Considering Practice Management in Wound Care

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What practice management principles do you integrate into the wound care aspect of your practice?
 
Dr. Fassman shared that, to him, practice management in wound care means navigating the insurance world so that both and patient and practice benefit. He pointed out that offloading, custom orthotics, and various types of durable medical equipment are interventions that can generate revenue, but that also provide important clinical value. Additionally, lymphedema pumps, noninvasive vascular testing, and dispensing of wound care products may be options for some.
 
What challenges do you feel DPMs face when managing a wound care practice?
 
For solo practitioners or small groups, he noted that the overhead cost of wound care products can be prohibitive, but that this is less of a challenge for some larger groups, in his observation.
 
What one thing do you feel DPMs can do today to impact the success of their wound care practice?
 
“I think the multidisciplinary approach is probably the key to victory there,” explained Dr. Fassman. “You really have to integrate all of the different providers to help these patients because it's not just one thing that will help, it's multiple things.”
 
He also added that attending conferences and staying on top of different emerging technologies can also prove beneficial for patients and one’s practice.
 
“Often you can learn about both in one setting,” he said.
 
You spoke before about offloading as one way to add value in one’s practice. What challenges do you think clinicians face when it comes to properly offloading wounds? What methods have you found effective?
 
The challenges seem to relate to adherence, said Dr. Fassman. Limiting ambulation or making a patient non-weight-bearing is a significant ask, and he explained that some patients cannot accommodate this.
 
“There may be work-related concerns, or balance issues, among other factors,” he added.
 
In his practice, he often employs an instant total contact cast or a knee scooter to assist with offloading. He likes the mobility and flexibility of the knee scooter under the right safety circumstances.
 
“If a patient is unable to use a walker or cane, a scooter may be a viable option," he said.
 
Dr. Fassman also pointed to the customizable honeycomb inserts for surgical shoes as a well-tolerated option.
 
Dr. Fassman is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and practices in Colorado Springs, CO.