PUBLIC ABLE TO RECEIVE EXPERT FOOT CARE

As the Federal Affordable Care Act opens insurance options to more individuals, the podiatrists of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) are looking forward to the opportunity to help more patients.

On October 1, an estimated 1.4 million uninsured or underinsured individuals in Michigan can begin signing up for affordable healthcare coverage on the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace.  No one will be denied insurance for pre-existing conditions or because they are poor.

“New healthcare insurance opportunities will enable more people access to Podiatric medical care that desperately need the services,” said Dr. Jeffrey Frederick, MPMA Government Affairs Chairperson  and President of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management.  “In the long run, this helps society in cost containment especially with diabetic patients.”

Foot problems can affect everyone, from the inactive to athletes, and depending on how an individual walks or runs, may cause referred pain across other joints and the lower back. Foot problems may also arise as the consequence of one of the many systemic diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, arthritis, anemia and circulatory disorders.

In addition to the strained quality of life for these individuals, the additional costs to the community and state due to indirect costs (work loss, disability, additional medical treatment for complications, and premature mortality) are great.  A 2007 survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the direct medical costs of diabetes alone to be $116 billion and $58 billion of indirect costs.  Comprehensive foot care programs that include risk assessment, foot-care education and preventive therapy, and treatment of foot problems, can greatly reduce direct and indirect costs.

Appointments may be scheduled with a podiatrist without primary care physician referrals.  Annual visits to a podiatrists are recommended for those at risk of systemic diseases and appointments for those suffering from lower leg and foot pain, discoloration or skin irritations, numbness or burning in the feet, growths, flattened arches or changes in foot shape, as well as foot and ankle injuries, should be made as soon as symptoms appear. Find a podiatrist by visiting www.mpma.org