Doctor refuses to prescribe new test strips

[Craig Pell]

Hello
I've been diagnosed with type 1 since 2000 I am insulin intolerance and have to inject vast amounts for any to work 130 units plus. I've recently been sent through the post a brand new meter contour next one which I find invaluable as it blutooths my results to my phone which I use along side my carb and cals app to work out how much insulin I need to take as I am on the balus bolus method. Unfortunately my doctor says these strips are to pricey and suggests I use one of the two meters that they provide. I've talked to my local pharmacy who informs me that the contour next strips are in fact cheaper than the ones my surgery supply the difference around £7 and that the contour next strips are more common than the ones they prescribe. But still they refuse saying there computer will only let them prescribe the two types that they supply, but I would really like to continue using this new meter. I was debating buying them mysèlf but since I'm on disability benefits and the strips are over £20. I'm going to find it hard to purchase them. Not sure what to do. I've been with my surgery for over 20 years, is it time to switch?

 

[Bubbsie]

Hello
I've been diagnosed with type 1 since 2000 I am insulin intolerance and have to inject vast amounts for any to work 130 units plus. I've recently been sent through the post a brand new meter contour next one which I find invaluable as it blutooths my results to my phone which I use along side my carb and cals app to work out how much insulin I need to take as I am on the balus bolus method. Unfortunately my doctor says these strips are to pricey and suggests I use one of the two meters that they provide. I've talked to my local pharmacy who informs me that the contour next strips are in fact cheaper than the ones my surgery supply the difference around £7 and that the contour next strips are more common than the ones they prescribe. But still they refuse saying there computer will only let them prescribe the two types that they supply, but I would really like to continue using this new meter. I was debating buying them mysèlf but since I'm on disability benefits and the strips are over £20. I'm going to find it hard to purchase them. Not sure what to do. I've been with my surgery for over 20 years, is it time to switch?

Craig it might be better if you posted this in the general forum...likely more members will see this & be able to respond.

 

[Northerner]

Hello
I've been diagnosed with type 1 since 2000 I am insulin intolerance and have to inject vast amounts for any to work 130 units plus. I've recently been sent through the post a brand new meter contour next one which I find invaluable as it blutooths my results to my phone which I use along side my carb and cals app to work out how much insulin I need to take as I am on the balus bolus method. Unfortunately my doctor says these strips are to pricey and suggests I use one of the two meters that they provide. I've talked to my local pharmacy who informs me that the contour next strips are in fact cheaper than the ones my surgery supply the difference around £7 and that the contour next strips are more common than the ones they prescribe. But still they refuse saying there computer will only let them prescribe the two types that they supply, but I would really like to continue using this new meter. I was debating buying them mysèlf but since I'm on disability benefits and the strips are over £20. I'm going to find it hard to purchase them. Not sure what to do. I've been with my surgery for over 20 years, is it time to switch?

Hi Craig, welcome to the forum 🙂 Switching surgeries might not help if the GP is taking instruction from the CCG. If you find a particular advantage to sing your Contour meter then it is certainly worth challenging them over the change as moving to a cheaper meter may not provide the features your meter provides.

I'd suggest contacting the Diabetes UK Helpline service, who will be able to help you with advice of how to argue your case - details here:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/how_we_help/helpline

These changes should not be made on price alone, the individual's ability to maintain good control due to the features of a particular meter should be taken into account, particularly when you are having to make decisions on insulin doses, corrections etc. Life with diabetes is hard enough, and it is not worth the short-term cost savings on strips if it means your control suffers as a consequence - they need to consider that this could lead to far more expensive long-term complications. It should be possible to have flexibility, I know my own surgery does this (also on a Contour!), so do contact the helpline and get things sorted!

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about your situation Craig.

Contour Next are one of the most accurate strips on the market, and if the meter provides other useful functions that help your self-management you should absolutely be able to choose it. NICE guidance for T1 particularly mentions people being given the choice of meter that suits them.

Diabetes UK has an advocacy pack for test strips (https://www.diabetes.org.uk/how_we_...cks/availability-of-blood-glucose-test-strips) which might give you useful information - I would certainly press your GP on the issue.

Let us know how you get on.