Blood glucose test strip use

Interpretation Our analysis of the costs associated with blood glucose test strips in elderly Ontarians found that the implementation of policies that focus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) test strip use on patients likely to benefi t from them could yield substantial cost reduction over the next fi ve years. [...] Identifi cation of patients and diabetes therapy groups Patients were included in the study if they fi lled at least one prescription for blood glucose test strips between 1997 and 2008, and were aged 65 years and older at the time of dispensing. [...] The cost per patient and the total cost for all patients were calculated annually based upon the sum of the amount reimbursed by the Ontario Public Drug Program and the deductible paid by the patient, excluding pharmacy dispensing fees. [...] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences 3 December 2009 Blood Glucose Test Strip Use—Patterns, Costs and Potential Cost Reduction Associated with Reduced Testing Exhibits and Findings Exhibits and Findings Exhibit 3. Annual number and cost of blood glucose test strips dispensed to patients aged 65 years and older with diabetes, in Ontario, 1997 to 2008 140 Annual number of blood glucose test st [...] Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences 4 December 2009 Number of blood glucose test strips (millions) Blood Glucose Test Strip Use—Patterns, Costs and Potential Cost Reduction Associated with Reduced Testing Exhibits and Findings Exhibit 4. Proportion of patients aged 65 and older with diabetes using blood glucose test strips, by diabetes therapy group, in Ontario, 1997 to 2008 100 No glucose-