Failure to Provide Timely Podiatry Services for Diabetic Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely foot care treatment and ensure follow-up visits with a podiatrist for residents at risk for foot disorders, specifically for two residents with diabetes. One resident, who was cognitively intact, reported not having seen a foot doctor for a long time despite requesting to see one. Upon observation, this resident's toenails were found to be long, discolored, and thick. Physician orders allowed for podiatrist visits, and the last documented podiatrist visit was several months prior, with a recommendation for a follow-up in nine weeks that was not documented as completed. Another resident, also cognitively intact and with diabetes, showed the surveyor long, thick, discolored, and curling toenails, and stated not recalling the last podiatrist visit despite requesting one. Physician orders indicated the need for podiatry services, but the last documented visit was also several months prior, with a follow-up recommendation that was not documented as completed. Staff interviews revealed that residents are added to a list for podiatrist visits upon request, but there was no evidence provided that these residents received timely follow-up as ordered. The facility's policy requires regular foot assessments and podiatrist referrals for diabetics, which was not followed in these cases.