How Can Visiting A Podiatrist SAVE $3.5 Billion?

The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) published a study showing astounding findings related to diabetic foot care. The study showed that if a person at risk for developing a diabetic foot ulcer visited a podiatrist one time prior to complications setting in, the US healthcare system could save $3.5 billion. The study was based on studying 500,000 patients' medical records.

That savings equals approximately $20,000 per person over a three year period. This is the savings for people covered by Medicare or private insurance. The study did not include those who were uninsured, which would likely have increased the savings since those people are at greater risk for developing foot complications related to diabetes.

Diabetes effects 26 million people of which 7 million are undiagnosed. Unfortunately, many will be diagnosed with a serious complication, such as a diabetic foot ulcer, which will already put their life and limb at risk. Diabetes causes in excess of 65,000 lower limb amputations in one year. Many of these amputations could have been prevented, if only evaluated by a podiatrist prior to complications occuring. 

As a podiatrist in Houston, TX, we see people with diabetes who are at risk for foot complications. Many of our diabetic patients, however, only visit twice a year to ensure everything checks out okay. The most important action for anyone with diabetes is to form a relationship with a podiatrist. While you may have no complications now, having that relationship could ultimately save your life or limb if one occurs.