Care of the patient undergoing surgical or other invasive procedure

Podiatrist Patient Relations

Adopted: Thu, 2010-01-14

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Reviewed 2014-11-13 - no changes

The evaluation, diagnosis, and care of the surgical patient are primarily the responsibility of the podiatrist. He or she alone bears responsibility for ensuring the patient undergoes a preoperative assessment appropriate to the procedure. The assessment shall include a review of the patient's data and an independent diagnosis by the operating podiatrist of the condition requiring surgery. The podiatrist shall have a detailed discussion with each patient regarding the diagnosis and the nature of the surgery, advising the patient fully of the risks involved. It is also the responsibility of the podiatrist to reevaluate the patient immediately prior to the procedure.

It is the responsibility of the podiatrist to assure safe and readily available postoperative care for each patient on whom he or she performs surgery. It is not improper to involve other licensed health care practitioners in postoperative care so long as the operating surgeon maintains responsibility for such care. The postoperative note must reflect the findings encountered in the individual patient and the procedure performed.

When identical procedures are done on a number of patients, individual notes should be written for each patient that reflect the specific findings and procedures of that procedure.