Prescription of test strips and finger lancets

[Bennett]

There seems to be a survey complaining that test strips and lancets are not available from one's GP. Throughout the 8 years or so that I have been Type 2 diabetic, my local surgery has supported me with an ad lib supply of all necessary test stuff after I bought an Advantage test kit. If they can do so and therefore recover the cost from the NHS, it must be "legal" and hence I do not understand the argument. I cannot believe that a GP would refuse such an important health check. Cannot they be named and shamed?

 

[MaryJ]

The list would be too long Bennett

The T2's who get them are the lucky ones. My gp agreed in the beginning , got one repeat script then was refused after that. changed his mind? overruled by PCT? dont know.

Mary x

 

[Grazer]

it must be "legal"

It isn't illegal, but neither is it compulsory for Gps to prescribe it unless you're on insulin or similar. Most don't on cost grounds, although they use spurious other excuses to cover up the cost issue.