Ontario focus group--home monitors

[lance]

The Ontario Ministry of Health is participating in a discussion with a focus group about the advantages home monitoring and why the costs should be covered by the Ministry. I've accepted an invitation to attend and voice my support.

The initial cost of the monitors and supplies prevent many patients from benefiting from their use. Expenses incurred for home monitoring is tax deductible and some potential users can't afford the initial start-up cost and wait for the tax refund he following year.

If the residents of Ontario and other provinces and anyone having a comment or reasons why home monitoring is so important to them I'd like to hear it.

Also if someone wants to home test and isn't able to for whatever reason I would voice this at the meeting as well.

This is a giant step forward for home testing in this province and will have a ripple effect across the country.

Progress is wonderful.

 

[Eva]

A great initiative. Good luck and wish you success.

 

[lisou]

I am looking at going for home testing, just a pain to go to the lab every week, time consuming especially now that I'm back to work. I would just be curious as to know how much it costs every time I go to the lab which is every week, it would probably be cheaper for the ministry. That would be great!!!

 

[Bina]

This is great news!
When I first started ACT, my hubby used to take off work for an hour on Friday mornings and bring me to the local nurse. No big deal.
A few months later we lost the local nurse and hubby had to drive me 30 minutes to the nearest hospital lab, wait for an hour or so, and drive me back home. Not too bad, except for the fact that my arm vein was suffering.
It was here on VR that I began to consider Home Testing, and Lance encouraged me.
Fortunately my Hubby is supportive and didn't hesitate for a second to pay for the monitor, and his insurance covers the strips at 80%.
Anyway, the money that we have saved by not driving to the hospital has already paid for the monitor, which we included on our yearly taxes as a medical expense anyway.

 

[lance]

I am looking at going for home testing, just a pain to go to the lab every week, time consuming especially now that I'm back to work. I would just be curious as to know how much it costs every time I go to the lab which is every week, it would probably be cheaper for the ministry. That would be great!!!

Hi Lisa,
If the Ministry can save money i.e. lower cost of strips opposed to the lab test, is something I intended to mention. I think it's well known that too many patients receive bad advice re dosing and make trips to the ER--tias, strokes or end up in long-term care and patients using home monitoring stay within their recommended ranges a greater per cent of the time.
When ACT patients test themselves they take the initiative to learn more about warfarin. I have a relative on ACT--he doesn't know his range doesn't want to know and leaves everything to the nurse. Recently there has been advertising on the media in my area about patients not taking their prescription medications properly or at all causing trips to the ER.

 

[lance]

This is great news!
When I first started ACT, my hubby used to take off work for an hour on Friday mornings and bring me to the local nurse. No big deal.
A few months later we lost the local nurse and hubby had to drive me 30 minutes to the nearest hospital lab, wait for an hour or so, and drive me back home. Not too bad, except for the fact that my arm vein was suffering.
It was here on VR that I began to consider Home Testing, and Lance encouraged me.
Fortunately my Hubby is supportive and didn't hesitate for a second to pay for the monitor, and his insurance covers the strips at 80%.
Anyway, the money that we have saved by not driving to the hospital has already paid for the monitor, which we included on our yearly taxes as a medical expense anyway.

Hi Bina,

We users are well aware of the advantages home monitors give us. Hopefully we can convince the ministry what a great tool they are. I think anything that will enable patients to take ownership of their ACT will keep them healthier in the long run. Our veins will thank them too.

 

[ottagal]

Thanks for bringing this information forward, Lance! Although, I am in the "waiting room" and have not officially decided on a valve, it is good to know that the Ministry is looking into supporting this option. If I do end up with a mechanical valve, I am most certain I will want to go the home monitoring route. I am not very fond of needles.

 

[Freddie]

I think everyone here knows my story on getting a home monitor.
I would be for ever in your dept if you were to tell my story regarding how (my) doctors don't feel its accurate enough therefore limiting the freedom a patient can have when they have to go to the lab every week or every other week. Having free lab testing is not the issue, having the ability to be in charge of ones health would give a patient the freedom of not being tide down to the lab.........there are people out there who are a lot sicker than we are.

 

[netmiff]

. . . . would just be curious as to know how much it costs every time I go to the lab which is every week, it would probably be cheaper for the ministry. That would be great!!!

When I was in the process of getting my home testing machine, I mentioned to one of the girls in the lab that the test strips were $6.50 each and she said that's more than they get from the MoH for doing the test!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

This is great news!
When I first started ACT, my hubby used to take off work for an hour on Friday mornings and bring me to the local nurse. No big deal.
A few months later we lost the local nurse and hubby had to drive me 30 minutes to the nearest hospital lab, wait for an hour or so, and drive me back home. Not too bad, except for the fact that my arm vein was suffering.
It was here on VR that I began to consider Home Testing, and Lance encouraged me.
Fortunately my Hubby is supportive and didn't hesitate for a second to pay for the monitor, and his insurance covers the strips at 80%.
Anyway, the money that we have saved by not driving to the hospital has already paid for the monitor, which we included on our yearly taxes as a medical expense anyway.

