We don't use insulin pens at all here, mostly because of reimbursement issues. Insulin doses are charged out through Pyxis machines (refrigerators are inside the Pyxis towers). Most of the charges are captured that way, but we always have floors calling to say they are out even though there is no stock out report printed. In that case, the insulin replacement vial is charged to the floor.
Even if the reimbursement wasn't a problem, there's the issue of making sure the pen actually goes home with the patient upon discharge.
WE CONVERTED OUR WHOLE HOSPITAL TO THE PENS AND CARTRIDGED. I WAS SURPRISED BY THE SAVINGS. WE SAVED ABOUT $70,00/YEAR. THEY ARE STOCKED IN PYXIS AND WAS A SCEPTIC THAT THIS WOULD BOMB. IT HAS WORKED BETTER THAN EXPECTED.
