Are you having trouble getting your strips for the CoaguChek on prescription

[warfarin1]

Let ACE know if you are having trouble obtaining your testing strips for the CoaguChek on prescription. We are compiling a UK map of problem areas and we will be taking this issue up with the department of health and the Government. Please tell us your experience

[suffolkcounty]

Yes, Surrey PCT stopped these prescriptions about 18 months ago, and we have to buy all test strips.

[warfarin1 in reply to suffolkcounty]

thank you we will add this to our map.

Did they give a reason why? Did you take it any further. The cheapest way of obtaining strips is direct from the manufacturer and not through your local pharmacy.

[suffolkcounty]

GP told me that PCT had removed from list that she could prescribe from. No I have not taken this any further due to the lack of time. It seems to be typical of this Government's shortsightedness and lack of joined up thinking. Each time I test, it saves a nurses time, the sample being transported to the hospital path lab. etc. etc.

I did think that under the Freedom of Information Act I could ask for the cost of an NHS blood test - if the NHS purchasers were on top of their job they should be able to buy test strips for less than the cost of a test done in surgery.

About two years ago the surgery were thinking of using something like a coaguchek so one got immediate results - (it takes a day or more to get the result back)

Also I'm unhappy with the way warfarin is prescribed after each test - they seem to be handled by different GP's each time - so 2.2 may mean come back in two weeks or come back in 4 weeks - as my husband is at fairly high risk of falling I think this is too lax.

This may be a good item to open a discussion on, especially as the cuts get worse.

[suffolkcounty]

Yes we buy all test strips directly from the manufacturer - I did see one or two on Google charging VAT!

[pucc1n1]

I get tested with Coaguchek at my GPs, not blood tests and so get the results instantly. So I bought my own machine to self-test, not self-dose. I told my GP who didn't seem too happy with that. I asked to get a prescription from my GP, but they refused. The reason I was told is that they don't believe in self-testing when the INR is unstable and so have to buy them directly off the manufacturer (agree the cheapest way). My INR yo's yo's and so you need to test quite frequently. Surely, that is more of a reason, as well as the posts, here to self-test to save GP costs. I have warfarin for life and so the strips being expensive is now a financial, but necessary burden.

[benihana]

I have been told by my GP that he will not provide me with a prescription for test strips as both his surgery and Medway PCT pay towards my testing at the local warfarin clinic. I find this unfair when I wish to take a greater roll in controlling my INR and especially because I am planning a long trip away and don't want to pay expensive testing costs whilst abroad. I am on life long warfarin and just a little help wouldn't hurt I already seem to be one of the only people at the pharmacist who pays for his prescriptions and it all adds up!

[NewTo-reliable-zorse]

GP in Haringey, London, prescribed CoaguCheck strips for my husband twice, and last week, with no explenation the prescription has been refused. I said I want his decision with explanation in writing, still waiting. INR goes up and down constantyl and need testing once a week. My husband had a stroke in 2011 and is unable to make it to hospital by himself. I would have to take time off work to drive him to hospital every week, which is not doable. So I guess I will have to arrange transport for him on weekly basis and on a cost of taxpayer. I wonder what is more expensive - 6months supply of strips for £80 ( and yes, we pay for medicines) or 30 trips to hospital.... I just can't find logic in it...

[craftylady]

My GP says they are unable to prescribe the strips due to the PCT or whatever it now is! She is putting in a case for me to get them, but to be honest, I am not holding my breath. Considering blood clots/bleeds are life threatening - it doesn't seem to be taken very seriously. On both occasions I've had extensive dvts (above the knee and into my stomach) and shown no early symptoms. This time however, I did go to the GP twice as I knew something was going on. Wouldn't refer me despite my past history and now I think I shall have to pay through the nose to self monitor. Having said that it would be worth it. The strange thing is the clinic at the hospital are very supportive about the monitoring!! Why is there not better aftercare?

