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Cost of testing strips - charges for diabetics

HpprKM

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Self absorbed and rude people! Motorists who are oblivious to the rest of the world, and really don't give a ****!
I have been writing eleewhere on the issue of testing for T2 diet control, my feedback seems definitely to advocate testing should be done, at minimum of 2 times a day, but that would not allow for testing before or after meals, so it seems to me - at minimum this would involve actually testing 4 times a day. I have just been to Boots to ask the price of testing strips for the Accu Check Aviva Nano, which is the one I won from this forum. I was flabberghasted to find they cost £26.50 for 50 strips minus VAT, even the assistants at Boots were shocked. Whilst it is really considerate of the government to allow diabetics these necessities VAT free, I am wondering why we should have to pay at all.

As I understand it diabetics on insulin and medication get their prescriptions free (and heaven knows they should), and of course their symptoms become immediately dangerous if medication is not taken, however, I am wondering why those on diet only have to pay! Diabetes is a life threatening illness, no matter what level they are at, and the whole point of diet control is not to slow down the process of the illness to try and keep off medication as long as possible.

My daughter has a thyroid condition and all medication is free (not just thyroid), and by no means would I like that (any more than diabetes), but I do feel there is something a little awry with the system, if a someone has been diagnosed diabetic then I feel the government should treat them all equally, they may feel that we are not buying actual medication for diabetes, but as mentioned above, whether privately or prescription obtained, strips are necessary to keep T2 under control, otherwise might as well be undiagnosed! Also, as we all know, there are many symptoms that go along with diabetes that cause the need for other medication - I am also on blood pressure medication, and eczema cream.

I feel that some lobbying to the government is required, as I understand it, many GPs will not even write a prescription for strips (I now know the reason might well be the cost!). Many elderly people cannot afford these costs, and this is quite frequently the age group that have T2.

Wondering what others feel :?:
 
Ongoing debate, of course we are all furious. Some while back I petitioned the government about this. The petition and response can be seen here http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/joomla/blood-glucose-testing/test-strips-petition-and-response. Unfortunately it means little and the PCTs will continue to cut cost. This isn't helped by two recent studies, one which said testing didn't reduce Hba1cs and the other which said it depressed people. Both studies were fatally flawed, but Drs and PCTs jumped on them to justify denying strips.

FWIW it's far cheaper to buy strips direct from the manufacturer than over the counter in pharmacies.
 
...and perhaps even cheaper on eBay :D

My last lot (I bought in bulk) cost £9 per tub from a reliable seller and they had a good long shelf life. My limit is under half what I would pay in the shop (remember to include the cost of postage). Unlikely you'd get VAT off at eBay tho...
 
I have a Freestyle Mini, which is quite old, but I like it. i can buy direct from Abbott,the importers and I've deposited a VAT declaration with them. Comes to about £12 a pack
 
You are on medication, Marzeater therefore get all your medication free. If you are a diet only controlled diabetic then you have to pay for them, either the prescription charge or buy them yourself if you are unlucky enough not to be prescribed them.
 
I'm on Metformin, but I can't have strips. My PCT has stopped them. Do you think it's got anything to do with their abysmal diabetes care results? " Fewer than half of the diabetes patients achieving Hba1cs od 7.5% or lower! :evil:
 
Wow! I didn't know diabetics were charged for testing strips! I just assumed these were supplied free of charge by our wonderful NHS. I guess it all depends on one's individual circumstances but I know I wasn't charged for a repeat prescription of test strips and lancets for the Prestige QX Smart System meter supplied by my diabetic nurse. However, I'm not sure how often I'm allowed to renew my prescription for them. I mentioned in another post that according to my nurse I should only test my blood glucose level ONCE a week but I suspect maybe she is trying to save the NHS money by making the test strips last for as long as possible. Despite her advice I've recently started testing my BG four times a day and have just opened my last batch of 25 x test strips, which means in about a week's time I'll be asking for a repeat prescription... It will be interesting to see what they have to say (watch this space!) :twisted:

Incidentally, I too have just entered a competition to win a meter on here but I'm afraid I won't be using it for very long if I have to pay for my own test strips. Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how often we are allowed a replacement meter on the NHS? It's just that I've been talking to a couple of friends who also have diabetes, who reckon the meter I have isn't very accurate. I know my cousin, who also has Type 2 Diabetes and is under the same nurse as me, was recently supplied with a new meter (I'm not sure of the name of it, I'll have to ask next time I see him) which seems to be a lot quicker and a lot more convenient than the Prestige QX.

Dave
 
Your profile indicates that you are on oral medication therefore ,Dave, you will not be charged prescription charges for any of your diabetic medications or test strips.

The meters are fairly cheap to buy so you could buy one then see if they will prescribe the strips for it. You could also approach the manufactures of the meters as they will often send you one for nothing . They know that they will make their money on the test strips!
 
Thanks Sue, I was a bit worried that if I bought my own meter (or won one) the NHS would not agree to supply the test strips for it, but as you say, if the meters are fairly cheap it might be worth me taking a gamble.

Dave
 
Most of the drug companies operate a "lifetime gurantee" on their equipment. If it breaks down they will replace it - google the customer services department of your manufacturer.

The drug companies give the machines away, the NHS does not buy them, the money is in the strips and lancets. Pay for as little as possible :wink:

I get free replacement batteries and calibration solutions from Roche and they will replace it if it is broken. They also provide free "Compass" software to download the info to my PC, but they have a more upmarket software package that they charge about £15 for. I'm thinking of investing in it as the basic package is very basic. I'd like to be able to manipulate the data a bit more.

I have just gone on to medication and now get my prescriptions free, but I did invest in a 3 month pre-payment certificate at the start. It seems ironic that my investment in my health costs me and saves the NHS money.
 
Hi Kathleen - it's good to meet you.

Thanks for signing my petition and for adding it to your facebook page. Also for you other suggestions - I'll certainly take a look at them.

Thanks once again for your help!

Hope to meet up with you again.

Good luck and best wishes to you - John
 
Hi John,

No problem, all for a good cause :D
 
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