Here’s how the conversation goes with a diabetic patient….(Dr.)So how’s your blood sugar doing? (Pt) Oh, it’s fine, doc. (Dr.)When is the last time that you checked your blood sugar? (Pt…head drops down) Oh, it’s been a couple of weeks, doc. (Dr) Why? Don’t you realize the long term implications of running high blood sugars? (Pt) It’s the test strip, doc. They cost $3.00 each. I just can’t afford it. We don’t have any insurance. All of our money is going to pay for the heart stents my husband just had. (Dr.)You mean you’re paying for heart stent out of pocket? (Pt)Yup. We have no other way. (Dr.) Are you going to be able to do it? (Pt) I’m sure we’re looking at bankruptcy here sometime in the future.
This conversation is all too common. And for all those who are brave enough to come into the office for care in light of their lack of coverage, think of all those who simply don’t see a doctor! So what we end up with is a patient that could have lead a healthy and productive life. this person is now knowingly doomed to a slow demise from kidney failure, amputation and blindness due to their diabetes.
And it all goes back to a $3 chem strip.
Jeff
