Repeat prescriptions, test strips and general organisation

[KookyCat]

Hello all

I'm a newbie who until this point has been healthy enough not to need a repeat prescription since the mid 90's so I'm struggling with my GP processes for repeat prescriptions. I wondered if the way they handle it all is standard and if anyone has tips on how to handle it so I don't have to make so many prescription runs. For context I don't drive, this is a new GP for me and it's the nearest to my house but is still three miles away and not terribly accessible by public transport (I chose the practice based on a recommendation, and whilst in hospital in between communing with the fairies in my own defence). Everything is set up on a monthly basis and basically the amounts of lancets, needles and test strips aren't enough for a month. They have an online system for repeats but you can't do an early request via that method or over the phone I have to go in in person request it and then go back the day after to pick it up and get it filled. I've tried the sensible approach of presenting the number I actually need of each item with back up maths but that seems to fox them. Test strips seem to be the major issue in that they will only prescribe two boxes of 50 at a time because of practice guidelines, I eventually go them to increase that to three by asking my specialist nurse to write to them but that was pretty epic and took weeks. It seems it's something to do with restrictions for type 2 diabetics but when I politely pointed out that I'm not not type 2 they just looked at me as if I'd gone bonkers. I'm still working out how much and what I can eat to keep my glucose levels as stable as possible so I'm testing before and after meals and during the night at the moment and I don't really understand why that's so difficult for them to comprehend?

Is this normal or are other practices more open to increasing volumes of things. Ideally I'd like to have a safety net between prescriptions so I'm comfortable that I have everything I need. To be clear they will give me more of the items but I have to go into the surgery to do it and it's impossible to coordinate it all in any sensible way. It's driving me a bit bonkers and stressing me out a bit 😱

 

[Copepod]

Getting your diabetes specialist nurse to write a letter to increase from 2 to 3 boxes of 50 strips was a good strategy. I'm not sure you can do any more to increase the quantity.
For comparison, I get 4 boxes at a time. At previous GP surgery, there was no time limit; since moving cities in autumn, 200 strips have to last me 2 months.

A couple of things that might help with logistics:
3 miles is the sort of distance that I cycle, even though I have a car and can drive.
Is there a scheme where a local pharmacy can collect prescription from GP surgery, so that would save you a journey?

 

[annieberry]

Hi there

I really do think it is dependent on your practice rather than general policy. My repeat prescription for test strips gives me 400 blood glucose strips and 100 ketone strips. I would definitely query it again having to keep going to the surgery is not very practical.
Good luck

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi Kooky,
you need to go in for a nice! chat with your GP and explain to him your need for test strips as a type 1 insulin user.
Point out that insulin is a dangerous drug and you need for your own safety to monitor your condition. Also ask ever so politely if they are restricting test strips would it not be a good idea to restrict insulin as well.
A box of lancets would probably last a year or more most only change once a week at most
Hope you manage to sort something out soon.

 

[KookyCat]

Thanks all for the responses, it just seems a bit clumsy to me. I think I will make an appointment and see what I can negotiate with them. Copepod I'm an enthusiastic walker and cycle fan but at the moment I can't quite make it both ways (still having physio for severe muscle wastage but getting there), and the bus is so ridiculously expensive for such a short distance it irks me. My local pharmacy which would be much better doesn't have an arrangement with them sadly so it's a bit of a pickle. It's my own fault I just didn't think about any of these things when signing up 🙄

I'll try polite pester power and see how it goes, I can just about cope with all this as long as I have my glucose meter comfort blanket. I'm sure I'll get more relaxed about it at some point but the control freak in me has kicked in good and proper at this point.

 

[Flower]

Hi Kookycat

I would definitely discuss your needs with your gp especially as a recently diagnosed type 1 trying to get sort out your glucose levels and get used to it all. My surgery follows a similar system where I can only order every 56 day, the online repeat tick boxes do not appear until the 8 weeks have elapsed. When I have run short I have had to ring up and beg with a valid reason but this then affects when I can re order. It does seem a clumsy method of restricting supplies. Are there any other pharmacies locally who may collect and deliver to you? Good luck I hope you can sort it so it is one less worry.

 

[AlisonM]

I agree with the others, this definitely needs a visit to the GP to explain your needs. Hopefully that will sort the problem out. If not, then it may be necessary to get your consultant/DSN assuming you have access to either to write to the surgery confirming what you need each month.

