Today, many self blood glucose monitoring systems are available at Walgreens Pharmacy. Your challenge is to find the best system for you. Take these three recommended steps and you’re sure to make a good choice.
Step 1
Find out what blood glucose monitoring systems your health plan covers. Nearly 85 percent of people with health coverage have some coverage or reimbursement for their meter and strips. And that’s good news because test strips may be your next most costly items, after your medications.
Many people do not realize they have coverage and pay for these supplies out of pocket. Or, they do not use them because of the cost. It is important to know that these supplies often are not covered under your prescription benefits, but may be covered under the Durable Medical Equipment or Major Medical section of your plan. When you learn you should monitor your blood glucose—and nearly every person with diabetes should—call your health plan provider. Find out the monitoring systems covered and the number of strips you are allowed in a time period. Also, ask what information must be provided in your prescription. Medicare is very specific on this.
Private Health Plans: There are many arrangements between meter manufacturers and health plans. For instance, large health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and health plans may cover only one or two systems. Other health plans allow you to purchase the monitoring system that your health care provider prescribes.
Medicare: Since 1998, Medicare Part B (the optional part for which you pay a premium) covers blood glucose meters, strips and supplies for everyone with diabetes. There are limitations on the amount of strips you can get, but not on the brand of system. A big change went into effect on April 1, 2002. You can no longer submit claims for your diabetes supplies on your own. However, your claims can now be submitted by your Walgreens pharmacist.
Step 2
Today’s meters are small and portable. They use very little blood, are fast, have memory, and most allow you to use software to track your control. Ask your Walgreens pharmacist, health care provider or diabetes educator to assist you in your selection. Then check out the different meters. Use the meter comparison chart on the following pages to learn about the meters available at Walgreens Pharmacy. And when you do purchase, learn all about your meter. Read the materials that come with your meter. Meet with a Walgreens pharmacist, diabetes educator or dietitian to get instruction on how to use your meter.
Step 3
Ask your health care provider how often and what times of day to check your blood glucose levels. The answer should depend on the type of diabetes you have and how you manage it. People who take insulin or certain diabetes medicines before each meal need to check more frequently. At least three times a day is recommended because they may adjust their diabetes medicines based on their results. People with type 2 diabetes who don’t take insulin should check their blood glucose levels frequently enough to achieve their blood glucose goals. Check your blood glucose at different times of the day and before and after meals to observe patterns. The more data you collect, the more you learn. Share your results with your health care provider along with your analysis. Use these to determine what, if anything, you need to change to get better control.
