Role of the Podiatrist

In the provision of podiatric care, the podiatrist examines, diagnoses and treats or prescribes course of treatment for patients with disorders, diseases or injuries of the foot and ankle; interviews patients and writes case histories to determine previous ailments, complaints and areas of investigation; examines footwear to determine proper fit, evidence of proper gait, and corrective care or treatment required; conducts complete physical examinations of the foot and ankle, including tissue, bone and muscular structure with emphasis on the relationship to diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and pathomechanical disease; make systemic as well as lower extremity diagnoses; conducts physical examination of any and all other areas of the body evidencing symptoms or conditions potentially contributing to disorders, diseases, injuries or symptoms of the foot; supplements examination by ordering or performing various laboratory tests, analyses and diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, which may be taken by the podiatry assistant under the registered podiatrist’s supervision; interprets laboratory results and evaluates examination findings; refers patients to, or consults with, other physicians for further case diagnoses or treatment; administers treatment to eliminate lesions, infections, contagious diseases affecting the foot and ankle and other symptomatic conditions of the foot and ankle causing pain or affecting ambulation; performs appropriate therapeutic surgical procedures; prescribes appropriate medication; instructs nurses and other assistants in treatment and care of patients; prescribes and supervises construction and maintenance of orthotic foot devices and fabricates special appliances to foot or in footgear to meet the needs of individual patients; applies appliances to foot or in footwear; initiates other podiatric procedures or services and advises patients on proper care of feet and nail prophylaxis; reviews and studies case history and progress of patient; consults with surgeons and residents in establishing a therapeutic program for the patient; records data or case history on medical records; and advises on kind and quality of podiatric medical supplies and equipment required.