We know that diabetes is an epidemic in this country. And as physicians, we see that patients are finding it harder and harder to access medications despite insurance. We know also that physicians are beset with a myriad of regulations.

So why is the following allowed? A major pharmacy retail chain has said that physicians may no longer write a single prescription for glucose monitor test strips, alcohol swabs to clean the finger and lancets to poke the finger.

We must now write three separate prescriptions. It’s a pharmacy rule – not a law.

Another major chain informed this physician recently that not only must we follow the usual Medicare rules of writing down a disease code (to five digits, please) and how often the patient tests on the prescription, the date must also be physically next to the signature.

No prescription form is set up like this. (And of course we must use the forms set up in our electronic medical records or be penalized.)

I am not good with words. There must be some, however, for this insanity.

Jean Antonucci, M.D.

Farmington