You Couldn't Make It Up.

[Chris24Main]

Yes - it isn't a problem with the UK generally, but there is huge variance up and down the country - for me, I have an app that I can reorder supplies with and a couple of days later, I get a text from Boots to say they are available. Couldn't be easier.
The same app records all my medical history, and my GP uses it to communicate thoughts on blood tests, (and I can also record my replies).

Unfortunately - what this points to is the concept of the digital divide, where more and more admin just works on-line, and less and less is reliable when you talk to actual people, and transport pieces of paper from one place to the next.

I'm not saying "get with the times" - totally the opposite, it must be super frustrating, and our assumption as people - is that people should be better than administrative systems... but - administrative systems have no opinions, so if you have any access to the underlying information (in my case, the list of pre-approved items in my prescription list) - then at least you know what you should expect - nobody has to decide anything.

 

[Outlier]

In this case, it's not the hardware or the software - it's the liveware!

 

[silverbirch]

Can't help with the problems of your surgery but maybe consider changes in type of lancet used. I have always had to self fund both meter and more lately a CGM, With the meter I initially used an Accu-chek Soft Clix which has a single lancet recommended for single use but I used it several times over (probably 5 or more) before changing needle. Nowadays I use a Fast Clix which has a drum of 6 needles designed for single use but I use 1 needle about 5 or 6 times before changing and get 30+ stabs per drum. I know it is against all manufacturer H&S recommendations but I have never had any health issues by re-using and it is cost effective as well as being better on the plastic use. May be worth considering.

I bought myself the Accu-chek Fast Clix for the same reason The drum has six needles and can be used many times over. No it is not recommended but I have never had any problems. I changed because I couldn't get along with the lancets the surgery issue. Good to know it's not just me.

 

[Outlier]

I collected my new lancets from the phramacy yesterday. Checked the accompanying prescription leaflet. And no, the surgery has still not put the lancets on the prescription list as entered into the computer (or in this case, not), but has added four medications I haven't taken for 3 years. Like I said, it's the liveware. No computer system is equal to the Mark 1 inefficient person. No amount of this or that in cyberspace will be any use when faced with them, and it isn't about me getting with the computer age because these errors are all about what is entered or not entered into the computer by the surgery workers.

On the plus side, I don't have to revisit this scenario for three months or so as I now have enough lancets pro tem. We'll see what happens then......

 

[Chris24Main]

@Outlier "and it isn't about me getting with the computer age"

No, but if you can see where the disconnect is, it's really a question of using the best tool. For example, you can take the app and show it to your GP and they should be able to update it in real time right there in the surgery, so you can confirm for yourself. Bypass the mark 1 inefficient human.

If you get the run around, then demand an emergency appointment because "confusing and possibly dangerous" medication has appeared on your prescription list and you need advice.

 

[Outlier]

Ah - I do see your point. However, I don't see my GP! I'm sure he'd be available if I had a condition that needed his input, but a repeat prescription request is not enough to get me a hallowed GP appointment - and arguably this wouldn't be an acceptable use of his time. I also don't have a Smartphone or any other type except a basic mobile one, which is all I need as - Shock! Horror! I use the landline unless out and about with a need to contact someone asap. The surgery has a system whereby written requests for repeat prescriptions (they don't accept verbal requests even if you are standing there at the Reception desk) are put into a dedicated secure box outside the main doors, and these are (usually) actioned and sent by a staff member using a computer to the computer of the pharmacy next door. And it has worked well until two requests ago. So I expect there has been some sort of procedural change/cyber update which somehow failed - and it could only have failed because the human/computer interface wasn't operated correctly. Please read this while imagining amused emoticons, because I do appreciate worse things happen at sea.

We shall see what happens next, and happily 'next' is a long time ahead.

 

[grantg]

suggestion grab a photocopy of the prescription for both the lancets and test strips next time you get. if further issues take the photocopy with the dr's signature on it into the dr's surgery politely show them that if negative response ask them to take the issue up with the dr that wrote out the said prescription