Back when I was in private practice, I had developed a form letter that could be easily modified for any patient, so that they would have something to product to demonstrate to Customs officials that they had a good reason to be carrying syringes if an inspection was done. Since then, with tightening security restrictions on boarding airplanes, another reason for the letter has emerged: so that people with diabetes can demonstrate why they're carrying all this medical stuff with them on-board, rather than packed into luggage.
Here's an example of such a letter. Areas within [brackets] must be modified, and any areas that don't apply should be deleted.
I've included two versions you can download to show your physician. The "real" version should be on the doctor's letterhead stationary.
Microsoft Word
Zipped Micosoft Word
| [Date] Re [Patient's name] To Whom It May Concern: [Patient's name] is a patient under my care for the treatment of diabetes. It is medically necessary for this patient to carry diabetes medications as listed below, and supplies to monitor the blood sugar. These supplies include: - [blank] to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Insulin for injection: [describe types and whether in pens or vials]
- Byetta for injection: (brand name for exenatide for injection), which is sold in a pen-device, and which must be kept cool (36�F to 46�F (2�C to 8�C)).
When traveling, Byetta pens are kept cool by [blank OR being wrapped in bubble wrap and are in a small pouch with frozen Blue Ice on either side of the Byetta Pen]. Needles for the Byetta syringe. (Please note, there are no specific needles for the pen used to administer Byetta, and any insulin pen needles may be used.) - Symlin for injection: (brand name for pramlintide for injection), which is sold in 5 mL vials, and insulin syringes for administration of this medication. (Please note, there are no specific syringes for administering Symlin, and any insulin syringe may be used.)
- A meter to monitor blood glucose, [blank] brand, and strips for this meter. Also, a finger-sticking device to obtain blood for testing, and small sharp-tipped lancets for use in the device.
- The following pills and capsules (medications) for treatment of diabetes or other conditions:
[blank]
If you have any questions regarding this patient, please feel free to contact me at my office, at [phone number]. |
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Also see
Traveling Medical Record (Your personal file about your health.)
Traveling with Diabetes
Flying with Diabetes
