Diabetic Test Strip Authorized Distributors

Independent pharmacies continue to receive threatening letters from LifeScan and an affiliated law firm on a monthly basis. These letters argue that pharmacies submitted more claims for LifeScan’s OneTouch® diabetic test strip products to PBMs than are supported by purchase history from authorized distributors. This is essentially an “invoice audit” conducted behind the scenes and pharmacies are not participants until they receive the negative results.

Additionally, these letters threaten to expose pharmacies to harm by withholding rebate dollars owed to PBMs and notify PBMs of the pharmacy’s “non-compliance” unless the pharmacy pays a large amount of money to make the issue “go away”.

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As readers are well aware, it is difficult to make a profit on insured claims where PBMs control the selling price, so it is logical to look to lower your cost of goods as much as possible to either squeak out a little profit or minimize the losses. What becomes problematic is trying to buy at the lowest cost possible while also adhering to PBM contractual requirements and ensuring that products obtained through the supply chain are legitimate.

Because diabetic test strips are classified by the FDA as OTC medical devices, they fall outside of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and there is no requirement for a “pedigree” to ensure sourced product is legitimate and not stolen, counterfeit or previously dispensed (gray market). Pharmacies need to take extra care when considering sourcing product that is advertised at a lower cost compared to your primary wholesaler. Manufacturers have developed and maintained “lists” to aid supply chain partners like pharmacies.

Manufacturer Authorized distributor lists for major diabetic test strips:

  1. Abbott https://www.diabetescare.abbott/support/distributors.html
  2. Ascensia https://www.ascensiadiabetes.com/ (click on “distributors” at the bottom of the page)
  3. LifeScan www.genuineonetouch.com
  4. Roche https://rxvp.accu-chek.com/welcome/adr_list
  5. Trividia HealthTM https://www.trividiahealth.com/where-to-buy/

It is also important to understand what each of the major PBMs have to say about sourcing diabetic test strips. While OptumRx does NOT explicitly require pharmacies to purchase test strips from authorized distributors, they do require that pharmacies source all products (including OTC test strips) from vendors that are both (i) licensed as a drug wholesaler in your state and (ii) an NABP accredited drug distributor. Both Caremark and Express Scripts have language in their respective Provider Manuals to require network pharmacies purchase test strips from authorized distributors only.

Finally, there are two states (California and New Jersey) that have regulations pertaining to the purchase and distribution of OTC diabetic test strips.

PAAS Tips:

  • Be mindful of the interplay between state pharmacy regulations, PBM contract requirements and manufacturer distribution channels when making inventory purchase decisions – the lowest possible price may cause you to run afoul of requirements
  • Contact PAAS at (608) 873-1342 or info@paasnational.com if you receive a letter from LifeScan or an affiliate law firm regarding purchases of diabetic test strips so that we can assist you in navigating a response

Eric Hartkopf, PharmD
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