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No longer prescribing test strips for type 2!

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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Fiona Atkinson

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I have just been told by the diabetic nurse that I will not be able to have any test strips. The reason given was that it costs too much. Apparently my practice is the last one in the area to do this. Anyone else had this happen?
 
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Fiona Atkinson said:
I have just been told by the diabetic nurse that I will not be able to have any test strips. The reason given was that it costs too much. Apparently my practice is the last one in the area to do this. Anyone else had this happen?
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Hi Fiona...I have just started having my testing strips provided on prescription...initially I self funded for 9 nine months...asked my GP to prescribe testing strips...he said he could...but the local Clinical Commissioning Group may stop it...I wrote to the CCG...explained why I needed them...justified my use of them... the important role they played in the management of my diabetes...they conceded he could prescribe & continue to prescribe...how long have they been providing them prior to the DSN saying NO MORE...generally Type 2's on diet & exercise only...or those not dependant on medication which may cause hypoglycaemia ...are not prescribed testing strips on prescription routinely...some enlightened GP's & DSN's do provide them...but...not many ...are you on any medication? & how are your blood glucose levels...you may be able to challenge this decision...ask your GP to prescribe...justify your need...your use of them...this is happening too often...it can be challenged effectively.
 
Many thanks for your quick and helpful reply. I am on dapagliflozin only. My sugars are averaging 8 so I am closely monitoring them trying to reduce my HbA1c. Have lost almost 2 stone over the last 9 months. I have had test strips for a while because I asked for them. How are you supposed to know what is going on otherwise!! In the long run it will have a detrimental effect on our health and therefore cost the NHS more!
 
That's absolutely right, Fiona, but that argument cuts no ice with either the CCGs or the government. It's far too logical. I don't know what the answer is, but it shouldn't have to like Bubbsie's battle with the CCG.

It's up to DUK to persuade the powers that be that this is a positive financial move.
 
Fiona Atkinson said:
Many thanks for your quick and helpful reply. I am on dapagliflozin only. My sugars are averaging 8 so I am closely monitoring them trying to reduce my HbA1c. Have lost almost 2 stone over the last 9 months. I have had test strips for a while because I asked for them. How are you supposed to know what is going on otherwise!! In the long run it will have a detrimental effect on our health and therefore cost the NHS more!
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Fiona what is happening is many of the local Clinical Commissioning Groups are looking to cut costs...this is the body who will interpret the NICE guidelines on such matters...the CCG's will direct our GP's what can & cannot be prescribed...they are looking to cut costs...they are rarely challenged on this issue...so the practice continues...when I wrote to them...I read the NICE guidelines on testing Strips for Type 2's not dependant on medication that may cause hypo's...the guidelines clearly state that testing strips should 'not be routinely provided'...clearly this is not an absolute NO...it indicates there is room for discretion...however...the CCG's seem to have interpreted that as Do Not Prescribe...I would ask your GP to continue to prescribe them...justify that...if he quotes the CCG directive...challenge that...if you want to do this...happy to give you some guidance...outrageous they have stopped the provision at this point...although not outrageously high...your BG levels are still outside 'Normal' range...as said if you would like to try & get these on prescription...send me a PM...be happy to help...I believe once challenged they generally do concede...always worth a try.
 
The issue of not providing test strips makes me angry.....

There is no problem here in the States, several of my friends who just have elevated BG test & it's all paid for by insurance, not even a co-pay on test strips.
Now, if insurance companies can work out that testing may prevent more expensive complications down the road then why on earth does the NHS fail to reach that conclusion?
 
Many thanks for all your comments. Yes I will challenge my GP and would appreciate some guidance. As I have only just joined the forum I am not sure what a PM is!!
 
Fiona...a pm is a private message...go to the general heading...you'll see the INBOX directly next to your user name...click on that...allows you to send & receive messages that will not appear on the general thread...in the participants box insert the recipients name...then once written just press send.
 
Welcome to the forum, Fiona Atkinson.
While trying to get your prescription for strips reinstated, you may want to make your current stock last as long as possible, or buy as few as possible. That means concentrating on really important tests eg before / after a new (to you) food / meal / activity, with fewer before / after familiar foods / meals / activities. Your GP might be more willing to prescribe a lower level of strips than what you are getting at present. I'm not condoning limiting strips, but trying to suggest a possible negotiation stance.
 
