Type 1 Libre

[Muneeb]

Thanks for the contact info ringi
Firstly, over the last 18 months I have been told by my diabetes specialist and my diabetes consultant I would be near the top of the list for Libre as I am self funding and seeing reduced Hba1c, so far, nothing. Secondly, I find it very confusing about the criteria. What happens is someone says, you don’t need to test eight times, only six, so we don’t think you meet criteria?

I am going to talk to consultants once again, get an update and if no joy I will contact parthaskar

I believe the criteria is more along the lines of a reduction in use of blood glucose test strips by at least 8 a day using the libre, rather than you need to be testing 8 times a day. So if you only test 8 times a day, you may not be eligible as the chances of you not measuring at all each day is very low, considering the libre accuracy.

 

[Muneeb]

@Muneeb a fortnight ago.

Very strange, I didn't have any issues whatsoever and only had an appointment a few weeks ago where many people left with libre bags. Was it Saint James' hospital you attend?

 

[Muneeb]

Rather than "I believe ...", you can read the criteria as it is available on the internet and found quickly with Google. For example: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-conte...toring-national-arrangements-funding-v1.1.pdf (in Appendix A)

Thanks, I can and have read the CCG criteria before, no need to be patronizing. But when they put their justification its not "this person is testing 8 times a day" or "this person is having hypos". Its by issuing the libre they will reduce by x amount of strips or x frequency of hypos.

As in reviews they will see if a reduction has occurred and whether its still viable to fund. They wont keep issuing libre if you carry on testing 8+x a day.

 

[Muneeb]

My experience is that I had to prove I tested 8 times or more a day - no need to reduce the number of test by that number.
It was requested I reduce the number of test strips used when I was given the Libre but no target for amount of reduction. My prescription for test strips has not changed.

Did you see the justification slip they put in for libre funding? It's on there.

 

[Muneeb]

In my CCG, the process does not include a justification slip.
I sent proof of the testing to my DSN, she discussed this with the consultant (the only person who can approve the Libre) and then my GP was sent the letter to include Libre on my prescription. I saw this letter to the GP and there was no test slip justification.

There will have been a justification along the line somewhere, most likely between the DSN and consultant, whether you saw it or not. Your CCG may not require reviews once issued if its on your repeat prescription, but that's not the case for most. I'm making others aware of why some may be reluctant to issue or renew after reviews.

Its evident the operation of CCG's is not consistent across the country, from all the libre issues.

 

[Muneeb]

I was given a "contract" which I had to sign to keep the Libre.
This includes things like minimum number of swipes per day, training and target Hb1AC.
I have just found this document - I was mistaken with my memory regarding the number of test strips. It says to: "Reduce number of blood glucose strips to 4 or below daily."

There you go, that's the point I was making.

 

[MeiChanski]

That's an interesting speculation, I wasn't given a contract or anything to discuss the terms of the libre sensor. My consultant said I'll prescribe it to you for 6 months, then we'll review in 6 months them. I wasn't told to reduce test strips either, but I attend all my appointment despite not knowing their terms.

 

[DavidEgerton]

My experience is that I had to prove I tested 8 times or more a day - no need to reduce the number of test by that number.
It was requested I reduce the number of test strips used when I was given the Libre but no target for amount of reduction. My prescription for test strips has not changed.

Thanks Helen. I agree it’s not clear, it’s why at the very least I felt it’s should be calculated on a. Cost neutral basis and we pay any extra cost to NHS as it would be small. I test with Libre around 15 times a day. For test strip a typical day would be 1 test before breakfast, then mid morning, before lunch, mid afternoon, before dinner, evening and then before bed so that is seven min every day, but often if driving or my reading is low, i may test 8- 10 times in a day or occasionally over night.

Using the Libre as I do, my daily usage of test strips is just “1”

I’ll post how I get on or if I am still turned down and have to continue to fund libre sensor purchase 100% myself

 

[kaylz91]

i too signed a "contract" at my education session which also contained the criteria for continuation of FGM and criteria for cessation of monitoring xx

 

[ringi]

The national guildlines (that CCGs must keep too) don't allow contracts and other such made up conditions, hence time to enform the person who wrote the guldline, I posted his details above, he will then ring your CCG and correct them.

 

[kaylz91]

it's more of an agreement and everyone that attended education sessions were required to sign one and I'm fine with that