Considering new INR machine

[catwoman]

I've been considering getting a new INR machine for some time. I currently use a ProTime 3, which I've been pleased with. I've only had 1 problem, a battery snafu while it was under the extended warranty. I've been recharging the battery every 6 months.
However, (this is like wanting a new car!), I'd like a smaller unit, testing supplies you don't have to refrigerate, one with replaceable batteries.

United Health Care paid 100% for my unit in November 2003. As of 1/1/08, I have Aetna. My co-pay for DME is 20%, plus I have a $225 annual deductible. So, I'm sure I'd be looking at shelling out $680 for a new machine, if I go through Aetna.

My questions:

1. Anyone gone through a new insurance company for a 2nd machine when a previous carrier paid for the first one?

2. What do I do with the old machine? It's still in good operating order.

3. Differences between INRatio and CoaguChek XS?
I've talked with Shayne at QAS, who said that many people go with whatever brand their doctor's offices have. Of course, I've already had one unit.

Wish I could take a day or two off and jet down to Orlando to "test-drive" the CoaguCheck and INRatio.

Anyone had both a CoaguChek XS and an INRatio?

BTW, a friend in Arkansas who got a St. Jude in July 2004 lurks here and is talking with QAS to get a home INR tester. He told me last weekend he's learned a lot just by lurking.

 

[Philip B]

INRatio

INRatio

Hi Cat,

Sorry I can't help with the comparison question. I've been using an INRatio testing machine since last June and have encountered no problems with it. The machine seems to be really solid. I don't use it with rechargable batteries; it's still running on it's original battery set.

I demonstrated the INRatio for one of my students who was recently diagonosed with a health issue that will require her to be on coumadin for the rest of her life. She was really amazed about how easy checking INR's with a home testing machine is. Unfortunately, she's still having to go to our local hospital for blood draws twice a week.

Whatever monitoring machine you end up with, you gotta love the ease and simplicity of being able to do this yourself, huh?

-Philip

 

[Karlynn]

I love my INRatio but haven't tried the Coaguchek SX. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Depending on the insurance company - they may tell you which one you're getting.

 

[lance]

XS experience

XS experience

Hi Karlynn

The XS is very easy to use, batteries are replaceable (and long lasting, over a year now), is small and easy to carry, everything in a case the size of a pocket book, strips do not need refrigeration, it seems to require less blood than the S although the brochure states the same amount for both. I puncture my finger towards the top and when the blood comes I place my finger partially under the strip with the blood exposed to the side of the target area and the machine does the rest.

I have the Coagucheks because that is the brand name used by the hospital where I was trained.

In all a dandy little machine.

 

[catwoman]

In my book -- and I pointed this out to Shayne @ QAS -- the one thing against the CoaguChek brand is the problem Roche had with the testing strips about 2 years ago. It heavily inconvenienced not just individual consumers, but hospitals and medical offices as well, throughout the U.S.

Of course, this could be just a 1-time situation. But the fact that it took so darned long for many people here to get new supplies is a strike against Roche in my book.

Have any of you noticed that your doctors are using the INRatio?

 

[Karlynn]

My cardio uses the INRatio and has had it for 2 years. I think if she were unhappy with it, she would have replaced it.

 

[Blanche]

INRatio all the way!

INRatio all the way!

Marsha:

We, too, were really concerned with the supply problem Roche had with the Coaguchek. I had always valued the Coagucheck because they had the longest track record and had years, and years more than other manufacturers of these products to get it right. Their problems with strips ( and apparent difficulty in resolving that problem in a timely manner) caused us to choose the INRatio.

We were so thankful for the ProTime monitor which we received in early 2001. When the internal battery gave up, we plugged the monitor in. But, that became old hat.

When the Coaguchek strips became a problem, our internist did not wait for new strips. He got an INRatio monitor. Albert visited with our doctor's nurse and she helped him do several tests on their INRatio. That looked like the way to go for us. We purchased the INRatio monitor, in September, with our funds and we are quite happy with our choice.

Regards,

Blanche

 

[Bina]

No problem here getting the strips for my Coaguchek XS.
Once a year I buy 24 strips and test every 2 weeks.

 

[lance]

Shortage of Coaguchek S strips

Shortage of Coaguchek S strips

That was strange those strips not being available in the US when all the time they were available here with great quantities in the warehouse as I was told by my pharmacist at the time. When I asked the Roche rep I was told it had something to do with the monitor not being approved for home use in the US but that doesn't explain why the strips were not available to doctors.

At any rate Roche lost a lot of business which is why I think there was something else going on rather than availability.

Cheers

 

[catwoman]

I believe the strips that were available during the period I was referring to were for the CoaguCheck models marketed outside the U.S.

One recall, in 2003, that affected one lot:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-091203.html

This affected many users, professionals as well as individual consumers, in the U.S.:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/roche10_06.html

These were for the CoaguCheck S.

 

[Marty]

Marsha, I originally used the old "classic" Coaguchek which served me well for many years. I upgraded to the first INRatio with on board controls and have been compltely satisfied with it for the last three years.Never got involved with the Coaguchek strip problem. I know nothing about the insurance ;paying out of pocket for both monitors. Medicare reimbursement seemed too complicated. Good luck in your choice. I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[catwoman]

Marty:

Glad to hear that you're pleased with the INRatio. I knew you had one and had had a CoaguChek S.