Letter from my doctor

[New-journey]

i am furious at letter I have just received,

" We are writing to you today regarding an important change to availability in Somerset of your blood glucose testing strips.
Somerset Clinicial Commissioning Group has now advised GP practices that we need to reduce the amount that we spend on expensive blood glucose testing strips in order to free up money on other treatments for Diabetes. Somerset is currently spending over £3M per year on testing strips that cost more than £10 a pack when there are some excellent strips available for less than this.
For those patients who need to monitor their blood glucose for clinical reasons, you will still be able to have blood test strips. However, Somerset CCG has recommended that in order to free up NHS resources GP practices should no longer prescribe test strips which cost £10 or above per 50 strips.
Unfortunately this includes your current Contour Next test strips.
After a discussion we would like to change your monitor, free of charge, to Accu Check Performa Nano. This is very similar to your current meter but the test strips cost significantly less. Please collect your new monitor within six weeks."

So anyone use the Accu Check Perfoma Nano meter? What is it like?
Anyone else have a similar letter?
Does the CCG have the right to do this?
So grateful I get the new meter free!
Thanks
Jo

 

[Wirrallass]

Jo ~ I'm realy sorry to hear your GP has written such letter to you. Of course its outrageous to say the least ~ I get so mad when I hear that some testing strips are being withdrawn & will no longer be available on prescription ~ all for the sake of Money -v- Health? I could say a lot more but this isnt the right thread to express those oppinions.

Glad to hear tho that you can still continue to have testing strips on prescription once you're provided with the new meter. I dont use an Accu Check Nano meter so can't advise you Jo I'm sorry ~ but I do have a Contour TS meter.
I haven't received a letter from my GP. ~ hoping I won't. x

 

[Hazel]

i am furious at letter I have just received,

" We are writing to you today regarding an important change to availability in Somerset of your blood glucose testing strips.
Somerset Clinicial Commissioning Group has now advised GP practices that we need to reduce the amount that we spend on expensive blood glucose testing strips in order to free up money on other treatments for Diabetes. Somerset is currently spending over £3M per year on testing strips that cost more than £10 a pack when there are some excellent strips available for less than this.
For those patients who need to monitor their blood glucose for clinical reasons, you will still be able to have blood test strips. However, Somerset CCG has recommended that in order to free up NHS resources GP practices should no longer prescribe test strips which cost £10 or above per 50 strips.
Unfortunately this includes your current Contour Next test strips.
After a discussion we would like to change your monitor, free of charge, to Accu Check Performa Nano. This is very similar to your current meter but the test strips cost significantly less. Please collect your new monitor within six weeks."

So anyone use the Accu Check Perfoma Nano meter? What is it like?
Anyone else have a similar letter?
Does the CCG have the right to do this?
So grateful I get the new meter free!
Thanks
Jo

I use it. It is brilliant, very accurate
My diabetic centre at the hospital gave me 2 when my old meter packed in. I had only called in to ask which test strips were the cheapest, and that I would buy the meter. But they gave me the 2 new meters.

Good luck

 

[Northerner]

So annoying 😡 However, the Nano is a good meter, and I'm surprised that the strips are cheaper for it - they must have done a deal. Are there particular utilities on the Contour Next that you find particularly useful? If so, you may be able to argue your case. Diabetes UK have produced a Test Strip Advocacy Pack which may help you to challenge them.

 

[Bubbsie]

i am furious at letter I have just received,

" We are writing to you today regarding an important change to availability in Somerset of your blood glucose testing strips.
Somerset Clinicial Commissioning Group has now advised GP practices that we need to reduce the amount that we spend on expensive blood glucose testing strips in order to free up money on other treatments for Diabetes. Somerset is currently spending over £3M per year on testing strips that cost more than £10 a pack when there are some excellent strips available for less than this.
For those patients who need to monitor their blood glucose for clinical reasons, you will still be able to have blood test strips. However, Somerset CCG has recommended that in order to free up NHS resources GP practices should no longer prescribe test strips which cost £10 or above per 50 strips.
Unfortunately this includes your current Contour Next test strips.
After a discussion we would like to change your monitor, free of charge, to Accu Check Performa Nano. This is very similar to your current meter but the test strips cost significantly less. Please collect your new monitor within six weeks."

So anyone use the Accu Check Perfoma Nano meter? What is it like?
Anyone else have a similar letter?
Does the CCG have the right to do this?
So grateful I get the new meter free!
Thanks
Jo

No idea about either meter Jo...does it have the same spec as the current one you use?...it is possible to challenge the decision...however...wondering if it would be best to check the one they are offering to substitute it with...see if it does compare with the one you have been using...before you become embroiled with the local CCG...it seems the CCGs can dictate how/what surgeries spend their budgets on...have a look at the new meters capabilities...then see if you want to take up the issue with the practice.

 

[New-journey]

Jo ~ I'm realy sorry to hear your GP has written such letter to you. Of course its outrageous to say the least ~ I get so mad when I hear that some testing strips are being withdrawn & will no longer be available on prescription ~ all for the sake of Money -v- Health? I could say a lot more but this isnt the right thread to express those oppinions.