A PM is a Private Message - if you get any it will show in the 'Alerts' box on the RHS of the horizontal blue stripe at the top of the page.

The CCGs sadly only seem interested in this year's budget - so if they can spnd less this year , doesn't matter that anyone's leg drops off in 5 years time cos it won't be their problem. See? Exactly the same culture as government refusing to spend more on eg training junior doctors since how they work this out is, do we have enough JDs this year? If the answer is Yes, then they stop concerning themselves about that item. Next please!

If you go onto Diabetes UK's actual own website - there is an Advocacy Pack you can find on there, to help you to argue your case. You will realise from this that you are absolutely NOT alone an shedloads of others have or have had the same problem. If this fails, then we can direct you to the cheapest meter (well - the cheapest strips really) that you can buy yourself without needing a prescription.
 
trophywench said:
A PM is a Private Message - if you get any it will show in the 'Alerts' box on the RHS of the horizontal blue stripe at the top of the page.

The CCGs sadly only seem interested in this year's budget - so if they can spnd less this year , doesn't matter that anyone's leg drops off in 5 years time cos it won't be their problem. See? Exactly the same culture as government refusing to spend more on eg training junior doctors since how they work this out is, do we have enough JDs this year? If the answer is Yes, then they stop concerning themselves about that item. Next please!

If you go onto Diabetes UK's actual own website - there is an Advocacy Pack you can find on there, to help you to argue your case. You will realise from this that you are absolutely NOT alone an shedloads of others have or have had the same problem. If this fails, then we can direct you to the cheapest meter (well - the cheapest strips really) that you can buy yourself without needing a prescription.
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Bubbsie said:
Fiona...a pm is a private message...go to the general heading...you'll see the INBOX directly next to your user name...click on that...allows you to send & receive messages that will not appear on the general thread...in the participants box insert the recipients name...then once written just press send.
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Many thanks will have a go
 
trophywench said:
A PM is a Private Message - if you get any it will show in the 'Alerts' box on the RHS of the horizontal blue stripe at the top of the page.

The CCGs sadly only seem interested in this year's budget - so if they can spnd less this year , doesn't matter that anyone's leg drops off in 5 years time cos it won't be their problem. See? Exactly the same culture as government refusing to spend more on eg training junior doctors since how they work this out is, do we have enough JDs this year? If the answer is Yes, then they stop concerning themselves about that item. Next please!

If you go onto Diabetes UK's actual own website - there is an Advocacy Pack you can find on there, to help you to argue your case. You will realise from this that you are absolutely NOT alone an shedloads of others have or have had the same problem. If this fails, then we can direct you to the cheapest meter (well - the cheapest strips really) that you can buy yourself without needing a prescription.
Click to expand...
I have seen the campaign/advocacy pack from DUK...frankly disappointing...she can challenge the CCG directly...more of us should do that...the individual approach can be very effective!.
 
I was refused straight away then they said I could have for a week a week like that would help. I've written to my gp no answer and I did a time line for them and I have an appointment next week now won't that be fun for all.
I think it's ridiculous they are refusing to supply them as being proactive is better than being reactive as they are being as this will not save them in the long run.
 
Dollypolly said:
I was refused straight away then they said I could have for a week a week like that would help. I've written to my gp no answer and I did a time line for them and I have an appointment next week now won't that be fun for all.
I think it's ridiculous they are refusing to supply them as being proactive is better than being reactive as they are being as this will not save them in the long run.
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Stand your ground Dolly...refer him to your letter...he can discuss it with you at your appointment...if he chooses not to prescribe...ask him why...point to your results...difficult...but we have to be so persistent to get anywhere...once he explains...then decide how to approach your next step.
 
Fiona Atkinson said:
Sorry Bubbsie I have tried with no success.
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If you can't send a PM, it may be because you haven't been a member for long enough / made enough posts. It's a feature to stop spammers being annoying, but it also affects new genuine forum members. So, please keep posting. @Northerner (Admin) can permit PMs earlier, I think, but as a Moderator, I can't, sorry.
 
Hi Fiona...sent a message...busy working on something...will be in touch in the morning...hope you got the pm
 
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