Podiatric Surgery Explained

It is surgery performed by a "foot doctor".
Unlike other specialists, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is a separate degree from that of a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.).

M.D.s and D.O.s differ in their approach to patient care. In most states in the U.S. they both have the same rights and priveleges, although this has not always been the case. All M.D.'s and all D.O.'s have the same basic education respectively. Some then obtain further education and clincal time to become a specialist. A podiatrist is not an M.D. or D.O. that has obtained specialization.

In the U.S. podiatric medicine is regulated by each state. Podiatrists treat diseases, injuries and congenital problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg. Podiatrists are often paid less for the same surgery or treatment than an M.D. or D.O. Insurance companies say this is due to a lesser degree of education, but this is very often not the case.

ABPS:
The objectives of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, ABPS are to protect and improve the health and welfare of the public by the advancement of the art and science of podaitric surgery by the following goals:

• To encourage the attainment, through formal podiatric training programs, of the competencies necessary for the successful practice of the art and science of pidiatric surgery.

• To verify that candidates are qualified to enter the board certification process of the ABPS.

• To act upon applications for certification of legally licensed, actively practicing podiatrists, to ascertain their fitness and competency in the art and science of podatric surgery.

more resources:

• Surgery
• Physician
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• Cosmetic surgery

• Medicare
• Medicare Part D

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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Podiatric Surgery".