[knighty]

Continued......... Rav had my case transferred to another hospital who supported the use of personal coag m/c and has liaised with the PCT(by now called something else) I have the machine and some further testing strips from his personal supply and is setting up an account so that I will be able to receive future strips with no problems.

I have submitted a first part to this epic but not sure if I ran out of space or if I pressed wrong button, please advise.

[catsblood]

in spite of enthusiateic support from two consultoants onea at Liverpool heart and chest hospital the other whiston hospital merrseyside my g p will not give a prescription. when in Yorkshire the gp there gave me them for over 2 years. ialways attend the g p s I n r clinic , but if sent away for 5 or 7 weeks as "stable" I find I am not I can reach 8 where I should be 3.5 to 4.5. no surgeries in Knowsley will give them. I have been on warfarin for 22 years and am absolutely reliable. I am afraid of embolisms or strokes. my m.p. has alsowritten twice in support.

[Hidden]

Sheffield CCG seems to offer no objection to providing strips on prescription and my GP is now keen to support self testing as is the Sheffield Teaching Hospital Trust.

[yarna]

While under St Thomas' I was told that if I buy the machine that they would supply the strips, unfortunately I took ill and missed an appointment, and my grandaughter rang up and let them know I was ill, but I then got a letter through saying that I had been discharged and my GP has said to me that he cannot supply me with the strips as he needs authorisation...... how do we get authorisation, or how do I get more strips?

It costs me a whole weeks pension to buy these strips.

[knightrider in reply to yarna]

Hi Yarna

Which CCG is your GP part off and what is your surgery. You should ask them if they need authorisation from St Thomas's or from the CCG?

[lizzily]

Cannot get testing strips on prescription in Dorset in spite of lobbying Dorset CCG and providing them with the link to the recent NICE consultative document. Help needed please.

[Hidden]

The NICE committee dealing with this meet to give final approval during the next 2 weeks. If they confirm the content of the consultative document it will be public soon afterwards and will be added weight to the arguments with CCGs

[daisyd]

I live in Suffolk due to having Hughes syndrome, Antiphospholipid syndrome, sticky blood same condition different names.

I get my test strips on prescription, hopefully will continue as I know they are very expensive.

My INR has to be in the range of 3 to 4 and can have to take Warfarin around 10mgs

I can tell when I am not in range, so then test I also use them if I have a headache or feel unwell.

The anticoagulant clinic request a test about every 2 weeks and accept the result that I get.

I think being able to be able to self test is very important and reassuring so I would argue my case if it comes off prescription.

[Cerinboo60]

Yes my surgery has always given me them on prescription and now they've told they are no longer available on prescription. I care for my disabled husband and cannot afford them myself. My INR is very unreliable that is why I began self testing . I'm in Huddersfield .

[Cerinboo60]

Hi, just an update. I phoned my local ccg and lodged a complaint explaining full situation and background behind my beginning self testing. I received a letter this morning telling me they are holing a review and will discuss my case, the outcome should be with me w/c 18th July. My doctor has since phoned me to tell me that they held a practice meeting and as I was apparently misinformed in the beginning they had decided to allow me to have a prescription for the test strips. Just thought you may like an update but I will still pursue complaint with ccg . Will update as necessary .

[warfarin1 in reply to Cerinboo60]

glad you will at least be getting your strips on prescription. Do let us know how you get on with your complaint or if anything changes. You cn email me on [e-mail]

[Cerinboo60 in reply to warfarin1]

Will do .. and thanks

[Cerinboo60]

Hi, Just an update ! The ccg have reviewed my case and concluded they will allow my test strips from now on. It is worth challenging your ccg and persisting until you get a good result .

[warfarin1 in reply to Cerinboo60]

Well done. Yes people should challenge decisions not to prescribe strips. Too many blanket decisions are made without considering the individual patient and their circumstances.

Your story will give encouragement to others facing the same thing.