Glad to hear tho that you can still continue to have testing strips on prescription once you're provided with the new meter. I dont use an Accu Check Nano meter so can't advise you Jo I'm sorry ~ but I do have a Contour TS meter.
I haven't received a letter from my GP. ~ hoping I won't. x

Thanks @wirralass and hope you will never get such a letter! So far it is only Somerset so that's good.

 

[New-journey]

I use it. It is brilliant, very accurate
My diabetic centre at the hospital gave me 2 when my old meter packed in. I had only called in to ask which test strips were the cheapest, and that I would buy the meter. But they gave me the 2 new meters.

Good luck

Thanks @Hazel that's good to hear that you find it brilliant and accurate. Maybe I will be ok just accepting it.

 

[New-journey]

So annoying 😡 However, the Nano is a good meter, and I'm surprised that the strips are cheaper for it - they must have done a deal. Are there particular utilities on the Contour Next that you find particularly useful? If so, you may be able to argue your case. Diabetes UK have produced a Test Strip Advocacy Pack which may help you to challenge them.

Thanks @Northerner I am mighty relieved the Nano is a good meter, did you think the test strips were as expensive as the Contour? Last time they gave me a rubbish meter and I successfully challenged it, this time I think it will be harder and maybe I should try out the Nano first.
I love mine for being able to add more blood if there is not enough, for being able to choose which category the reading goes in, being able to upload readings, the averages from 90 days and last week. I was going to ask for a smart meter, guess that is never going to happen! I think I will try it out and see how I get on.

 

[New-journey]

No idea about either meter Jo...does it have the same spec as the current one you use?...it is possible to challenge the decision...however...wondering if it would be best to check the one they are offering to substitute it with...see if it does compare with the one you have been using...before you become embroiled with the local CCG...it seems the CCGs can dictate how/what surgeries spend their budgets on...have a look at the new meters capabilities...then see if you want to take up the issue with the practice.

Thanks @Bubbsie and this is helpful, will try it out and see how I get on. It sounds like it is a good one, not the rubbish one they gave me last time, will also do some research.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks @Northerner I am mighty relieved the Nano is a good meter, did you think the test strips were as expensive as the Contour? Last time they gave me a rubbish meter and I successfully challenged it, this time I think it will be harder and maybe I should try out the Nano first.
I love mine for being able to add more blood if there is not enough, for being able to choose which category the reading goes in, being able to upload readings, the averages from 90 days and last week. I was going to ask for a smart meter, guess that is never going to happen! I think I will try it out and see how I get on.

I think all those are important points NJ, and it would certainly be worth challenging as although the Nano is a good meter (I used one for a year or so before moving to the Contour Next) I don't think it has all the facilities you describe. It's a few years since I used one though, so it may have been improved. I also found the Next needs less blood and it's very useful being able to add a little extra - I believe the Nano would require a new strip. I had an issue with my Nano where the battery connection kept failing - apparently it was a common fault at the time - had to return it and got a replacement but that also failed after a few months with the same problem so I gave up on it. Software is probably better than the Nano on the Next unless they have improved that, and of course you can just plug the Next into your computer - when I had it the Nano used an infra-red connection which was a bit hit and miss.

I imagine this letter is a blanket change and, like happened to me once, they are prepared to make exceptions for people with specific needs. I suspect there is a bias in your favour if you are Type 1 because I'm pretty sure those making these decisions see that as the 'bad' one that needs allowances making. Shouldn't be like that of course

 

[Amigo]

I had a similar letter from my GP saying the surgery would now only support Glucomen meters and testing strips which was fortunate because that’s what I had.

It’s difficult when we get used to a certain kind of meter but if the replacement is as reliable and more cost effective, there’s perhaps good reason for the money managers to use them. You may be able to argue exceptionality NJ but in truth, I’m not confident they’ll agree. Certainly worth a try though if this is going to cause you problems but I suspect they’ll want you to give the new meter a try first.

The letter I’m dreading more as a type 2 is the complete withdrawal of testing strips! 😱

 

[New-journey]

I had a similar letter from my GP saying the surgery would now only support Glucomen meters and testing strips which was fortunate because that’s what I had.

It’s difficult when we get used to a certain kind of meter but if the replacement is as reliable and more cost effective, there’s perhaps good reason for the money managers to use them. You may be able to argue exceptionality NJ but in truth, I’m not confident they’ll agree. Certainly worth a try though if this is going to cause you problems but I suspect they’ll want you to give the new meter a try first.

The letter I’m dreading more as a type 2 is the complete withdrawal of testing strips! 😱

Oh No, hope that doesn't happen!

 

[Amigo]

Oh No, hope that doesn't happen!

