Home monitoring: food for thought

[catwoman]

The September edition of Consumer Reports has an article and ratings on blood pressure and glucose meters. Very interesting reading for those who need either (most of us here own a BP monitor at the very least).

Here's a statement by Consumer Reports:

Regularly testing blood pressure at home provides vital data that people with hypertension and others at high risk for the disease can use and share with their doctors to determine whether the condition is under control. And blood-glucose monitoring at home can help many diabetics maintain optimal sugar levels by adjusting their insulin, medication levels, diet, and activity.

Can we translate that situation to home-monitoring of INRs?

(My version

And INR monitoring at home can help many warfarin patients maintain optimal anticoagulation levels by adjusting their warfarin as needed in conjunction with other medication levels, diet, and activity.

Just a thought........

 

[hensylee]

I do it all the time (bp). Promised my dr I will keep track. I have records going back years.............. it's a good practice.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Excellent point Marsha!

This is how my Ins Co. determines the necessity for home monitoring. Acknowledge a patient with a chronic condition such as a prosthetic valve replacement. Requiring 'lifelong' anticoagulation monitoring. Though, in order to obtain approval for a unit named patient must have three (3) tests in range. i.e. 2.5 - 3.0, Aortic. 3.0 - 3.5 Mitral respectively. What happens when you are floating all over? No approval.

They (ins co's) do not take the rights of a diabetic away. They fluctuate by the hour. Have a close relative that is a diabetic and know this for a fact!

Double edged sword is you ask me!

 

[catwoman]

This is how my Ins Co. determines the necessity for home monitoring. Acknowledge a patient with a chronic condition such as a prosthetic valve replacement. Requiring 'lifelong' anticoagulation monitoring. Though, in order to obtain approval for a unit named patient must have three (3) tests in range. i.e. 2.5 - 3.0, Aortic. 3.0 - 3.5 Mitral respectively. What happens when you are floating all over? No approval.
They (ins co's) do not take the rights of a diabetic away. They fluctuate by the hour. Have a close relative that is a diabetic and know this for a fact!
Double edged sword is you ask me!

If you're floating all over, you have an anticoagulation mismanager!

I bought a new tester in April, filed paperwork for reimbursement. Had several phone calls with Aeta about this before I purchased monitor and when I was putting documentation together for the reimbursement.
Now I have read that they cover purchase when it's cheaper than rental.
So I don't know that Aetna will reimburse me a penny. However, my husband says -- as I do -- that the machine is mine 100%. In case my insurance carrier changes, I don't have to return a rental unit and start the process all over again.
We went through that several times with his CPAP machine. After 1-2 years on the current CPAP machine, his carrier decided it was cheaper to purchase it than to continue renting.
I'm hoping Aetna will realize the same with a mechanical valver.
But, it's no big deal. We used income tax refund for the purchase price.

 

[Marty]

I've been a supporter of Consumer Reports for years. I'd like to see them test INRatio, Coaguchek, and ProTime to see which one they recommend.

 

[catwoman]

So I don't know that Aetna will reimburse me a penny. However, my husband says -- as I do -- that the machine is mine 100%. In case my insurance carrier changes, I don't have to return a rental unit and start the process all over again.
We went through that several times with his CPAP machine. After 1-2 years on the current CPAP machine, his carrier decided it was cheaper to purchase it than to continue renting.
I'm hoping Aetna will realize the same with a mechanical valver.
But, it's no big deal. We used income tax refund for the purchase price.

Just got an e-mail from Aetna. The check is in the mail!

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Have been at it for close to 10 years. No mismanagement here. The more often you check and tweak..they more often you will swing.

My life is less than consistent. Very active with a high drive. Suspect I will never be in range for too long. Thankfully, it's mostly higher than lower!

PS. 9 years ago Aetna was happy to reimburse me for a unit no quesitons asked. Today, different carrier and new set of rules.

 

[Donnchadh]

8 days post op. sent home with INR of 1.8 yesterday today its 2.6.
In 5 weeks I get given a home tester for free. same manufacturer of the valve and the strips. Good business sense really but only new due to a deal the Govnment made with the manufacturer. No insurance involved.
My GP recomended that I continue to see her on a regular basis to save costs on the strips and she will continue to bulk bill me. That way I can use the machine for travel and to tweak my INR with my diet. Good results all up really.

 

[catwoman]

My GP recomended that I continue to see her on a regular basis to save costs on the strips and she will continue to bulk bill me. That way I can use the machine for travel and to tweak my INR with my diet. Good results all up really.

Not sure what you mean by tweaking your INR with your diet.

I generally tweak my INR by adjusting my warfarin dosage.