Diabetes Testing Supply

How do Medicare Part B beneficiaries get their diabetes supplies?

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Aliceann Toole

Once you have received the required prescription for Medicare-covered diabetes supplies from your physician, you must

take it to a Medicare-enrolled pharmacy or supplier. The pharmacy or supplier must submit claims for supplies on your behalf.

Remember ... you cannot submit a claim for blood glucose monitor test strips yourself.

Two important questions to ask your pharmacy or supplier before you submit your prescription are:

1. Are you enrolled in Medicare?

2. Do you accept assignment?

If the answer to either of these two questions is "no," call another pharmacy or supplier until you find one that can answer "yes" to be sure your purchase is covered by Medicare and to save money.

Many seniors find mail order Medicare diabetes supply companies a convenient alternative. They just set up an account online or via a free phone call and their diabetes test supplies arrive conveniently in the mail.

How does Medicare help diabetic seniors?

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Aliceann Toole

The government estimates that one in five people of Medicare age are diabetic. Medicare Part B covers certain supplies for beneficiaries with diabetes. These supplies include:

--Blood glucose self-testing equipment and supplies;

--Therapeutic shoes and inserts; and

--Insulin pumps and the insulin used in the pumps.

If you require blood glucose self-testing equipment and supplies, Medicare Part B covers:

--Blood glucose monitors;

--Blood glucose test strips;

--Lancet devices and lancets; and

--Glucose control solutions for checking the accuracy of testing equipment and test strips.

And Medicare Part B covers the same type of blood glucose testing supplies for people with diabetes whether or not they need insulin ... but you'll need a prescription from your doctor for any testing equipment or supplies.

Your doctor will know what must be included on a prescription, but it is best to be an educated consumer and learn about Medicare's requirements. Your prescription must include your diabetes diagnosis, what kind of blood glucose monitor you need and why (if, for instance, you need a special monitor because of vision problems, your doctor must explain that). The prescription will indicate if you need to use insulin and how often you should test your blood glucose.

Finding a Diabetes Community

Saturday, June 19, 2010 by Veronica Lopez

Okay, so you have diabetes, now what?

You never used to have to worry about what you eat, but now it could mean the difference between feeling good and ending up in the hospital.

Diabetic health care includes a lot of things: glucose readings, exercise, doctor visits, medication, and of course, diet. One great diabetes resource is your local grocery store. Did you know that many grocery stores offer classes on nutrition for diabetics? You can learn how to manage diabetes through a nutritious, low glycemic diet and meet others who are also diabetics. Connecting with the diabetes community is an excellent way to obtain general diabetes information and to get some much-needed emotional support.

Along with controlling glucose levels with a healthy diet and exercise, you’ll need diabetic test supplies. The Diabetes Care Club is a great place to find diabetic supplies online, as well as a diabetes resource center. You can ask questions about the latest diabetes testing equipment. The Diabetes Care Club also has an online learning center with informative articles, recipes, and nutrition tips.

Learn as much as you can about managing your diabetes and find a community - online or even in at the grocery store. Don't let diabetes defeat you. Empower yourself.

Online Diabetes Disease Management Programs

Thursday, June 17, 2010 by Maeve Quinn

Many people in America lack the information they need to manage their diabetes. Testing blood glucose levels alone is not effective unless combined with up-to-date information about how to manage diabetes. Sometimes people lack vital information because they don't have insurance coverage, time, or transportation to classes or support groups.

The good news is that online diabetes programs can help manage diabetes at home without any additional cost. These programs can be used to select the right products, and to help keep track of your glucose test results and other records. Other programs make it easier for you to stay well informed about the latest diabetes news.

The Diabetes Care Club helps its members navigate the complex world of diabetes testing equipment. It provides members with access to the best testing supplies and assistance in filing Medicare claims. One click and the Club's experts can help provide you with information you need to stay healthy.

Using the True Track Smart System

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 by Maeve Quinn

When looking to buy diabetic supplies, you should consider the True Track Smart System, an affordable yet high-performance monitor.

It uses an extremely small sample size: only one microliter blood sample per test. Small samples minimize the pain associated with glucose testing. They also mean that alternate site testing -- pricking the arm, leg, or palm of your hand -- may be an option if approved by your doctor.

The Smart System's monitor turns on automatically when you insert the test strips, and provides results in only 10 seconds. It stores up to 365 tests and can be programmed to provide average results on a weekly or monthly basis. It even allows you to upload results onto True Track computer software. Overall, True Track provides an excellent tool for type 2 diabetes management.