly put out to be told "OK then!"

Signy

 

[Geordie lass]

My local surgery did the same thing to my Type 1 friend not 4 months ago, she purchased her meter as well so saved them money. Then to make matters worse once they had changed her over they sent her another letter saying due to further cost cutting they were reducing her strips by a third.

She replied to them and said that if they did, she would continue to use the strips as she had in the past and that when she ran out earlier than usual, she would go to the local A&E department as an emergency to get her bloods checked. She also sent the letter to the Health Authority. Strangely they decided not to follow up on their proposal!

Good luck for Monday,

I think I will be doing something similar if I get no joy on Monday. I've already raised concerns with this particular practice over patient care and communication issues. They obviously haven't learnt anything from that! Thanks for your reply.

 

[Geordie lass]

Hi Michelle,
yes, this is being brought out throughout the region It is a standard letter for all diabetics currently prescribed a meter. and strips.
As you say, no one consulted us!

However, you do NOT have to have your meter changed despite what they say, if you register your protest and reasons why with your GP. I have a copy of the memo sent round to the practices earlier in the year, and I'll see if I can post it on here though that may not be possible. As far as I can see though, your meter is on the list of those that are "Special Circumstance " and you should be allowed to continue using it.

I just argued that I saw no reason to change, my current meter loses less test strips because it allows a top up of blood so works out cheaper in the long run. I was rather expecting a fight, so was slightly put out to be told "OK then!"

Signy

Hi Heathenlass, thanks for your post. I am so willing to put up a fight on this one. My blood is still boiling so goodness knows what it's doing to my blood sugar levels! I won't be in this practice long as I am moving so hopefully won't have this issue again. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. Especially not consulting the patient first. I only saw the nurse last week about my repeat prescriptions and she didn't mention anything then, and I bet she knew. Bloody cheek! I will of course update on Monday when I pop into the surgery to tell them. What a disgrace!

 

[CollieBoy]

Thanks B for your reply. No it definitely doesn't sync with my pump. I checked online. I got my Medtronic pump in Australia along with the Medtronic Contour Link meter, so I have saved the NHS a lot of money by doing this, I don't think any other meter syncs with my pump. Will have to see what they say on Monday, but I am definitely not changing my meter to suit their needs! I certainly won't be losing this argument, that's for sure.

May I suggest a compromise:
Let them buy you a new pump to suit the new meter See what the cheese parers think of THAT "cost saving" proposal!
Seriously the attempt to move all to one meter falls flat due to the fact that:
One size does not fit all.
They try to work on incomplete information.

 

[Geordie lass]

May I suggest a compromise:
Let them buy you a new pump to suit the new meter See what the cheese parers think of THAT "cost saving" proposal!
Seriously the attempt to move all to one meter falls flat due to the fact that:
One size does not fit all.
They try to work on incomplete information.

What a neat idea! Lol! See how they respond to that proposal. You're right about "one size does not fit all". My surgery do not even have a clue about insulin pumps and the meters that sync to them! So glad I attend a pump centre with specialised professionals. It's just frustrating to have to fight your corner when it's a daily fight with this medical condition! They are obviously not thinking about the patient, just their purse strings! Thanks for your post Fergus. It made me giggle!

 

[Heathenlass]

Hi Heathenlass, thanks for your post. I am so willing to put up a fight on this one. My blood is still boiling so goodness knows what it's doing to my blood sugar levels! I won't be in this practice long as I am moving so hopefully won't have this issue again. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. Especially not consulting the patient first. I only saw the nurse last week about my repeat prescriptions and she didn't mention anything then, and I bet she knew. Bloody cheek! I will of course update on Monday when I pop into the surgery to tell them. What a disgrace!

Heh! Of course she knew ! They have known about this for about 6 months
Given that they tell me I am the only Type 1 on my practices books, I doubt that my lot will make any substantial savings BUT - thae have to do the box ticking all the same.

I would suggest phoning the DSN at the General on Monday before tackling the practise, as she has experience of pumps whereas the nurse does not. As you are under the care of the pump clinic at the General, they have the final say in what the GP's can change in their bean counting

It infuriates me that the standard meters chosen for Northumbria (and I suspect in other parts of the country ) are of poor quality and selected on basis of cost of both meter and test strips. The irony is that already some meters have been returned as faulty a dangerous situation IMHO, and also the accuracy has been reported as being well, widely inaccurate ! Plus the error code on the test strips happens way more often, hence more test strips are being used. It's nuts! For those of us that have meters supplied from the companies such as Bayer and Abbott, often we can have a second spare meter for nowt (not allowable with the NHS meters unless you can give a good reason (according to them) , AND we get upgrades and troubleshooting and replacement if anything goes wrong. So the only cost to the NHS is the test strips.

