CoaguCheck systems (home INR monitors)

I'll apologize in advance if this thread already exists somewhere in the forum (if I managed to miss it somehow...).

Home INR monitors have been on the market for a few years now. They are somewhat similar to diabetes blood-sugar monitors, but are mostly used in pharmacies and medical clinics for patients wishing to monitor their INR. This is mainly because of the monitors' extremely high price. In Canada, the Coagucheck monitor is distributed by Roche Diagnostics ( see http://www.coaguchek.com/com/ ) and sells at about 400 to 500$. The strips needed to test the blood are also very expensive, selling at about 7 to 10$ per strip (one needed per test). Most insurance will not cover theses costs as DVT is often not recognized as a life-long disorder. This means that access to these types of machines is very limited, especially to patients who need to monitor their blood often (more than once or twice a month).

I was wondering if any of you where using any home INR monitors? And if so, how has it changed your experience with INR and blood work (positively or negatively)?

I was surprised when I approached my doctor last year with the idea that he didn't know the monitor even existed. This means that the information is clearly not getting out, not only to medical professionals, but also to patients.






http://www.coaguchek.com/com/

Don't have to apologise!!! It's good to talk about it.

I know that in North America "home monitors" are not really pushed by the medical community,they still don't believe that patients can do this and in the US, it's a money issue, imagine all the INR clinics that would be out of business if people could do this. I know that some insurance company do cover the purchase of the monitors, but do NOT cover the strips and on the long run it can get pricey at $5 to $10 per strip...

Here is a series of video that are very informative.
Lengthy but informative,so get the pop corn out.

http://discoveryhealthcme.discovery.com/beyond/miniPlayer.html?playerId=1225901422

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Aside from the cost as Dero mentioned, in the states, home monitors aren't looked upon favorably for use due to inaccurate readings with protime. I know some doctors here refuse to use them at all and either have a lab or clinic do the blood draw.

Another suggestion, from personal experience, taking Warfarin as opposed to Coumadin can alter protime readings and INR. I can't be on Warfarin because it throws my INR off, being on Coumadin, at least it doesn't do drastic "roller coaster" effects.



Hi Dero!, haven't heard from you in a while

Hi DVT, yes I know, been UBER busy with work, you know how it is, all or nothing.
How have YOU been?

Things is, that if your Dr. (either Primary or your Hemaetologist or other Dr) has any kind of pull they MAY be able to help by talking to your insurance company...
Sometimes, it's worth a try...

True, but my inr is up and down constantly so they want to test it with accuracy, and doctors seem to feel lab is better way to go rather than home monitor. Thanks for the suggestion though .