Health Authority changing my meter

[runner]

Just got a note clipped to my repeat prescription form stating the health authority has asked the surgery to supply patients with a new testing machine, and that they have taken my other testing strips off repeat and added the iCare strips and Caresense lancets!! there's no info about the meter, no consultation or anything! I have 6 month hospital appt on thurs, so will discuss there - anyone else had same happen?

 

[Ellie Jones]

It's getting more common!

Yes you can get it over turned, might to a little battle as your case to keep to the meter/strips you've currently will have to be reasonably strong.. But others have used, size of meter, size of screen, the use of software, ease of use etc to argue their point!

What's happening at the moment, a lot of PCT's are arranging a separate supply contracts with individual manufacturer's which enables the PCT to pay a reduced cost for the test strips... (below the BNF listed price)

So book into see your GP, explain why you need to keep your present meter/test strips etc... If you get any problems with your GP, speak to your consultant when you have your appointment as you consultant can instruct your GP to prescribe them!


Can't wait until my surgery/PCT tries to pull this one on me, as well my BG meter is also the remote for my insulin pump! So can't really change to their chosen meter/test strips if it differ's from mine... As it would undermine my insulin pump!

 

[runner]

Thanks Ellie. If the new meter has similar properties as mine, and it saves NHS money, I don't mind changing, but some consultation would have been nice!

 

[Northerner]

This has happened to other members too, and with the same meter being prescribed. It sounds like it is a blanket switchover, regardless of individual circumstances, so it is a case of trying to opt out and retain your current meter if you feel you need it to maintain good control.

Not the same meter, but this is a discussion on a similar topic so some of the responses may be useful to you.

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=23168

 

[runner]

Thaks. Have just emailed DSN to see if they can enlighten me about new meter, before I make a decision as to whether to challenge or not. I am rather attached to smiley face when readings are in target on my meter, but not really a good argument....

 

[Flutterby]

I think that's a good argument runner!! Seriously though I hope the new one is ok for you. I use accu chek aviva at the moment but wonder how long before I get a similar letter.

 

[trophywench]

Ellie - I'm waiting for THAT punch-up too. For precisely the same reason! Dare I say - looking forward to it, actually? LOL

 

[Otenba]

Hiya runner!

I've just joined you on the ranks of iCare Advanced users - my thread is here!

I'm still using up my old machine(One Touch Ultra)'s strips so I haven't officially used it yet. How have you been getting on with it so far?

I think I'm okay with it, but they better not take my ketone testing BG machine strips away too or I might have to start making a fuss. >:/

 

[runner]

Hiya runner!

I've just joined you on the ranks of iCare Advanced users - my thread is here!

I'm still using up my old machine(One Touch Ultra)'s strips so I haven't officially used it yet. How have you been getting on with it so far?

I think I'm okay with it, but they better not take my ketone testing BG machine strips away too or I might have to start making a fuss. >:/

Hi, I've found the machine OK, but the finger pricker is rubbish, so hang on to your old one - the lancets will probably fit. I don't know if it has the facility to download readings - there appears to be a socket, but I tend to use my paper DAFNE diary anyway. The other thing is there's no proper carrying case for it and the bits and pieces you need to carry around - just a flimsy bag. Luckily, it fits in one of my old carrying cases. Like that it has a smiley face like my old machine, but don't like that you can't adjust settings - for e.g. your personal range. Has a nice big display too and the strips seem to be very efficient.


I still have a machine and strips for ketones - no problem there.

 

[Otenba]

Thanks for the feedback. It's reassuring to know. 🙂 Hopefully this is the only changes they'll apply.

Like you say as well, I'm another that tends to rely on my DAFNE diary - which in turn, I use the online diary (updating it through the android app at each blood test) so I can not only look at graphs on the DAFNE Online website, but it makes it a lot easier to copy and paste into an email to show my DSN team. Not all bad I suppose.

If they do however have a cable to allow a connection to a PC I'll see if I can get it because the more information you can get the better, eh? 🙂 I did get the cable for my One Touch Ultra...

It's a shame for me to have a perfectly good machine sitting around on that note, but what can you do...

 

[Vicsetter]

I see the iCare forum is simply buzzing with postings: icareadvanced.com/forum

 

[Northerner]

I see the iCare forum is simply buzzing with postings: icareadvanced.com/forum

I don't know how the Moderators can cope! 😱 😉

 

[Otenba]

Any one dare to sign up? I will if you do! 😛

What makes me laugh is there is 99 users apparently! iCare staff perhaps?

 

[runner]

LOL. JUst sent them a message using their contact form about the lack of a robust carrying case, and feeble finger pricker. I'll let you know if I get a response.

 

[alisonz]

I was given the caresens meter by our practice nurse and get on well with it, well apart from the pricker bruising my finger virtually every time. My nurse said it was a lot cheaper for strips etc. It came with a carry case that it all fits nicely into. All in all I like it and am happy with it

 

[Austin Mini]

At our southern Lincolnshire practice we are all issued Optima Exceed testers and strips. I have had this meter six years and never a problem. Free batteries from the supplier and as I go abroad for my holls they even sent me a new meter and spare batteries too to take with me.

 

[Bolddog]

I was given the caresens meter by our practice nurse and get on well with it, well apart from the pricker bruising my finger virtually every time. My nurse said it was a lot cheaper for strips etc. It came with a carry case that it all fits nicely into. All in all I like it and am happy with it

Kiwis should be happy then ?

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/112712/one-firm-to-supply-key-diabetic-equipment

 

[Otenba]

I started using it this week. It's been fine so far (which should be expected I suppose). I see what you mean runner. 🙂 I've never had a machine with smilies on lol and I have stuck with my old finger pricker. I can still use most of my old arrangement but I do now not have anywhere to put my used sharps! I like to take them home with me so I can dispose of them safely...

On the DAFNEOnline forum, I posted about this change and one of the responses from one of the admin staff (a fellow DAFNE graduate) was:

This sounds like a major step backwards to me. Yes the test strips do seem to be a lot cheaper, but why ? Being naturally suspicious I would question the motivation both of you doctors and the company that makes the meters/strips in singapore. What happened to freedom of choice in the NHS ? So will they put in place the infrastructure to support this equipment, rather than the current very basic website with no support and only one phone number for the UK. What happens if you lose or have problems with the meter ? Do all the chemists in your area stock these test strips and can they get supplies easily. You would hope that the PCT/consortium would have put all that in place before forcing you to use the meter, but have they ?

I will put up a real battle if they try to change my meter, especially as my GP does not and is not going to be reponsible for my Diabetes treatment.

I do think he has a good point. What do you guys think?
Did you get a response in the end, runner?

 

[runner]

Did you get a response in the end, runner?

I got the usual acknowledgement email the same day, but have had no reply to my question, and tbh had forgotten all about it until I read this!

Their customer service doesn't great does it?

 

[Otenba]

I got the usual acknowledgement email the same day, but have had no reply to my question, and tbh had forgotten all about it until I read this!

Their customer service doesn't great does it?

It doesn't sound good... makes me glad I've only ever asked for a PC cable!


Edit: I've bit the bullet... and signed up to their site. Let's see what this is about...!

Edit the second: The forum appears to be broken because my new thread has not appeared and I was told that I do not have permission to access "this page". I have PM'd the admin to see if they can fix it. 🙂