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NHS spending

slip

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,523
Location
Oxford
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
With the introduction of the Freestyle Libre and the national criteria, specifically the criteria that stipulates 3 months worth of data of finger prick testing more than 8 times a day (a break even cost criteria) has the NHS shot themselves in the foot here with people doing just that specifically to get the Libre and so actually increasing their costs?
 
I think people do that but i don't think it increases the costs. Testing more often, whatever the reason, means you're 'forced' do have a better awareness of what your diabetes is doing and likely using that information to adjust things. If that leads to healthier bg's than before it may be cost saving in the long run.
 
On the other hand, the increasing availability of the Libre device may put downward pressure on the cost of test strips for others.
 

That behaviour only forces something if the person volunteers to look at it. I'm sure it's quite possible to or prick the finger and pay zero attention to the scores on the doors - especially by those who "just know what it's going to be".

Bearing in mind my situation, I have no skin in this game. I'm just saying it is possible to carry out an action and pay no heed to the outcome.
 
Or just make up the figures?
 

I guess this is partly true, as one would assume those wanting the Libre are actually motivated in gaining better - I hadn't in my tiny mind hadn't thought/appreciated that - thanks.
 
urbanracer said:
On the other hand, the increasing availability of the Libre device may put downward pressure on the cost of test strips for others.
Click to expand...

I guess thats a possible outcome too. Wonder how often the NHS renegotiate their contracts?
 
Mr_Pot said:
Or just make up the figures?
Click to expand...

Interesting idea.........I think most T1 reviews usually involve looking at the results on a meter or some digital data source/device so very unlikely to 'make up the numbers'.

This is the wording of the first criteria:

People with type 1 diabetes who need intensive monitoring (more than 8 times every day) as demonstrated in a review over the past 3 months.

And interestingly when I last spoke to my DSN they said just test 8 times a day and then you'll get the Libre - which is not strictly true!
 
slip said:
Interesting idea.........I think most T1 reviews usually involve looking at the results on a meter or some digital data source/device so very unlikely to 'make up the numbers'.
Click to expand...
Doh! I never use the memory on my meter so I hadn't thought of that.
 
DCUKMod said:
I'm sure it's quite possible to or prick the finger and pay zero attention to the scores on the doors - especially by those who "just know what it's going to be".
Click to expand...
I can't imagine those are the same people who would want a Libre and be willing to start finger pricking 8 times a day to get one. What would they want the Libre for if they don't want to know what their bg does?
 
If you want to compare budgets NHS v Queensland Health, here's the QH budget for 2019 - 2020.

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/health-system/managing/budget
 
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