Q: How and when will I receive my diabetes testing supplies from CDS?
A:
At CDS, we generally send a 90 day (3 month) supply at one time, depending on
your insurance requirements. Your supplies will be shipped by USPS Priority Mail at no extra cost to
you. Back to top
Q: What might delay my supplies?
A:
There are three reasons why your shipment could be delayed.
1. Some doctors’ orders expire in a year, while some are for a lifetime. If your current
doctors’ order has expired, the supplies will be delayed. To avoid this and with your
permission, we can request a renewal order in advance. Please note that it is extremely important to advise us if you change physicians, and to provide us with your new physician’s contact information.
2. Another reason is insurance changes. It is also extremely important to advise us of any changes in your insurance carrier and/or coverage.
3. Some insurance companies require your “authorization to ship” in
advance. If your insurance company is one that requires authorization to ship, we cannot ship
without your approval. You can provide this to us by phone, by email or by signing a postcard we will send you on request.
A:
Cost will vary depending on your insurance company and whether you have co-pays.
We will advise you of costs and your coverage before we ship your supplies to you. Back to top
Meters:
Q: What is the “best” meter to use?
A:
All meters on the market are FDA tested and approved, and meet specific requirements for accuracy.
The main difference is that some offer “special features” for specific patient needs. For example, one brand may work better
for someone with dexterity issues, or another for those with vision problems by providing a larger print out, etc. If you identify your particular needs in advance, you can look for features best suited to your needs. Back to top
Q: How do I troubleshoot my meter if I am having a problem?
A:
Not all meters are exactly the same, but most have similar qualities. Following is a list of some of the most common meter issues:
Battery: check if the batteries are low or loose. Most meters will display a low
battery or “+” or “–” in the window to warn you it is getting low.
Code: Not all meters require coding. The test strips actually code. If coding is
necessary for your meter, make sure the meter is coded to match your strips.
Error messages: If applicable to your meter, these messages will be listed in
your meter manual. If your meter does not use error messages, it may use
symbols. (i.e., if the battery is low, a battery will blink in the window; if there was not enough blood for sample
a drop of blood with or without a line through it may blink.) The majority of error messages
are for insufficient blood to sample or expired, bad or damaged test strip (in this case, try another test
strip or vial).
To ensure a correct reading, follow these simple procedures:
Have enough blood in strip for meter to read.
Check to ensure there has not been any strip damage (exposed to high heat, water, bent, etc.)
Make sure strips are in the correct direction in the meter.
A:
Most meters do not require cleaning. If you are using a meter that uses absorbent type strips, then you may want to wipe the meter off (use a damp cloth only). Back to top
Q: How and where should I store my meter?
A:
Meters should be kept in their storage cases and out of extreme heat or cold. Consult your meter manual to see suggested temperatures for your individual meter. Back to top
Strips:
Q: Can I use test strips in my meter other than those that came with it?
A:
It’s important to use the correct strips for your meter. Some company meters will accept several types of their strips. These will be listed on the box of test strips. If they are not, do not use these strips in your meter.
Please refer to your meter manual if you have questions. Back to top
Testing:
Q: Is there a meter I can use that will not make me stick my finger and use blood?
A:
At present, meters covered by most insurance companies require that you prick your finger. Some meters have been tested for alternate site testing, for example, pricking the palm of your hand or forearm.
However, the accuracy of these test results vary somewhat from the fingertip result. Back to top
Q: How do I get blood on the test strip?
A:
Follow these steps once you have prepared your supplies for use:
Wash your hands.
Have your lancing device set with lancet in it.
Put the test strip in the meter.
Prick your finger.
Bring the meter with inserted test strip to edge of the drop of blood and let it touch.
It will draw up into the test strip. Most meters will beep when they have enough blood.
A:
The control solution is a system to assure you are getting accurate results
when testing. Most insurance companies cover the cost of control solution once every three
months. Once opened, the control solution has a life expectancy of 90 days. It is suggested that each time you use
a new vial or box of test strips that you run a control solution test for accuracy.
You should also use your control solution at the following times:
If you drop your meter.
When opening a new vial or box of strips.
If your test results are higher or lower than expected, or not
indicative of how you feel.
Q: Why do I get different results when I compare meters?
A:
Comparing meters is not recommended. When meters are tested and approved, they are required
to test within a percentage rate of a “lab” test result. If that accuracy
percentage rate is 15 percent and the lab result is 100, one meter tests at 85 and the
other meter at 115, but they are both accurate within the accpetable range. However, on the two meters your are
comparing they appear to be significantly different (30 percent). For this reason, it is important to use one meter
consistently. We recommend you maintain your meter and do the control solution test to
assure accuracy. Back to top
Supplies: