Diabetes is affecting the country in a real way, as we already know. But the numbers, when you look at expenses, are pretty intense. Although the health and well-being of those suffering is the ultimate concern, the amount of money spent on taking care of resulting operations is higher than you might expect.
“More than 29.1 million people in the US suffer from diabetes, and diabetes costs us upwards of $245 billion per year,” according to PR Newswire. One of the main reasons costs are so high is because of lower-limb amputations due to the fact that ulcers and wounds prone to infection aren’t detected because diabetics lose feeling in their legs and feet.
“For those who have diabetes or are at risk for the disease, regular checkups by a podiatrist are one of the easiest ways to prevent most foot complications,” said American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) President Frank Spinosa, DPM. “Including a podiatrist in your care can reduce amputation rates by as much as 85 percent.”
Behavioral Health, Interoperability and eConsent: Meeting the Demands of CMS Final Rule Compliance
In a webinar on April 16 at 1pm ET, Aneesh Chopra will moderate a discussion with executives from DocuSign, Velatura, and behavioral health providers on eConsent, health information exchange and compliance with the CMS Final Rule on interoperability.
“With proactive foot care, diabetes patients can reduce the risk of infection and amputation, improve function and quality of life and reduce health care costs,” he added.
For the American people, it’s good to know that not only are some of the terrible physical results of diabetes potentially preventable, but that money can be saved when there is more awareness.
