Better care of diabetics decided

New contract: Diabetics should be better cared for
In Germany there are more and more diabetics. In this country almost seven million people now live with the so-called diabetes. After diagnosis, those affected are usually recommended to have a healthier lifestyle. But in most cases, additional medical treatment must be provided. Now a better care of diabetic patients was decided.

Healthy food and sports
The number of diabetes patients continues to increase. One of the reasons for this is the increasing frequency of overweight and obesity. People who suffer from diabetes are generally advised to eat healthily, lose weight if necessary, and exercise regularly to lower their blood sugar. However, the majority of diabetics have to inject insulin regularly because their body no longer produces this hormone. The care of those affected should now be improved.

In Germany, nearly seven million people are living with diabetes. The care of the patients should now be improved. (Image: Kzenon / fotolia.com)

Unnecessary waiting times are eliminated
The health insurance Barmer and the German Association of Pharmacists (DAV) have agreed new rules for the care of diabetics with aids for blood sugar determination. As it says in a press release, the supply of blood glucose meters now eliminates unnecessary waiting times. The contract between the health fund and pharmacists will come into force on 1 March 2017.

"Diabetics will now receive certain blood glucose meters in the pharmacy without submitting a cost estimate. This saves them waiting times and reduces unnecessary bureaucracy, "Dr. Mani Rafii, board member of Barmer.

Immediately take the meter with the test strip
According to the chairman of the DAV, Fritz Becker, the contract with the Barmer "for us exemplary character in the care of diabetics with blood glucose test strips."

"Everyone benefits from the agreement. The pharmacies are protected against price increases by the manufacturers and have planning security, while the health insurance has a more efficient use of funds. "

But the decisive factor is patient benefit. "The well-adjusted patients need not worry, because they will continue to be supplied as before," Becker said: "Who is set to new test strips, now has the additional option to take the meter immediately with the test strips."

Especially economical and high quality test strips
According to the information, Barmer's diabetics continue to have access to all test strips available on the market.

It is said that in addition to the already existing price groups, it includes a third group for particularly economical and high-quality test strips. Accordingly, there are already 88 blood glucose test strips in the third price group.

According to the fund, the contract should ensure that the transition from patients to new test strips is as smooth as possible.

A central component is the comprehensive advice provided by the pharmacist when the diabetic receives a new, equivalent measuring device with alternative test strips. (Ad)