Would It Be Fair If.......

[Faceman]

I asked my diabetic nurse for a perscription for the testing strips for my BM machine. I feel it's important to moniter my Blood sugars but I was told that I wouldn't have one because I was diet controlled. Now I know I'm not entitled to free perscriptions because I don't take any medication for my diabetes, however the test strips for my Bm machine are ?20+. Would it be unreasonable for me to ask my nurse for a perscription for the test strips then at least I'd only have to pay ?7 & not ?20. Even bigger question, should I be paying at all? Advice would be welcomed!🙂

 

[Einstein]

Hi Faceman,

The rules on prescription charges are quite well defined, I'd see it as a good sign you don't get them free, the longer you can stay off medication the better.

On the matter of asking for a prescription, yes, ask her for it an ask her for enough test strips until you see her again, this might be two or three packs, as you only pay per line on prescriptions and not per item you'd be saving more money.

It's always better to keep a watching eye on your levels, then you know if there are changes that need to be addressed or raised before the next review appointment.

 

[VBH]

If you can't get them on scrip, go direct to the manufacturer to get them cheaper than the chemists. There's also ebay, but that does raise a moral issue since people on ebay are selling off "spare" prescription items for profit.

Also some of the online e-tailers are cheaper than the high st chemists.

Frankly your chances of getting strips prescribed are pretty close to zero. The PCT accountants want to save money and are using dodgy studies as justification that "prove" self-testing does not help A1c (they missed out the phrase "when sod all is done with the results" from the conclusions)

 

[Faceman]

Hi Faceman,

The rules on prescription charges are quite well defined, I'd see it as a good sign you don't get them free, the longer you can stay off medication the better.

Oh yes, I agree.

As with the test strips I can monitor my own levels. Thanks for that!🙂

 

[Faceman]

If you can't get them on scrip, go direct to the manufacturer to get them cheaper than the chemists. There's also ebay, but that does raise a moral issue since people on ebay are selling off "spare" prescription items for profit.

Also some of the online e-tailers are cheaper than the high st chemists.

Frankly your chances of getting strips prescribed are pretty close to zero. The PCT accountants want to save money and are using dodgy studies as justification that "prove" self-testing does not help A1c (they missed out the phrase "when sod all is done with the results" from the conclusions)

thanks for that advice. Any websites that I could try cause if my nurse can't help tonight then that'll be the route to go!

 

[Caroline Wilson]

if you don't ask you'll never know. It is always worth asking. Failing this go direct to the manufacturer and ask them for help or buy directly. Sometimes as a goodwill gesture the firms will give you a free sample, but don't hold your breath!

 

[carolyn]

Hi
Get in touch with medisence, they will possibly help you.
________
LovelyWendie

 

[VBH]

Medisense is now Abbott. I asked them if they had a trade in deal for a 5 year old optium. They sent me 2 xceeds after a bit of banter on the phone (10 strips each and 10 years worth of lancets). I didn't ask for free strips tho.

I know they tend to charge about 17 quid for a box of 50 as opposed to 25 from the chemist. The NHS pays 13 quid a box. You can get them on ebay from a tenner upwards (watch the expiry dates and postage).

Sorry, no idea on the alternative sites. I've just heard about it elsewhere since its not a problem I've had myself. A bit of googling should see you right tho.