Recent media reports (see links below) have highlighted serious concerns about the dangers of overuse or misuse of procedures to treat PAD. PAD is a common condition, often causing no or only mild, non-disabling symptoms, but when severe it can lead to major amputation. ALPS is dedicated to promoting the creation and support of multidisciplinary teams to reduce the burden of preventable limb amputations through patient-centric, evidence-based care.
Amputation prevention hinges on early and accurate diagnosis, along with the optimal use of a full range of therapies targeted to the patient’s risk, goals, and stage of disease. Inappropriate and overuse of invasive treatments for PAD can lead to an acceleration of the disease process, a high frequency of repeat procedures, and the potential for deterioration. Patients with risk factors such as diabetes are at the highest risk. Patients and their families should be educated about the signs and symptoms of PAD, receive appropriate medical therapies, lifestyle advice (e.g. smoking cessation, diet and exercise) and surveillance. They must also be fully informed when decision-making about invasive treatments. While this public spotlight on inappropriate treatment is important, published data show that it represents a small minority of vascular specialists. We hope that it will not deter patients who are at risk from seeking timely evaluation that is critical to avoid limb loss.
Links:
New York Times: Profiting From Risky Atherectomies That Can Lead To Amputations
ProPublica: A CMS Effort To Save Money Enriched Doctors At Patients’ Cost
ProPublica: Artierial Motives – The Big Business Of Clogged Arteries
For further details, please contact Alison Evans, ALPS Communication & Marketing Coordinator at alison@alpslimb.org.
About ALPS
We at ALPS have made it our vision to eliminate preventable amputations over the next generation. We believe this can be achieved by promoting interdisciplinary teams to advance the science, clinical care, advocacy, awareness, and education of limb preservation through increased access to resources and specialized care that improves patient-centered outcomes.
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