Re: Veins and Frequent Blood Draws

While my Coumadin Clinic uses Finger Stick Instruments,
whenever I need Lab Work, I ask for a "Butterfly" Needle which is about as small as one can get. Alternatively, ask for the tech / nurse to use the smallest standard needle.

I also ask to use various sites, including veins in the hands (which some find more 'uncomfortable'...at least with larger needles... doesn't bother me though)

 

[Marty]

self test, self dose?

self test, self dose?

In Canada, are self testers allowed to self dose? How often do self testers have to call in the results? My wifes cardiology group insists she call in results and they decide the dose and frequency of testing. She had to sign a document to this effect or leave the practise. My PC lets me self dose and gets a lab check once a year. No call in.

 

[lance]

I think everyone here knows my story on getting a home monitor.
I would be for ever in your dept if you were to tell my story regarding how (my) doctors don't feel its accurate enough therefore limiting the freedom a patient can have when they have to go to the lab every week or every other week. Having free lab testing is not the issue, having the ability to be in charge of ones health would give a patient the freedom of not being tide down to the lab.........there are people out there who are a lot sicker than we are.

Hi Freddie,
I share your anguish over your physician's ignorance about home testing. Health Canada approved their use at least 4 years ago the length of time I've been self testing. You're not alone either. Something similar was voiced to my spouse last summer in a cardiac rehab clinic here in southern Ontario. I did my best to "enlighten" them but I'm not sure how much was listened to.

If the focus group influences the Ministry to support home testing financially that would be a good argument to use yourself.

I'll hope for the best and see how it goes.

 

[lance]

In Canada, are self testers allowed to self dose? How often do self testers have to call in the results? My wifes cardiology group insists she call in results and they decide the dose and frequency of testing. She had to sign a document to this effect or leave the practise. My PC lets me self dose and gets a lab check once a year. No call in.

Hi Marty,
I'm not sure how often self testers are required to submit their test results to the doctors here in Ontario. My manager works in a large city hospital.

Last summer my spouse needed a stent for coronary artery blockage and was put on ACT and much to my surprise our PCP told him he could use my monitor and I could do his dosing. He is available if needed. He further explained he felt I know more about ACT than his office and to take my recommendations if they differ from his nurse. So maybe reporting is unique to each practitioners needs. Spouse is doing fine and in range.

 

[Cameron]

Lance,
I just sent off a query to BC Medical Services Plan re home testing. I am pretty sure it is not yet covered here. I would think that the stats that say home testers are 60% less likely to have any serious complications from the surgery or the regime would make it cost effective to support home monitoring just to avoid lab and hospital visits.
Good luck and keep us in the loop on success. I may want to follow your lead in pokeing BC Govt for support.
Cameron

 

[lance]

Thanks for bringing this information forward, Lance! Although, I am in the "waiting room" and have not officially decided on a valve, it is good to know that the Ministry is looking into supporting this option. If I do end up with a mechanical valve, I am most certain I will want to go the home monitoring route. I am not very fond of needles.

Hi Ottawagal,

If you don't like needles then seriously consider the implications ACT "for life" and Lovenox when required for bridging.
I can't say enough about the benefits of home testing.

 

[lance]

A hospital in Toronto deserves the credit.........

A hospital in Toronto deserves the credit.........

Lance,
I just sent off a query to BC Medical Services Plan re home testing. I am pretty sure it is not yet covered here. I would think that the stats that say home testers are 60% less likely to have any serious complications from the surgery or the regime would make it cost effective to support home monitoring just to avoid lab and hospital visits.
Good luck and keep us in the loop on success. I may want to follow your lead in pokeing BC Govt for support.
Cameron

Hi Cameron,

for being a leader in the field of home testing. All credit for this initiative belongs to them. That hospital has significant clout backed by four years of successful statistics at the user level. I was lucky enough to have been taught by them to use my first home monitor and I expect the reason for the invitation being offered to attend.
Do you know of hospitals using/recommending home monitors in BC? That's probably a good place to start.

 

[Bina]

Re: Veins and Frequent Blood Draws

While my Coumadin Clinic uses Finger Stick Instruments,
whenever I need Lab Work, I ask for a "Butterfly" Needle which is about as small as one can get. Alternatively, ask for the tech / nurse to use the smallest standard needle.

I also ask to use various sites, including veins in the hands (which some find more 'uncomfortable'...at least with larger needles... doesn't bother me though)

Al, directly post op when my blood supply was exceptionally low, the hospital vampires were having trouble getting enough blood for the INR test. They used both arms, then both hands, and finally when I got home my home nurse had to use my foot once. Thereafter, we managed monthly with either arm, but I was concerned about doing that for the rest of my life.

 

[Bina]

In Canada, are self testers allowed to self dose? How often do self testers have to call in the results? My wifes cardiology group insists she call in results and they decide the dose and frequency of testing. She had to sign a document to this effect or leave the practise. My PC lets me self dose and gets a lab check once a year. No call in.

I report my INR results to my doc every couple of months and I can make small adjustments as needed which is extrememly rare anyway. I live in a tiny town, my local GP has great ACT skills, and I can call him anytime if I need help to adjust a dose. Isn't it great to feel independent?