32 Comments
How often do you purchase glucose test strips for a glucometer?
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Should have had a Rarely option. I only use a Contour Next ONE meter to test BG on very rare occasions to calibrate pump and sensor or on even rarer occasions when I am without a CGM. I rarely purchase test strips on a regular basis because I use the strips I have on hand until they are way past expiration date or I run out. However, I do keep a small supply on hand just in case. When I need to I buy a new supply I purchase a bottle out of pocket OTC. Walgreens and CVS has them for 24.99 for 35 strips.
ditto
I find it amazing you have and answer that they don’t use a Tests Strip because they are on a CGMS. I have been on a CGMS for over 12 years, both Metronic and Dex. My Endo. and all other Diabetes Professionals all recommend when you get High’s or Lows you should test. Along with my Tanden X2 after every set change has a recommendation to check after 2 hours of use.
Same here. I’m grateful that my body can still feel my highs and lows. Sometimes my CGM is way off and if I didn’t test before taking a corrective dose, I’d be up &hit’s creek.
Thanks to the incorrect info requirements from the pharmacies to bill to Medicare part B that the MD will no longer provide to the phamacy, I cannot get enough strips to safely and effectively manage T1D.
The same as Connie. I have old , long ago expired test strips that still work and I only use one a month, when I need to check CGM.
I was advised by Walgreens this month that they could no longer fill my strips because of Medicare regulations. I need them to calibrate and double check the CGM. Medicare said they wouldn’t pay for Dexcom sensors and supply test strips. This is so wrong on Medicare’s end.
I’m on Medicare (traditional). My CGM and test strips are both covered. Could it depend on what state you’re in? I live in CA.
I don’t think it matters what state you live in. Medicare does not cover blood test strips if I have a CGM. In my case, Control IQ, with Tandem.
I had heard that Medicare doesn’t cover test strips if you have a CGM, but I’ve been on Medicare for 5 years and I’ve never had any trouble getting test strips covered. In fact, CVS nags me to fill my strip prescription before I even need them because I use so few. (If this is my once-in-a-lifetime healthcare lucky break, I’d probably have chosen something else 🙂
I don’t but them. The VA supplies them but I rarely use them. I use a CGM and only test if I’m not feeling well.
I answered quarterly since I have to pay out of pocket. It isn’t the usual answer – I have a CGM so insurance won’t cover strips. For me, I can’t safely use the covered monitor (One Touch). The covered monitor has been shown to read higher than actual for people who are anemic. Back when the protocol waws to do a confirmation fingerstick when a CGM reading was low, I would do it and the meter would read 180+. I’d do the obligatory correciton bolus, and that was the last thing I needed. The CGM was correct.
I was fortunate to be invoted to Endo CME. One of hte topics was the issue of accuracy and inacuracy in home glucose meters. I grabbed hard copies of all the reports, did my own month-long comparison using the Contour Next (rated highest for accuracy) my old meter and CGM. The Contour Next and CGM were so close that I decided to dose based on my CGM. No more major lows – and much as I like my paramedic colleagues – no more visits from them either.
My Dexcom readings can be really wacky on first day. Really need those test strips to control my BG.
Me too, sometimes way off
I used to get blood tests regularly through my health insurance coverage. However, I was advised by Medicare that they will no longer cover my blood test strips. I’m not sure if it was because I use a CGM, or because I use the Control IQ CGM system. Currently, I use the Tandem X2 pump, with Control IQ, and Dexcom G7 sensor. I am still using a very old container of Contour Next blood test strips. When they run out, I suppose I’ll buy another bottle. But, I don’t feel the need to do blood tests with the 1/2 hour warm up time for the Dexcom G7 sensor.
I checked YEARLY, but is really when mine expire or run out. I think I will only buy 50 next time. That should last a year with my Dexcom CGM.
Rarely use them.
Because I am on Dexcom They expired before I used up the 200 strip pkg my husband had purchased. I told him to get a 100 strip pkg the next time.
I purchase strips every 6 months.
I answered “Other,” because I normally don’t purchase test strips until the ones I have are about to expire. Since I use a CGM, I don’t test nearly as often as I did, but my prescription has remained the same. I guess I should have my endo prescribe less strips!
More than yearly, less than quarterly. I buy before I run out. Yes, I use a CGM.
I don’t purchase test strips for my glucometer. I live in the UK (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) where my medical prescriptions are paid for via our NHS (National Health System), which is financed via direct taxation of all working people that earn above a given amount.
I primarily get my test strips through my pharmacy benefit but will occasionally order more online to build up a stockpile.
Mine are free through a program with my insurance company.
I use glucometer to calibrate CGM and if sugar goes too low so I buy when I run out ,how often I buy depends on when I run out
I rarely use glucose test strips with my CGM.
When they expire
Never had to. Strips are provided on prescription by UK NHS.
I don’t test every day but my brittle diabetes and/or stubborn high BGs due to stress often means finger sticks several times over a few hours until I’m back in range.
I chose “I don’t use a glucometer only CGM” but I do have to calibrate occasionally. Right now I am using test strips that have been expired over 2 years because I have no reason to buy new ones and the strips usually align either with CGM or symptoms. I’ll ask for a new Rx once those stop working or I run out.
Only time I purchase test strips is if i run out, they expire, or when my insulin pump malfunctions.
I get my supplies from the VA (dept. of Veterans Affairs USA) I have 2 glucometers that use different strips, I try to use my strips supplied by the VA more often but I do have a back up test kit that I make sure to have strips for, I try not to use those to maintain my budget