PT's for Coumadin done at home?

I read an advertisement on this site from Phillips re "PT (Pro-tine) blood tests done at home rather than having to travel miles to a lab to be drawn. I think they are similiar to testing your blood sugars with a "finger stick".
Is anyone using this method? It would sure make things easier . I responded to their ad and they are suppose to contact your Dr. for approval.
Currently it's a 70 mile round trip to the nearest lab. Often the day I'm supppose to drive there, I don't feel well enough to do it.
It's supported by some Dr's and I wondering ---why wouldn't it work. You test yourself, call it in and they contact your Dr with the results...
What do you think?
Thanks and have a great week!
Nevada Silver

3 Comments

Home INR monitoring

by dottodot - 2010-06-02 11:06:31

I'm in the process finally of getting mine set up. I originally started with a different company and what a fiasco. Followup was nonexistent. I'm now working with a new company and they're wonderful! Medicare requires weekly testing and if you have Medicare it depends on your supplement but mine will be covered at 100% like now going to the clinic. I'm waiting for the person to call me in the next few days to get training set up (that also is a requirement). If you're really interested and have more questions email me privately and I'll give you more information. Also by the way besides a prescription from the MD you'll need agreement with them to follow this but at least you won't have to drive that far. Dorothy

At home INR monitoring

by Nevada Silver - 2010-06-04 06:06:34

I hope my Cardiologist will approve...he's the type that frowns on a sunny day! Oh well...I mentioned (somewhere) on this site that the person that drew my INR the other day told me that this home testing "just doesn't" work and she doubted that my Dr would ok it.
Dorothy..I think it's ok to name the company that just didn't work for you. This is too important for me to not get it right. This 70 mile round trip drive is too long anymore..we're trying to move out of this town in Nevada as we are too far away from medical care.
Susan, I know what you mean about "blown" veins and bruising..I was seen in the ER 2 day's ago...heart doing weird things...I have an ICD and shortness of breath and my arms look like I've been in a fight! That was from the nurses (2) trying to find a vein for the iv. :-( Being on Coumadin, I bruise so easily...
Thanks for writing...have a great weekend!
Nevada Silver

Home INR

by susan-59 - 2010-06-04 11:06:42

Hi. I'm also in the process of getting mine set up--the trainer should contact me within a week or so to train me and give me my device. I've been looking forward to this since I first heard about it almost 4 years ago, and I'm so pleased that I can do it. From all that I've read, it is very much like the diabetes monitor with just a finger stick. I'll be able to test while I'm on the road without the usual search for a lab my insurance will pay, and having to deal with the "blown" veins and bruising. The company I'm dealing with has given me 3 different price quotes, though. I advise that you take good notes during your conversations with them.
Good luck!

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