They’ll have a fight on their hands if they do NJ! 😡

 

[New-journey]

I think all those are important points NJ, and it would certainly be worth challenging as although the Nano is a good meter (I used one for a year or so before moving to the Contour Next) I don't think it has all the facilities you describe. It's a few years since I used one though, so it may have been improved. I also found the Next needs less blood and it's very useful being able to add a little extra - I believe the Nano would require a new strip. I had an issue with my Nano where the battery connection kept failing - apparently it was a common fault at the time - had to return it and got a replacement but that also failed after a few months with the same problem so I gave up on it. Software is probably better than the Nano on the Next unless they have improved that, and of course you can just plug the Next into your computer - when I had it the Nano used an infra-red connection which was a bit hit and miss.

I imagine this letter is a blanket change and, like happened to me once, they are prepared to make exceptions for people with specific needs. I suspect there is a bias in your favour if you are Type 1 because I'm pretty sure those making these decisions see that as the 'bad' one that needs allowances making. Shouldn't be like that of course

I have looked at meters and the Accu-Chek Aviva Expert looks much better than the Nano, and could help me more than my current one as well. The difference in price in strips isn't too bad so will ask for this one. I know I have got very dependent on my meter and need to have the right one. I expect they will say as you are managing everything so well, you don't need a special meter but in my mind having the right meter helps massively!

 

[Hazel]

I think all those are important points NJ, and it would certainly be worth challenging as although the Nano is a good meter (I used one for a year or so before moving to the Contour Next) I don't think it has all the facilities you describe. It's a few years since I used one though, so it may have been improved. I also found the Next needs less blood and it's very useful being able to add a little extra - I believe the Nano would require a new strip. I had an issue with my Nano where the battery connection kept failing - apparently it was a common fault at the time - had to return it and got a replacement but that also failed after a few months with the same problem so I gave up on it. Software is probably better than the Nano on the Next unless they have improved that, and of course you can just plug the Next into your computer - when I had it the Nano used an infra-red connection which was a bit hit and miss.

I imagine this letter is a blanket change and, like happened to me once, they are prepared to make exceptions for people with specific needs. I suspect there is a bias in your favour if you are Type 1 because I'm pretty sure those making these decisions see that as the 'bad' one that needs allowances making. Shouldn't be like that of course

Nano is the old vetsion
Nano Perfoma is much much better

 

[Northerner]

Nano is the old vetsion
Nano Perfoma is much much better

Thanks for clarifying @Hazel 🙂

 

[Northerner]

I have looked at meters and the Accu-Chek Aviva Expert looks much better than the Nano, and could help me more than my current one as well. The difference in price in strips isn't too bad so will ask for this one. I know I have got very dependent on my meter and need to have the right one. I expect they will say as you are managing everything so well, you don't need a special meter but in my mind having the right meter helps massively!

Well, there you go - you have just stated the reason why you SHOULD have the meter that works best for you. Diabetes is a difficult condition to deal with and anything that makes it less of a chore and produce better control should be of primary importance - in effect, they would only save a few pounds a year but potentially need to spend much more should (for example) you need an extra consultation to help with problems, or - heaven forfend! - a hospital admission. Sounds dramatic, but every little step that undermines your ability to manage your diabetes well increases the risks of placing a much greater burden on the CCG's precious penny-pinching budget 😱 I would also apply the same argument to those CCGs who decide to replace needles with cheaper types - if the cheaper ones increase the risk of scar tissue and lipohypertrophy over time then they will make control far more difficult.

 

[mikeyB]

There is always the thought that this kind of action will bring down prices across the board. The other manufacturers won't want to see their business disappear, for sure. Or, of course, they may pull the plug and just sell in Diabetes Central, the US.

 

[trophywench]

Question - is the Contour Next the one that also tests for ketones with different strips? - cos none of the Accu-Chek meters can also test ketones, not even the meter/handsets that communicate with their insulin pumps. However - the blood test strips are exactly the same ones for the Insight meter, the Combo one (which is an Accu-Chek Expert meter with extra bells and whistles) and the Nano, of which I have two as back-up in case of pump meter failure. I should ask for an update really as I've had them since 2009! (and I've very rarely needed to use either) (one lives in our motorhome and one in the house, I spose I ought to put new batteries in em by now at least LOL) - so I can't see how the Expert strips can be even slightly more expensive!

So - if you are a ketone tester, you'd still need a separate meter (and strips) that can do that.

 

[New-journey]

Question - is the Contour Next the one that also tests for ketones with different strips? - cos none of the Accu-Chek meters can also test ketones, not even the meter/handsets that communicate with their insulin pumps. However - the blood test strips are exactly the same ones for the Insight meter, the Combo one (which is an Accu-Chek Expert meter with extra bells and whistles) and the Nano, of which I have two as back-up in case of pump meter failure. I should ask for an update really as I've had them since 2009! (and I've very rarely needed to use either) (one lives in our motorhome and one in the house, I spose I ought to put new batteries in em by now at least LOL) - so I can't see how the Expert strips can be even slightly more expensive!

So - if you are a ketone tester, you'd still need a separate meter (and strips) that can do that.

Sorry to be a bit dense here but are you saying the test strips are the same for the Nano and the Expert one?