What The Profession Can Learn From A NYSPMA Study On The Value Of Podiatry

The health care paradigm is changing before our eyes. Where it ends up is anybody’s guess but one thing is clear: you have to prove your value regarding prevention and cost-effective care with demonstrable outcome measures. If you don’t, you will be left behind. The New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), with support from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), has undertaken an initiative demonstrating podiatric medicine and surgery’s vital role in the health care system.

The NYSPMA researched the New York State Prevention Agenda, the State Health Innovation Plan and the New York State Roadmap to Value-Based Payment. The research identified four categories (diabetes, fall prevention, obesity and opioid use) in which podiatry already performs a vital role improving patient outcomes while reducing complications and health care costs.¹ The state of New York is investigating methodologies to improve outcomes through preventative care, resulting in lower costs by shifting from fee-for-service to value-based payments.

The NYSPMA has contracted with Navigant Consulting to use the MarketScan database to quantify the value of podiatric services in the four aforementioned categories.¹ As the NYSPMA notes, “Analysis findings demonstrate that expanding podiatry’s role in the New York health care landscape may reduce inpatient admissions, lower long-term healthcare costs and decrease opioid dispensing for target populations.”^1,2

Part of the research by NYSPMA demonstrated podiatry was not a primary specialty for healthcare providers, insurance companies and state agenices in New York evaluating methodologies to improve outcomes while reducing complications and costs associated with diabetes, fall prevention, obesity and opioid use. The NYSPMA seized the opportunity to educate these key stakeholders in New York with data-driven research showing podiatry is a meaningful part of the solution. The white papers NYSPMA authored revealing podiatry’s role for each condition garnered both national and international attention.^1,2 The evidence-based approach continues to help the profession form alliances critical to the future of podiatric medicine and surgery.

Even though this landmark research by NYSPMA may only seem applicable to New York, it, in fact, affects podiatric physicians countrywide. The findings can serve as a model for individual state associations to utilize on their behalf. It is a road map, an essential road map built on ingenuity, dedication, hard work and forward thinking by our New York colleagues.

The NYSPMA and its members deserve your gratitude. The job is not complete and continues to evolve, but well done and bravo!

References

1. New York State Podiatric Medical Association. Community programs. Available at https://www.nyfoothealth.com/nyspma .
2. New York State Podiatric Medical Association. Podiatric services deliver value and improve health outcomes to New York residents. Available at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a1344abe9bfdf92cdb35b09/t/5a25db5e8165f5f174770861/1512430431036/NYSPMA+White+Paper+Overview+8+24+2017.pdf .