Podiatry

RRM Category: Ambulatory Clinics

Overview

Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

Services Description

Podiatrists treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs and arch problems, ankle and foot injuries, deformities and infections and foot complaints associated with diabetes and other peripheral neuropathic diseases. To treat these problems, the podiatrist prescribes drugs and physical therapy, sets fractures, and in some cases perform surgery. They also fit corrective shoe inserts called orthotics, design plaster cases and strapping to correct deformities and design custom made shoes. To diagnosis a foot problem podiatrists also order x-rays and laboratory tests. The foot may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Podiatrists consult with/and refer patients to other health practitioners when they detect symptoms of these and other disorders. The driver used to determine the staff for podiatry is total podiatry provider visits (POPV’s) which determine the number of podiatrists needed and support staff, which vary slightly by whether the unit is a stand-alone or part of surgery specialty care unit.

Staffing Criteria

Podiatrist per POPV’s
Podiatrist Assistant per POPV’s
Nurse RN per POPV’s
Medical Assistant per POPV’s
Clerical per POPV’s
Receptionist per POPV’s
Wound Care per POPV’s

Staffing Formulae

The Number of Podiatry Provider Visits determines the number of staff

Personnel Categories:

Podiatrist
Podiatrist Assistant
Nurse, RN
Clerical
Receptionist
Wound Care

Driving Variables:

Podiatry Provider Visits (POPV)
Practice as stand alone or with specialty care

MINIMUM STAFFING LEVELS: