Type 1 - threatened test strip withdrawal

OMG!

I get 2 boxes of 50 each time........when they run out I order more....

Is this not normal...?

novorapidboi26 said:

I get 2 boxes of 50 each time........when they run out I order more....

Is this not normal...?

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No.

donnellysdogs said:

No.

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Why?

novorapidboi26 said:

I get 2 boxes of 50 each time........when they run out I order more....

Is this not normal...?

Click to expand...

Same here, I in fact have 2 boxes on 4 week repeat along with tablets that Boots deal with, never have a problem with that....(if only! but problems are rare and aren't connected with the OP issue) and then I order 2 more boxes online via patient access as and when, probably averages every 3rd week - depends how much testing I'm doing.

In the email above they have admitted they are limiting test strips when they shouldn't!

So let's go back to basics with this one shall we @Paul520785 ? Under NG17, you are expected to be supported in having enough test strips to encourage testing up to ten times per day if the following applies:

1.6.11 Support adults with type 1 diabetes to test at least 4 times a day, and up to 10 times a day if any of the following apply:

• the desired target for blood glucose control, measured by HbA1c level (see recommendation 1.6.6), is not achieved
  
  
• the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases
  
  
• there is a legal requirement to do so (such as before driving, in line with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency [DVLA] At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive)
  
  
• during periods of illness
  
  
• before, during and after sport
  
  
• when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding (see the NICE guideline on diabetes in pregnancy)
  
  
• if there is a need to know blood glucose levels more than 4 times a day for other reasons (for example, impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, high‑risk activities). [new 2015]

1.6.12 Enable additional blood glucose testing (more than 10 times a day) for adults with type 1 diabetes if this is necessary because of the person's lifestyle (for example, driving for a long period of time, undertaking high‑risk activity or occupation, travel) or if the person has impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. [new 2015]

Let's assume that you fit these criteria somehow, so they should be supporting you in providing 10 strips per day. That's basically your six boxes a month.

Now your email suggests a discussion of some sort with your dispensary manager that you have multiple residences and that you want to leave test strips there. They are within their rights to say "No" to that, as it's not a point in the NICE guidance that they have to provide you with strips in multiple locations, when you, like every one of us, can carry them around with you. It's a bit of a nitpicking point, but it's valid none the less.

Personally, from here, I would contact your practice manager and you need to have a face to face meeting on this one. You need to have both them and your dispensary manager in the same room.

You then need to quote NG17 at them, specifically the sections above, detailing what the factors are requiring you to do 10 tests a day. If they can be anal, so can you.

You then need to produce the letter that @noblehead can provide that states what practices are supposed to do in support of T1s and SMBG.

Stick to the guidance, and stick to the provided reasons for enough test strips. They can't argue against those. And do it face to face. Let them feel the heat of your wrath.

novorapidboi26 said:

I get 2 boxes of 50 each time........when they run out I order more....

Is this not normal...?

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I just don't see the logic, if say a box of 50 strips lasts a week then your putting in a repeat prescription every 2 weeks, IMHO at the very least they should be prescribing 200 strips to insulin users.

tim2000s said:

You then need to produce the letter that @noblehead can provide that states what practices are supposed to do in support of T1s and SMBG

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The letter that Tim is referring to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa.../Safe-care-of-people-with-type-1-diabetes.pdf

noblehead said:

I just don't see the logic, if say a box of 50 strips lasts a week then your putting in a repeat prescription every 2 weeks, IMHO at the very least they should be prescribing 200 strips to insulin users

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It must be to do with their accounting or something, you know, to make it easier for them to keep track or whats being spent on what...complete guess though...

novorapidboi26 said:

It must be to do with their accounting or something, you know, to make it easier for them to keep track or whats being spent on what...complete guess though...

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Not sure what the reason is tbh, but it's frustrating when they hold back on the test strips

noblehead said:

Not sure what the reason is tbh, but it's frustrating when they hold back on the test strips

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Fortunately for me its not an issue, I don't mind going back every 2 weeks as the process is really simple....send an email, collect 2 days later...

novorapidboi26 said:

Fortunately for me its not an issue, I don't mind going back every 2 weeks as the process is really simple....send an email, collect 2 days later...

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If your happy with the procedure then that's great @novorapidboi26 , I found it all too inconvenient and annoying so have had to involve my diabetes team to make the surgery see sense and up the prescription.

They are giving you enough to test yourself 7 times a day comfortably. What exactly do you do, or what other reason do you have, to justify having to test 10 times a day? And why is it acceptable to put the name and contact information for the dispensary manager online?

noblehead said:

If your happy with the procedure then that's great @novorapidboi26 , I found it all too inconvenient and annoying so have had to involve my diabetes team to make the surgery see sense and up the prescription.

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How many pots are you getting each time, 4?

novorapidboi26 said:

How many pots are you getting each time, 4?

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6, it was increased from 4 after I started on a pump.

noblehead said:

6, it was increased from 4 after I started on a pump.

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And how long does 6 last you....?

I was on 300 and then 200 when I got my libre. I wait to see what happens when I get my funded cgm..

novorapidboi26 said:

And how long does 6 last you....?

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Around 5 weeks.

I posted earlier in the year with the same problem. Fortunately I have a leading consultant from a good hospital and after calling their PA, and speaking with my consultant, she called and wrote to my GP and the issue was resolved. I think Practice Managers I charge of the budget and the admin are the main culprits.

One of the best tips given to me here on the T1 community was that it is illegal for your to drive without testing first. You may wish to drive several times a day and in addition to the NICE recommendations, you require more strips than they are prescribing and they are therefore forcing you into an unhealthy, dangerous and illegal position.

I've previously got into heated debates/arguments with a previous GP who said I was testing so much I was 'bringing the NHS down!!!!' He was silent to my assertion that not prescribing me strips I require would mean my future complications would bring down the NHS and b) he wouldn't get his bonus for my HbA1c being in target (despite it being nothing to do with him!)

Good luck