05/17/1996 33670

PODIATRIST

DEFINITION: This is professional medical work in the field of Podiatry.

An employee in this class is responsible for the examination, diagnosis and treatment of ailments and deformities of the foot involving medical, mechanical and/or surgical care and treatment. Employees either independently or in collaboration with other medical and professional staff, recommend or initiate the care and treatment of patient musculoskeletal diseases such as Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and manifestations of systemic diseases such as diabetes, neurologic and peripheral vascular diseases and deformities of the foot and those anatomical structures of the leg governing the function of the foot; and instruct patients and staff on methods and techniques of proper footcare. Work requires the exercise of independent medical judgment based upon training and experience in podiatric medicine; and making appropriate referrals for care and treatment as necessary. Work is performed independently in accordance with professional standards and is subject to review by a higher level physician or administrative supervisor through consultations, reports and results achieved.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Examines, diagnoses and treats foot ailments and deformities such as corns, callouses, bunions, ingrown and deformed toenails, flat feet, blisters, arch defects, tendinitis, heel spurs, fractures, athlete's foot, ulcer debridements and other conditions of the foot through medications, surgery, cutting and/or nail removal, and/or mechanical braces or supports to enhance and correct abnormal foot structures.

Confers with facility medical and professional staff in the treatment of systemic disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, neurologic and peripheral vascular diseases; confers with internal/external staff regarding patients referred for major surgery and treatment of the foot, such as hammertoe correction or bunion removal, and post medical follow-up, as required; and makes other appropriate referrals for care and treatment, as necessary.

Orders various diagnostic procedures such as Xray, blood and culture/sensitivities, MRI, CAT-Scans and Nuclear Isotope Scans of the foot and ankle, as required.

Prescribes a full range of medications such as antibiotics, steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and sedatives, tranquilizers and anti-flammatory agents for treating problems of the foot and leg.

Prescribes ultrasound and hydrotherapy treatments through physical therapy personnel.

Prepares and submits medical billing documents for reimbursements of services provided by using appropriate International Code of Diseases (ICD) nomenclature.

Conducts training with patients and staff regarding foot care and treatment on an individual and group basis.

Prescribes corrective footwear based upon measurements/impressions for relief and prevention of conditions causing foot deformities and ailments.

Operates and maintains sterile surgical instruments and devices used in podiatry.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the modern principles, practices, and techniques of podiatry as they relate to the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and care of foot deformities and ailments.

Skill in the use and application of standard surgical instruments, tools and devices used in the practice of podiatric medicine.

Ability to read and interpret results of diagnostic tests, such as Xrays, MRI, CAT Scans, Nuclear Isotope Scans of the foot and those anatomical structures of the leg governing the functions of the foot; and to prescribe and administer or coordinate an appropriate course of treatment.

Ability to code treatments in accordance with the ICD nomenclature.

Ability to apply professional methods in the diagnosis, treatment and care of foot ailments.

Ability to determine and prescribe appropriate footwear based upon measurements/impressions of the foot to prevent, relieve or correct conditions causing foot deformities and ailments.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, hospital and external medical and ancillary personnel.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation from an approved school of podiatry.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a current license to practice podiatry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as issued by the State Board of Podiatry.