Alternate meters that can be prescribed are given on the list of the document, "For Specific Requirements ", HOWEVER, on page 1 it states :

"The list is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and is subject
to change due to product updates/changes. "

This part is the part that is most helpful to us if your meter is not on the list of "Specific Requirements "

I would suggest you print off the document and take it with you = you may find that they probably haven't read it, and are only acting on the memo to change patients over to the "approved " meters and strips.

Document here : http://www.northoftyneapc.nhs.uk/wp...monitoring-Approved-Jan-14-Updated-Apr-14.pdf

We can play "Spot the Irony" with this document

Signy

 

[Heathenlass]

And you're moving??? When, where ?

Signy

 

[Geordie lass]

Heh! Of course she knew ! They have known about this for about 6 months
Given that they tell me I am the only Type 1 on my practices books, I doubt that my lot will make any substantial savings BUT - thae have to do the box ticking all the same.

I would suggest phoning the DSN at the General on Monday before tackling the practise, as she has experience of pumps whereas the nurse does not. As you are under the care of the pump clinic at the General, they have the final say in what the GP's can change in their bean counting

It infuriates me that the standard meters chosen for Northumbria (and I suspect in other parts of the country ) are of poor quality and selected on basis of cost of both meter and test strips. The irony is that already some meters have been returned as faulty a dangerous situation IMHO, and also the accuracy has been reported as being well, widely inaccurate ! Plus the error code on the test strips happens way more often, hence more test strips are being used. It's nuts! For those of us that have meters supplied from the companies such as Bayer and Abbott, often we can have a second spare meter for nowt (not allowable with the NHS meters unless you can give a good reason (according to them) , AND we get upgrades and troubleshooting and replacement if anything goes wrong. So the only cost to the NHS is the test strips.

Alternate meters that can be prescribed are given on the list of the document, "For Specific Requirements ", HOWEVER, on page 1 it states :

"The list is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and is subject
to change due to product updates/changes. "

This part is the part that is most helpful to us if your meter is not on the list of "Specific Requirements "

I would suggest you print off the document and take it with you = you may find that they probably haven't read it, and are only acting on the memo to change patients over to the "approved " meters and strips.

Document here : http://www.northoftyneapc.nhs.uk/wp...monitoring-Approved-Jan-14-Updated-Apr-14.pdf

We can play "Spot the Irony" with this document

Signy

Thanks Heathenlass, that memo makes for an interesting read. I will certainly take this with me, although my meter is not on the specific requirements list! It is interesting to see the difference in cost, but as you said, we will use more strips if the new meters are showing frequent errors. I am definitely not changing my meter because they are telling me to! Yes, I am moving Oct/Nov time. Only down the road from where I am now, so my diabetic care will still be at the General, just a change of GP, which I think will be a good move!

 

[Daibell]

Hi. My surgery changed to MyLife Pura meters last Autumn, but we were all invited in for a meeting to try the new meter and asked if we wanted to change to it. We were told we could stay with our current strips if we wanted to. Most changed over and this meter seems very good. Do argue your case

 

[CollieBoy]

Thanks for your post Fergus. It made me giggle!

GOOD,
If we don't laugh we'd cry!
BTW what would your new meter be?
I could look it up on http://www.ppa.org.uk/edt/June_2014/mindex.htm

 

[Heathenlass]

Thanks Heathenlass, that memo makes for an interesting read. I will certainly take this with me, although my meter is not on the specific requirements list! It is interesting to see the difference in cost, but as you said, we will use more strips if the new meters are showing frequent errors. I am definitely not changing my meter because they are telling me to! Yes, I am moving Oct/Nov time. Only down the road from where I am now, so my diabetic care will still be at the General, just a change of GP, which I think will be a good move!

Yes, sorry! I misread that last night - Contour meter as Mediatronic contour.
All the same, you still have special requirements as the two listed on the memo do NOT link with your pump, and as far as I am aware, any other pump either .

I think Fergus made an excellent point re supplying you with another pump, but then they would still have to prescribe another meter to link with that Seriously, I don't think you will have any problems staying with the one you have. However, the more people who cannot, for whatever reason, use the two they want to use make it clear that it's not acceptable to arbitrarily change everybody without consultation, the better.

I dunno about you, but I'm getting a bit sick of this. in my case, the meter change, and this last week the change to third rate needles that I wouldn't accept

Signy

 

[Flowerpot]

Hi Geordie Lass

My practice did the same thing sending me a revised prescription for strips to a new meter. I rang the practice manager and explained that my Contour meter sends the results to my Medtronic pump and she changed everything back to how it was, no issue or argument. The only slight issue seems to be the local pharmacy has to order the Bayer strips in when I put in a repeat prescription as they don't get much call for them in my area now. The manager apologised and said pump users weren't supposed to be included in the blanket change to the new meter.