GPs urge change to ‘nonsensical’ rules for approving glucose monitors for diabetes patients

Exclusive: New scheme for subsidised monitoring devices stipulates only diabetes specialists can certify patient access

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The peak body representing GPs has said it is nonsensical" that GPs cannot approve continuous glucose monitors for diabetes patients, and patients say the rule may leave them hundreds of dollars out of pocket while they seek authorisation from a diabetes specialist.

On 1 July the government announced access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring products for patients with type 1 diabetes would be expanded via the National Diabetes Services Scheme [NDSS]. However, the NDSS stipulates only doctors who manage diabetes as the main scope of their practice and diabetes educators are authorised to certify patient access forms for subsidised monitors.

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