Stethoscope Use by Podiatrists

by Edmun Burke (no login)

 
I would love to have a law office in a community where podiatrists do not obtain basic vital signs on their patients. As you all should be aware, the number one killer in the United States is cardiovascular disease.
There is a reason it is known as the "silent killer." Many times there are no symptoms at all.

So, let us paint a scenario. My client is a 53 year old executive who presents to your office with an infected ingrown nail. You do your history and physical and fail to monitor his blood pressure. As you are injecting his toe, he suddenly starts sweating profusely and complains of severe paint in his chest which also is radiating to his left arm and jaw. Then he loses consciousness, has no pulse and agonal respirations. Your staff calls 911 as you fumble around, not really knowing what to do. Fortunately, my client is saved by the EMTs after defibrillation and intubation. Unfortunately, my client has suffered both cardiac damage and memory impairment. In the hospital it is noted that his blood pressure is grossly elevated
and he is another victim of the "silent killer."

Trust that I will go through your medical charting with a "fine tooth comb" looking to see if you took my client's vital signs. When I find out you didn't, I guarantee that you will wish you had. I really don't care whether or not you wear a stethoscope around your neck or your socks, but you will be very sorry when the jury returns a large judgment for my client and I collect my 40%.

By the way, do you know what an ankle-brachial index and its significance? How do you obtain one if you do not use a stethoscope?

Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 10:20 PM
from IP address 158.252.211.87

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Response TitleAuthor and Date
BPanony on Feb 25, 8:34 AM
 Re: BPAnonymous on Feb 25, 5:51 PM
 RebuttalEdmun Burke on Feb 25, 10:42 PM
  rerebuttalanony on Feb 26, 7:37 PM
   Are you serious? on Feb 27, 6:16 PM
    reread my messageanony on Feb 28, 8:01 AM
    Standard of CareEdmun Burke on Feb 28, 11:24 AM
Haven't used a stethoscope since 1985!anon on Feb 26, 4:55 PM
 Podiatrist Proud of NOT using Stethoscope?!Amir Weiss on Feb 27, 7:55 PM
  I agreeAnonymous on Feb 28, 11:27 AM
   I simply stated that I did not use a stethoscope since 1985.anon on Mar 4, 6:50 PM
by the wayby the way on Mar 5, 3:00 PM
 You are not in practice.Anonymous on Mar 6, 2:21 AM

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