In a private breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 2, Dr. Lee C. Rogers (Gallatin HS 1996) discussed the staggering prevalence of diabetic foot complications and amputations with Senator Hillary Clinton.
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The Senator was presented with data which included the high mortality rate after lower extremity amputation and the emotional and financial costs of amputations in this population.
Senator Clinton reiterated her previous statements that podiatrists are important members on the healthcare team and that her proposed American Health Choices Plan has a focus on preventative medicine where podiatrists fit in nicely. In a speech in early November 2007, Sen. Clinton said, “We’re also going to start covering prevention. I believe we can actually avoid some disabilities if we provide prevention. The clearest example of that is that government and health insurance plans, rarely pay for a visit to a podiatrist for a diabetic. But they pay for the amputation of the foot. Therefore we have a created a disability instead of preventing a disability.” Dr. Rogers told Sen. Clinton, “it astonishes me that an insurance company won’t cover simple preventative measures, like a $150 foot thermometer which has been shown to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and, thus, amputations.” Senator Clinton replied, “it will be covered under my plan”.
Dr. Rogers is the director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.