MDs and orthopods will replace DPMs.by ANON (no login)In Ontario, Canada this has already happened. Here's a true scenario. A 70 y.o. patient with painful bunions sees the DPM. X-rays ( the only diagnostic test that DPMs can do/order in Ontario) are performed, orthotics are recommended and the patient consents. The fee so far is $500. A year later, the patient comes back with bunions that are more painful, x-rays are done, again, then the DPM recommends surgery (the fee is $2,000) the x-rays and consult cost $80.00. The patient says, "I'll think about it." The patient goes to his MD and complains about the painful bunions. The MD orders blood work. The results show an elevated uric acid level. The MD prescibes Apo-Allopurinol, this is the generic copy drug of Allopurinol and is covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for persons in the low-income bracket. The patient's bunions feel better. A year later, the bunions are sore again. Another blood test is done, the various blood levels are normal, so the patient is referred to an othopaedic surgeon who specializes in foot surgery. The patient asks, "Is he fully covered by OHIP [Ontario Health Insurance Plan, the medicare program]? When I went to the podiatrist a few years ago, he recommended surgery and it would cost me $2,000 above OHIP's coverage?" "Yes," responds the MD, "OHIP fully covers MDs in Ontario and that includes MD specialists." The DPM route cost the patient (who does not have extended health insurance) $580.00. The MD and orthopaedic surgeon route, including blood work, pre & post-op x-rays, surgery and follow-up checks, cost the patient $0.00 (zero dollars). 6 months later, the patient's neighbour comments that her feet are sore and asks who should she see. What do you think the patient will say?
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| Response Title | Author and Date |
| Re: MDs and orthopods will replace DPMs. | Anonymous on Nov 10, 6:01 PM |
| Re: Re: MDs and orthopods will replace DPMs | ANON on Nov 11, 2:56 PM |
| Canada | Anonymous on Nov 12, 1:09 PM |
| Re: Re: Re: MDs and orthopods will replace DPMs | Anonymous on Nov 12, 4:34 PM |
| The post "MDs and orthopods will replace DPMs" ... | ANON on Nov 13, 6:58 PM |
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