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The Question
03/26/09 12:17 PM

"Why are test strips so expensive? They seem to cost more than their weight in gold. If they all contain the same chemicals, why do prices differ?"
Asked By: davek27  
Category: Insurance and Financial Issues

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47YrMaleType2for 2yearstwice daily Jenumet and Byetta.Seven tests daily

Expert Answers (1)

04/16/09 06:37 AM

Dave, In order to get meters and strips certified as to accuracy and reliablity, strip manufacturers have to provide data and clinical like trials to the FDA. These processes cost money. Although these strips all seem to work the same way there are differences in technology as to accuracy, sample size, and coding. As they have gotten better the cost appears to keep increasing but in real dollars the cost is actually decreasing. Marketing plans of companies are often a large part of the costs of strips. Some companies choose to establish large marketing departments and this can increase costs, while other companies choose different ways of getting their products to market and this affects the costs. I would recommend that you do the following to reduce your costs. If you have insurance find out which is the preferred brand of your company, and use those. If you have no insurance then I would encourage you to visit every company's website to see what assistance programs are offered, you could also check with your local pharmacy to see which brand they are offering at the lowest price. The difference can be as much as 50%
Answered By: david joffe
Accreditations: BSPharm, CDE, CPT, FACA
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