A recent analysis of the October 2009 Arizona state Medicaid decision to cut certain preventive podiatry services shines a bright, ironic light on the state’s cost-cutting efforts.

Skrepnek, Mills, and Armstrong presented at the 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association that “Through the end of 2011, inpatient admissions had increased 35%, inpatient charges had increased 40%, hospital days per month had increased 24%, and severe aggregate outcomes (including amputations) had increased 47% compared with the 3.75-year period preceding the announcement.”

Extrapolated from the above information, Grant H. Skrepnek, PhD, reported

“For every dollar “saved,” $48 more was actually spent (on treatment)…“

This analysis gleams light on the significant value of preventive healthcare intervention; especially with respect to at-risk patient populations, including individuals with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and amputation. Providing individuals at-risk for blisters, callusing, and ulceration with a “margin of safety” through the use of therapeutic footwear, insoles, socks, and targeted friction and related shear interventions such as ShearBan makes good healthcare and financial sense, as echoed in the analysis by Skrepnek, Mills, and Armstrong.

To read the full-text poster presentation, follow the source link below:

Skrepnek GH, Mills, JL, Armstrong DG. Foot-in-Wallet disease: Tripped up by ‘cost saving’ reduction. Presented at 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, Chicago, June 2013.