Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jason on December 1, 2008 at 10:19pm

This is how health decisions are made in the UK? By a postal code lottery?

Seriously?

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Permalink Reply by Rebekah Humphrey on December 2, 2008 at 1:25am

Pritty much.


Basically the pump isn't available on the NHS yet. So they give it out based on where you live

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Permalink Reply by Kathy on December 2, 2008 at 6:07am

I'm sorry to hear that! The location basis for a pump doesnt seem to make much sense. It would make more sense to do it based on need.

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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Deans on December 2, 2008 at 9:09am

OMG. That's horrible! Our health care system in the US gets so much criticism, but pretty much anyone with a full-time job here at least has health insurance that will pay for things like this. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be! I think I saw one of your other posts about not being able to get enough test strips and again, I can't even imagine that. My health insurance did not pay for my CGM, but everyone thinks that within another year or so, they will.

I had a few years when I didn't have a full-time job and so did not have health insurance and so I had to pay for all my supplies out of pocket. It was horribly expensive and of course I could never have afforded a pump then. My level of control was so much worse. I can't imagine that being the norm for a population. I mean, maybe a developing nation, but the UK??

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Permalink Reply by Jason on December 2, 2008 at 10:34am

How can the NHS not cover insulin pumps in 2008? They were widely covered by US insurance companies at least ten years ago, maybe more. If your doctor thinks you need a pump, then that to me would seem a more compelling reason to give you one than going by what zip code you live in. I am very sorry to hear about this- let us know who to write to on your behalf!

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Permalink Reply by Rebekah Humphrey on December 3, 2008 at 8:06am

I am planning a huge campaign to get pumps available on the NHS. My diabetic nurse is putting my name forward for funding application. Doesn't mean I will get it though. :-( It is like a waiting list type thing.
It seems like a constant battle. It really does.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Innocent on December 3, 2008 at 8:23am

Much as I sympathise with your problems not getting a pump on the NHS, I'd never trade the NHS for anything! I've had Type 1 for 30 years now and have never paid for any of my prescriptions - god knows how much money I would've spent without the NHS! I hope you get the pump, but it may not be the answer to all your problems - I know it suits some people well, but just don't expect miracles...

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Permalink Reply by Jason on December 3, 2008 at 9:51am

I don't know. . .postal code lotteries for proven medical treatments don't endear me to the system.

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Permalink Reply by Rebekah Humphrey on December 3, 2008 at 3:37pm

Don't get me wrong. I love the NHS. And the govenment is trying to get rid of the post code lottery. We now have a system called 'choose and book' giving us a choice as to which hospital we want to go to for example.
It is just that there is a lot of health things not available on the NHS. There is a drug, for example, which can help people with alzimers before it gets too bad, but it isn't available.
Thesame is true for the pump. Sam, as you said, it works for some people. I am not saying everyone should go onto the pump. I am saying that if it is considered the best course of treatment for the individual (as it has been told by a doctor that is would be for me) then it should be made available. At the end of the day, it will save more money in the long run, and could save a few lives on the way too.

I am aware that it is just another treatment, and it isn't a cure. I will still need to wok at it etc.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Innocent on December 4, 2008 at 12:45am

Fair point, the NHS is far from perfect compared to the choices available through private healthcare but I know which one I'd rather have.
The American system is great if you can afford the insurance costs, or if you're lucky enough to have a job where health insurance is included, but what happens to the rest of the population? I'd watch Michael Moore's "Sicko" documentary to give you an idea of what happens... (and I KNOW I'm being a bit controversial by mentioning Michael Moore here so feel free to shoot me down!!!).
To have to think about money when you're already suffering with something must be awful.

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