Changing your test strip prescription

It’s true that local health authorities operate under budgetary constraints – which includes how much they can spend on test strips. But there is often flexibility in this and most doctors are happy to consider each request on a patient-by-patient basis. This is referred to by the NHS as ‘patient-centred care’.

• Explain to your doctor how the features of the meter – such as fast, convenient testing and remarkable accuracy – give you reassurance every time you test.

• Explain how the Second-Chance™ sampling feature reduces the wastage of strips and the inconvenience of having to repeat finger prick.

• Mention how this helps with your long-term glucose control.

It’s also worth saying that although some strips cost a little more than basic alternatives, there is an ongoing financial benefit in helping you to self-manage well.

• It’s true that your local Primary Care organisation/Health Board/Clinical Commissioning group will have a list of preferred meters, referred to as a ‘formulary’. But formularies typically give guidance on when it may be appropriate to choose something else – rather than advising on which meter might be right for you.
• Many meters on approved lists are selected primarily on price, which doesn’t take into account your wishes and needs.
• Say that formulary lists are purely guidelines and that the doctor can still give you the strips you need for your chosen meter.
• Remind your doctor of the benefits of the meter.

The colour indicator feature for instant feedback on your readings

Second-Chance™ sampling so you don’t need to use another strip or re-prick your finger if there’s not enough blood on the strip at first

Automatic sync and log of your readings for smarter diabetes management

90-day summaries which you can share with your doctor

Remarkable accuracy to make informed decisions

• Tell them which features are most valuable to you in terms of your overall blood glucose management.
• Mention the NHS principle of “No decision about me without me”

It’s only fair that you have a meter that works for you and helps you manage your blood glucose effectively. The NHS has a principle of involving patients in decisions about their health, so don’t be afraid to ask for the strips for the meter you want.

Meters are improving all the time. The CONTOUR^®NEXT ONE and CONTOUR^® PLUS BLUE when used with the CONTOUR^®DIABETES smartphone app can make a real difference to your glucose control.

• Remind your doctor why you chose the meter

The colour indicator feature for instant feedback on your readings

Second-Chance^TM sampling so you don’t need to use another strip or re-prick your finger if there’s insufficient blood on the strip

Automatic sync and log of your readings for smarter diabetes management

90-day summaries which you can share with your doctor

Remarkable accuracy to make informed decisions

• Outline the reasons why you prefer this meter over your old one
• Tell them which features are most valuable in helping you with your blood glucose management.
• Mention the NHS principle of “No decision about me without me”

This may well be the case, but it doesn’t take into account your wishes. Nor does it recognise the fact that the price of test strips is much lower than the potential cost of managing a hypo or other consequence of either inaccurate readings or a lower standard of blood glucose management.

• Mention the NHS principle of “No decision about me without me”
• Ask your doctor whether based on the medicines you take, it aligns to the NICE guidelines

Your doctor might offer you a cheaper alternative to CONTOUR^®NEXT ONE or CONTOUR^®PLUS BLUE. If they tell you that the cheaper meter is as good as your chosen meter, ask if it comes with all these features as standard:

• Accuracy levels which, in independent tests, are proven to be closer to laboratory standards than most other meters – giving you added confidence and reassurance every time you test. Although there are accuracy guidelines in place for blood glucose meters (EN ISO 15197:2015) there is no requirement to have independent data to support the manufacturer's claims. As there are varying degrees of accuracy for meters available ask your GP for independent data to support the meter being offered to you.
  
  Both the CONTOUR^®NEXT ONE¹ and CONTOUR^®PLUS BLUE^{2, 3} have remarkable accuracy and we have independent data to support this

• Second-Chance^TM sampling which lets you reapply more blood to the same test strip in case of insufficient blood, without having to use a new strip or prick your finger again

• Instant colour-coded feedback on your blood glucose readings thanks to the colour indicator feature

• smartALERTS^TM to quickly warn you if your levels are critically high or low *.

• Automatic sync and log of your readings for smarter diabetes management

• 90-day summaries which you can share with your doctor

Sometimes people with diabetes find their GP practice may try to ration their test strips in the interest of cost-saving. If this happens to you, and you feel that the number of  test strips you are being allowed won’t let you confidently manage your diabetes, you should share your concerns with your doctor or nurse.

• Explain that frequent testing will help reduce your risk of having a hypo.

• Tell your doctor that you need to be confident that you are testing frequently enough to manage your diabetes confidently.

• If the thought of having your strips restricted causes you additional stress, say so.

• Mention the reasons why you chose the CONTOUR^®NEXT ONE or the CONTOUR^®PLUS BLUE  meter and explain that you need to have enough strips to get the most from your new meter’s features.