That's what I had to do when Dr Idiot got a bee in her bonnet about me using too many test strips last year (AGAIN). My consultant wrote to her and that was the end of it. I am able to place prescription requests as needed (usually once a month for most things) without restriction. I try to get everything at once, but that's not always possible or I'd end up buried under vials or boxes of this and that as I only need to order insulin about every 6 weeks, and needles every 5 weeks.

 

[cherrypie]

There is a letter from the Dept of Health that was circulated to all GPs last year informing them that they cannot ration strips for Type1 diabetics but have to give enough for their clinical needs.
You could copy it and take it with you.

http://www.input.me.uk/wp-content/u..._Safe-care-of-people-with-type-1-diabetes.pdf

 

[Hanmillmum]

We were the same as you originally getting 100 strips per time and constantly felt I was at the pharmacy - got onto DSN who sent fax to GP to request increase to 200 which is much more realistic for us, are you open to a team to sort this on your behalf? if not definitely pay GP a visit - Cherrypie's letter is good back-up to take along. Good luck 🙂

 

[trophywench]

I used to get 150, now I get 200 a month.

My meter memory states I use on average 6 a day and 6 x 28 is 168 - and that's without being ill, going for any long drives or doing a full 24 hr basal test! I usually have a few spare, but it doesn't amount to a whole 50.

My GP explained to me the stupid system the PCT (now the CCG) has imposed on them - every time I order them, despite the fact that 6 x repeats are always written up for me, NP - whoever the doctor is that day who is signing off the scrips, has to override a warning notice that comes up on the computer.

It isn't a problem to patients, its just an absolute PITA for them.

All you need to do is actually see the doctor, in my experience and if a simple request doesn't work show them the letter !

And if that doesn't work, ring your Councillor and email your MP !

 

[Bloden]

Hiya, kcat. I completely understand you wanting a back-up supply of strips. I'm just the same - being organised/prepared is what this disease has done to me! But I quickly realised I wasn't going to get 5 or 10 extra boxes from my surgery. So I bought the SD Codefree meter and strips, etc from Amazon. Their strips are a third of the price of my accu chek ones. And having a back-up machine also gives me peace of mind! Good luck getting your strength back. 🙂

 

[trophywench]

That's just WRONG Bloden - I know why you did it, and I do understand of course - but it's WRONG.

 

[Bloden]

What's wrong with providing myself with peace of mind?🙂

 

[Copepod]

Remember, Bloden is dealing with Spanish health system, not NHS. While it's sad she had to provide for herself, she's done the right thing for her situation and het peace of mind.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hiya, kcat. I completely understand you wanting a back-up supply of strips. I'm just the same - being organised/prepared is what this disease has done to me! But I quickly realised I wasn't going to get 5 or 10 extra boxes from my surgery. So I bought the SD Codefree meter and strips, etc from Amazon. Their strips are a third of the price of my accu chek ones. And having a back-up machine also gives me peace of mind! Good luck getting your strength back. 🙂

Do remember that test strips go out of date so keep an eye on them 🙂

 

[KookyCat]

I have bought extra strips myself a couple of times, but hopefully I'll convince them to provide an extra box when I see them. I will definitely keep my eye on the dates now that I know they have a shelf life. I do think it strange that they scare you half to death with all the possible complications, drill into you how tight control is the way to avoid them, and then limit the most important tool for that control

I've also discovered this morning that crunchy nut cornflakes are the work of the devil, so shocking times all round

 

[Bloden]

I do think it strange that they scare you half to death with all the possible complications, drill into you how tight control is the way to avoid them, and then limit the most important tool for that control ]

Yeah, I've never understood it either!

I agree, TWench, it is WRONG!

 

[trophywench]

That's exactly what I meant Bloden, and yes of course I'd have done exactly the same as Bloden, Copepod !

 

[Bessiemay]

Accu-chek mobile and compact plus

I have recently moved house and had to change doctors. I have been using these testers for years and getting strips without problems but my new doctor says they are too expensive and wanted me to change meters. He reluctantly 'made an exception' for me but am I being unreasonable in continuing to use this convenient meter.

 

[AlisonM]

I have recently moved house and had to change doctors. I have been using these testers for years and getting strips without problems but my new doctor says they are too expensive and wanted me to change meters. He reluctantly 'made an exception' for me but am I being unreasonable in continuing to use this convenient meter.

No, not in the least. It's what you're used to, have confidence in and there's no reason other than saving money why they are recommending the cheaper model. T1s often need more data than T2s and most of the cheaper models fall down in this regard. One size definitely does not fit all, so don't feel guilty for sticking to your current meter. If the object ever comes up again, you can compare whatever it was he offered you to the functionality of your own meter and, hopefully, bury the business for good.