The key to making the most of any doctor’s appointment is to be prepared. You need to ask yourself this series of questions and to write out a list of questions for your doctor.

If you are diabetic, this is especially true. There are many chronic diseases (associated with diabetes) that can be prevented or treated with the proper information.

The Questions

- Why are you visiting the doctor Answer this question - this is your presenting problem.

- When did the presenting problem start

- Do you know of anything that started this problem

- Have you had this problem before (If you have had this problem before, what did you do then )

- Is there any pain associated with this problem Have you taken anything or done anything to decrease the problem Is there any activity that increases the pain

Preparation

Be prepared. It is best if you write the answer to these questions down and take them with you (that way you will not forget important issues).

The Appointment

Arrive for the appointment at least 15 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing.

Take with you:

1. All your prescription medications

2. All herbs, vitamins, and over the counter medications

3. If this is your first visit to this doctor - take any medical records that you have.

4. If you are female - know when you last had a period (could you be pregnant ). Know when you last had a pap smear and mammogram.

5. Take a book or magazine (this gives you something to do while waiting).

6. A list of any allergies (food, bee stings, and medications) and the type of allergy (rash, breathing difficulties, swelling)

7. A notebook to write down instructions and to take your questions for the doctor

8. Your insurance cards. If you have no insurance - be sure to share this with your doctor. They may know resources to help you if you should need follow-up tests, a specialist, or other medical care.

Conclusion

Visiting a doctor is not the most pleasant event in your life. It does not have to be stressful, if you are prepared.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you should know the kind of services you benefit from if you are a diabetic who requires supplies to take care of his/her condition. Medicare does not cover all the supplies you need and the ones that are covered include the blood glucose self testing equipment and supplies, therapeutic shoes and inserts and insulin and the insulin pumps.

Medicare normally takes care of about 80% of the costs of your diabetic supplies. This means that the rest of the costs have to be taken care of by you but most of the time, it is your private insurance company that will pay for that if you have one. Medicare will also determine how often you get your diabetic supplies and hence there are limits that may be set for you depending on your condition.

You will need a doctor’s prescription if you want to receive your supplies under Medicare plan and the doctor should state that you have been diagnosed with diabetes and provide other relevant information such as the supplies you will need and the types as well as the number of times you will need them. Basically, to get all the supplies that Medicare covers, you will need a doctor’s prescription.

When your expenses are covered under Medicare, most of the time you don’t need to pay for the shipping or delivery costs since they are all billed to Medicare as well your insurance company if you have one. This has made it easier for most of the diabetes patients who cannot afford the costs of the supplies out of their pockets to have the supplies.

Medicare and diabetic supplies information can be obtained online where you will also know how to find out whether you are eligible or not for the plan. You can also find a company that deals with Medicare from where you will be getting your supplies and let them handle the filing out of the claim forms for you.

As diabetic you must know the importance of monitoring blood sugar level. The most efficient and easy way of monitoring blood sugar level is with the help of glucose monitor. Glucose monitors are not that expensive but test strips are costly. The diabetic needs a new strip at every test and if he has to test several times in one day he requires many strips.

Diabetics that have health insurance can enjoy free diabetic supplies including test strips. Medicare generally covers 80 % diabetic supplies which include test strips, blood glucose meters, batteries and lancets.

There are some companies that offer these meters free of cost and some other diabetic supplies to insurance holders and other Medicare recipients. If some diabetic does not have health insurance but have limited income he can apply for Financial Assistance Program to have free glucose meter.

There are basically three ways of getting a free glucometer;

First is to visit online companies that offer glucometer for free. In this case you just have to fill an online form. The company will ship a free glucose meter and other diabetic supplies free of cost. You simply have to enter some personal information. Some companies even require a prescription for blood glucose monitor.

Second is to visit local pharmacy that offers free glucometers. Some reputed pharmacies offer a free glucose meter on the purchase of test strips. This however requires health insurance.

Third idea to get free one is to order it directly to manufacturer. Again this requires health insurance.