According to an independent study conducted by Duke University published in Health Services Research:
- Medicareâ€eligible patients with diabetes were less likely to experience a lower extremity amputation if a podiatrist was a member of the patient care team.
- Patients with severe lower extremity complications who only saw a podiatrist experienced alower risk of amputation compared with patients who did not see a podiatrist.
- A multidisciplinary team approach that includes podiatrists most effectively prevents complications from diabetes and reduces the risk of amputations.
Sloan, F. A., Feinglos, M. N. and Grossman, D. S. , RESEARCH ARTICLE: Receipt of Care and Reduction of Lower Extremity Amputations in aNationally Representative Sample of U.S. Elderly. Health Services Research, no. doi: 10.1111/j.1475â€6773.2010.01157.x
