Risk Factors for Litigation Associated with Diabetes Mellitus

Are you managing a patient with diabetes mellitus?

• educated the patient about proper foot care?

• educated the patient about signs and symptoms of worsening infection?

• prescribed non-weight bearing as appropriate?

• performed an appropriate vascular and/or neurologic examination?

• obtained appropriate radiographs?

• made appropriate referral or consultation as needed?

• taken appropriate aerobic and anaerobic cultures of a wound?

• promptly recognized a worsening infection?

• provided adequate control of the blood glucose level?

• adequately or appropriately debrided a wound?

• promptly hospitalized or operated on the patient when appropriate?

• prescribed a hypoglycemic agent that has had serious adverse effects?

• caused hypoglycemia which has resulted in permanent disability?

• examined the patient's feet with each visit?

• delayed or failed to make a diagnosis?

• educated the patient about exercise, especially what to avoid?

• regularly evaluated renal function?

• regularly evaluated the patient's eyes and vision?

• provided dietary or nutritional education?