A new amendment strengthens prevention for diabetic patients

The National Union of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM) and the National Federation of Podiatrists signed Amendment 4 to the National Convention of Pedicurists-Podiatrists on September 22, 2020, published in the Official Journal on December 31, 2020. With this agreement, which will revolutionize the existing traditional framework, the signatories hope to continue working to improve access for diabetic patients and the quality of medical care. The text also aims to support coordinated campaigns by promoting tools, information systems and organizational methods, so that chiropodists/podiatrists can exchange with other actors in the health system through the implementation of a modernised and computerised assistance package.

Diabetic patients: taking into account the complexity of clinical situations

The first recognition of the primary role of independent podiatrists in prevention was introduced in 2007, with the general nomenclature of professional activities for trauma prevention sessions for diabetic patients who are at high risk of ulcers or recurrent ulcers.

Upgrading the initial session of the prevention package (POD)

In order to encourage the quality of prevention and care for diabetic patients, Amendment 4 of the national convention stipulates that for patients on medical prescription, a set of preventive measures for high-risk foot injuries of grade 2 or 3 should be launched in 2002. From now on, the value for diabetics is 32 euros (instead of 27 euros).

Furthermore, even if the patient's assessment leads the pediatrician to believe that the patient is not eligible for the package, the value of the first phase of the prevention package (POD) will reach 27 euros. (Not in 2 or 3 levels).

Increase in the maximum amount of maximum preventive measures supported annually

To improve the care of diabetic patients, this plan increases the maximum number of preventive measures implemented by podiatrists:

For high-risk grade 2 patients, the annual foot injury prevention (POD) plan may include up to 5 preventive treatments, instead of the previous 4;

For high-risk level 3 patients with diabetic foot healing, the annual foot prevention package (POD) may include up to 8 preventive care sessions instead of the previous 6.

Revaluation of coverage for rehabilitation procedures and foot massages

To broaden the scope of intervention for orthopedists, this plan includes a 4-step upgrade following massage and rehabilitation operations:

- Functional rehabilitation of the foot, involving surgical intervention on the forefoot, 30 min session, AMP 13.65;
- Rehabilitation of both feet, involving forefoot surgery, each session lasts 30 minutes, AMP 20.50;
- Foot massage, in relation to the intervention of the forefoot, AMP 6.80;
- Massage of both feet, related to forefoot surgery, AMP 10.20;

These measures come into effect on May 15th.

Introduction of a fixed-rate aid package for modernization and computerization

Health insurance continues its efforts to help healthcare professionals invest in the modernization and computerization of medical practices.

The agency also hopes to support new digital uses; to this end, as for other specialties, a package to help modernize and computerize the professional practice is being put in place for pedicurists-podiatrists and will replace the auxiliary tools currently paid for for remote transmission and maintenance.

This package costs 490 euros and is paid according to a number of criteria, including:

- Use commercial software compatible with shared medical records;
- Use the SCOR solution;
- Have a safe and healthy email address;
- Achieve a remote teletransmission rate greater than or equal to 70%.
- The package will be paid for the first time in 2021.