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I have Type 1 diabetes - what are my rights to keep my current blood testing meter?

healthyforlife

healthyforlife

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi,

I recently joined a new doctor's surgery as I have just moved to a different area.

Before I joined the surgery, I phoned to explain that I have Type 1 diabetes and that I use an Accuchek Aviva blood testing kit. I also explained that I need 200 strips a month to manage my diabetes. The receptionist checked with the dispensary at the surgery, and I was told that this would all be fine.

So I registered with the surgery the following week. I have now had a call from the receptionist to say that there have been recent changes made by my local Clinical Commissioning Group, and that they recommend me using another blood testing meter, the Wavesense Jazz.

I am not happy about changing meters as I have been using the Accuchek meter for many years and it is very accurate. I have made an appointment to discuss my requirements with the doctor next week, but now I am worrying that he'll refuse to give me the testing strips I require.

I understand that this is a cost-cutting measure, however I don't see why I should be forced to changed meters, especially when I joined the surgery on the understanding that I could continue with my current kit.

What are my rights to keep my current blood testing meter? Any advice would be most welcome.

Many thanks.
 
It's all about cost I had a meter that used a cassette of 50. I loved it no test strips on the floor. The thing is the cassettes are £50 each or so the doctor said. The meter he gave me the 50 strips are £4 each. I use the meter you have been offered with no problem but the finger pricked is rubbish.
 
Hi there
a few options for you

speak to your DSN at hospital and get them to write to your GP to stick with your meter

speak to your DSN at hospital to see what meter they are currently recommending -- i just changed from an optium xceed to a glucomens Plus -- both have ketone test ability -- essential for a type 1

make sure to take in your written test result records when you go to argue your case with the GP -- this shows commitment and may be enough to sway opinion.

Good Luck and all the best !!

ps -- i am not sure that you have rights -- but patient care is paramount and your commitment is something doctors don't usually want to upset if results are good.
 
Is ur meter one that gives you bolus advice? If it is and the other one doesn't then you could say it enables you to accurately calculate your bolus's n corrections etc...
 
Thanks for your comments everyone, I think I've got a good case to put forward as I maintain really good control with my current kit and the surgery agreed to take me on with my current prescription. If they still insist that I have to change meters, I'll have to change surgeries again!
 
I hope that you can continue to use your current kit. I don't think that your surgery can force you to do anything, they might have a different way of putting it.
 
Hi @healthyforlife !
Please share if you managed to solve your problem and how. It would be very helpful to other new members if they have the same issue. It seems more and more people ask this question.

As per me, I can only add from myself - my DSN said that I have a right to use the meter I feel is best for me and managing my condition. She wrote a letter to my GP asking to change my strips when I wanted to switch to a different meter and my GP did that without any comment.
 
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