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TEST STRIPS

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 83869
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Deleted member 83869

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Hi,

Does anyone have problems getting test strips off of your GP/doctor? For about 2 years now my Doctor's have become soo stingy with giving me strips and ever since I have been on the pump I have needed more as I test alot more, and when I end up going back for more a week later, they kick up a fuss. Which sometimes leaves me a few days without even testing :S I have contacted my Nurse but no response yet!!
 
I had mine restricted to 100 a month. I'm on a pump too. It's a complete nightmare.
My specialist at the hospital has sent letter after letter to my gp but still they kick up a fuss about prescribing them. And ketone strips are impossible to get. It makes me so disheartened and puts me off even testing.
They aren't supposed to restrict type 1's but that message doesn't seem to get through to the gp surgeries!


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I used to get 2 box's of 50 when I was first diagnosed and despite putting that on the repeat prescription they still give me 1!! insulin isn't a problem but strips are! And yes my nurse has wrote to them before too!
 
I am a type 2 and I only managed to get some strips when my Hba1c reached 68 and was put on Glimipiride. when I got control of my diet and my Hba1c came down they were stopped. DN has been quite open in saying that they were stopped for financial reasons. The practice had its budget cut by £60,000 she said.

She has left the sharps box on the prescription though.
 
I cant even get a sharps box on prescription!!!
 
Hi,

I think it may depend on what area your GP is in..? My doc is quite literally throwing em at me...
 
NicolaAnne1994 said:
Lucky! haha! I am in London!!
Click to expand...

It is strainge.. I live in the West Country (Bath area.)
I realised certain areas have different budgets when I took a prescription up to Suffolk. (Didn't have time in Bath.) & was told by the chemist there that the cartradges for my meter needed to be ordered in for the following day as they "don't do these"... The local health authority in Suffolk being "a bit tight."
 
Very strange indeed! It's as if the NHS don't even really realise how important it is for us to have them!
 
Im in Essex/London, Dagenham ha! My nurses are aware of it in the area though!:/
 
NicolaAnne1994 said:
I used to get 2 box's of 50 when I was first diagnosed and despite putting that on the repeat prescription they still give me 1!! insulin isn't a problem but strips are! And yes my nurse has wrote to them before too!
Click to expand...


Take along the letter that billybadger has given a link to and remind your gp about what the Dept of Health said, 1 box of strips is absolutely ridiculous, especially as you are on a pump and need to test more than someone on MDI, if you don't get any joy with your Dr ask to see another one or argue your case with the Practice Manager.
 
I will most definitely do that!! Thank you!!!
 
I'm in Bath as well and also have no problem getting test strips. Seems like a bit of a postcode lottery unfortunately!
 
It's possible that they don't keep them in stock, that's all


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
NovoRapid, Lantus, Victoza, Metformin (sr), Simvistatin
 
Crimsonclient said:
It's possible that they don't keep them in stock, that's all


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
NovoRapid, Lantus, Victoza, Metformin (sr), Simvistatin
Click to expand...

Correct. I was told they don't stock em for exactly the reasons I gave above.. They won't prescribe em due to budget.
 
Unfortunately, the download of certain documents regarding blood glucose monitoring doesnt order a GP to prescribe teststrips. The documents only serve to remind GPs of the importance of monitoring and the possible consequences that could follow for many insulin dependant diabetics who dont test for whatever reason due to bg changing.

For pump users......it beggars belief that a CCG will pay about £3000 for a pump plus approx £1500 per year for the consumables only for its use to now be challenged by the GPs budget under the CCG, regarding restrictions on the prescribing of teststrips to ensure the pump can be used safely.

The health officials in government need to call up a meeting with the leading blood glucose meter providers asking them how they justify the cost of the teststrips? Be very interesting to see everything on the Parliament channel.. Where are you Dom Littlewood, Margaret Hodge??

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