OneTouch Verio offer

[Paul520785]

Having use onetouch test meters for many years I was eager to apply to get one of these new meters.
After various cockups by onetouch one eventually arrived.

This came with 10 test strips - just enough to try the meter but not enough to verify the accuracy against other meters.

Next I tried to get some more test strips for the new meter from my GP.
The response was that they "could not provide these because the local NHS supply unit prescribing rules limit the types of test strips prescribed to 2 alternatives".
One of the alternatives I have tried in the past and checked results against one touch and another make. The variances were passable at levels over 10% but became dangerous at the levels between 2.4 and 6.1% - both results had showed as 4.2% - Safe to drive or use power machinery - definitely not!
The other meter offered came on a case close to the size of a brick - No use to me as would not fit the special compartment where travels in the cars and other vehicles. As to the process to get results to a computer for recording and trend analysis they are more primitive than the onetouch ultra 2 which is not brilliant!

As a Type 1 Diabetic for over 58 years with the last review and HbA1c described as excellent by my consultant I would suggest that this indicates that I must have a fairly good idea on how to cope with the diabetic condition.

So I am wondering which will prove more expensive -
Using inaccurate meters and the consequences
Limiting the no of test strips prescribed
Cost of ambulance and hospital treatment resultant from the removal of the tools required to control and verify BG levels.

Obviously another NHS cost saving measure (designed to annoy my consultant ) which does not take account of the views of the experts (those who have successfully lived with diabetes for many years).

Has any one else found the Verio IQ strips are not available via normal prescription?

 

[CarbsRok]

I was told by lifescan that my commissioning group would not supply test strips to their new meters so they wouldn't send me a meter.
Check with your pharmacy and see if the test strips are dispensed on prescription for them.
Another option is to look at the meters the ccg have inflicted on you and see if they conform to DVLA requirements.

 

[Paul520785]

Thankyou CarbsRok
Very valid points - I have already done both of these -
DVLA requirement say meters must have a memory sufficient to cover 3 months.
They do not say what tests this applies to - Those before and while driving or all tests or some other group.
I have a meter which is kept in/with each vehicle and shows the before and 2 hours test for every trip but with 4 vehicles this could be a technical infringement.

One touch appear not to want the NHS business or NHS is prepared for the additions cost implication.

Perhaps I am too cynical?

Any one else getting the issue of NO to verio IQ strips?

 

[Heathenlass]

Unfortunately, this situation is now commonplace as different areas choose only a choice of two meters and strips on prescription as a cost saving measure. It depends on your area as to which meters they have chosen ( so much for patient choice ! ) In Northumberland we do have other non standard meters, but these are supposedly for special cases such as visual problems or manual dexterity problems.

Both of the standard meters are dire. When I moved health centres they refused my Bayer contour strips and insisted that I have the Glucolab or Element. I tried both and found the readings so variable that it impacted on my bolus doses, and in my opinion they were certainly not safe to give a reading pre driving. The use of both impacted so much on my control that I challenged their use, providing log books that covered readings using Bayer, Glucolab and Element at differing trial periods, and brought these to a meeting with my diabetic team. The result was that my team wrote to my GP expressing concern and as request that my former test strips be reinstated .

As a cost saver I queried that too, as both the Glucolab and Element were huge test strip wasters as well as being impractical to use. I do think that if you have strong feelings and doubts about the prescription meters, then it is worth challenging, but back up that challenge with some data and get your consultant or DSN on your side. It's a pain I know, but worth it.

I also found that there is actually a minimal cost difference between the NHS strips and the Contour ones to the NHS, whereas the cost of trading someone in hospital for severe hypoglycaemia or DKA was obviously going to be much higher.

I understand the need for cost saving, and let's face it, they have made a considerable saving by refusing Type 2's meters and strips. Wrongly, in my opinion. I believe it would have been fairer to allow Type 2's who request a meter to have one, and give them the support in their use. Unfortunately, I have come across many Type 2's who were issued with meters and not given the explanation for their use, so they they had no clue what these random numbers even meant .

I honestly wouldn't mind if they standardised the meters across the country using ones that are reliable and user friendly, but to just go with the cheapest they can find that barely have the accuracy standards required is not saving money in the long run, and just plain nuts

Signy

 

[Heathenlass]

Oh and cynical me thinks that there is further cost cutting to be made with all of this - for those who are sadly unsuccessful in challenging this decision, and can afford to do so, self funding is an option that would be welcomed

Signy