By Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, APRN, BC - ADM, MA, CDE
“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” With so many competing demands for our time and money, that’s generally good advice. Sometimes the tasks involved in managing a chronic illness like diabetes become routine and ordinary. You may skip checking your blood glucose or get annoyed by the meter itself. Sometimes all you need is a tool that makes it a little bit easier to manage. Take a look at the new meters on the market. It may be time to shake things up and unleash the power of change.
Here’s what you’ll need to know about insurance and the features of the products before making a change.
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If you forget to change the code on your meter when you get a new batch of strips, look at meters that don’t need to be coded.
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If speed is important to you, results are yours in five seconds or fewer with several new meters. Speed is especially helpful when your blood glucose level is low.
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All new meters have strips that pull your blood into the strip. You don’t have to twist and turn to put the blood on top of the strip.
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Sore fingers? Look into meters that allow you to check your blood glucose using your forearm, the palm of your hand, your upper arm or thigh.
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Look for a meter whose strips require only a tiny drop of blood. Less blood means less pain when you stick yourself.
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Check out the size of the display window. Are the numbers large enough for you to see? Even small meters can have large display windows so you can easily see the results.
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Handling test strips can be a problem for some who have arthritis or have had a stroke. There are meters available that work with “strip containers,” such as drums or disks, that are easy to insert — and you do not have to touch the strip.
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Find Out About Insurance
Medicare Part B helps pay for a new blood glucose meter every five years. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you have met your deductible and you will need a prescription from your provider.
Often health plans limit your choice of meter and strips and how frequently you can get a new meter. Most health plans choose one or two product lines that will be covered for the lowest co-pay. You may have to pay a higher co-pay for any other meter or supplies. Call the member services number on your health plan card and ask which meters are on the preferred list. Remember blood glucose checking supplies are part of the durable medical benefit of your health plan—not the pharmacy benefit. Do not let anyone switch you to a different meter, unless you agree.
Ask About New Products
There is no best meter. There are pros and cons for each one. You can find out about new products by asking your diabetes educator, going to product fairs offered at your local hospital or diabetes club or asking your Walgreens pharmacist to show you a series of meters.
Unleash The Power of Change
Blood glucose monitoring is a tool that puts you in the driver’s seat. The results give you feedback about your food choices, feelings and medicines. If you are in a rut and need a change, a new, easier-to-use meter may be just what you need.
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