Cath Lab Digest

All American Podiatry & Wound Care, Tidewater, Virginia

Today’s Wound Clinic recently had the opportunity to interview Joseph G. Smith, DPM, CEO of All American Podiatry & Wound Care (Tidewater, VA). Dr. Smith reflects on the events and opportunities that prepared him to serve in his career in healing. Caring for numerous patients, each with their own individual needs, propelled Smith’s involvement in the fields of wound care and podiatry. This edition of Front Lines offers an exclusive look at the techniques and operational procedures Smith relies upon and adheres to for daily success. Smith reveals what products, services, and technologies best accommodate his patients and ultimately result in a successful track record of healing.

Today's Wound Clinic (TWC): What is the name of your business and where is it located?

Joseph Smith (JS):I operate and oversee All American Podiatry & Wound Care located in Tidewater, Virginia.

TWC: Who or what first introduced you to wound care?

JS: Like all podiatrists, I had extensive training in diabetic and vascular ulcers as well as burn injuries throughout medical school.

TWC: How did you get involved with wound care?

JS: During my residency at the Coatesville, Pennsylvania VAMC, I had the opportunity (or misfortune!) of entering a program that was intended for four residents, yet during this transitional year there was only one — me. So I had the opportunity to treat a very large number of wound cases being the only resident, particularly pressure related wounds, which I did not have much experience with at school. I later went on to lead the Wound Care Advisory panel at this hospital during my tenure there. When I returned home to the Tidewater area, most of the folks involved with wound care were doing things from decades past, and were not really up to date with what was happening in the exciting world of wound care. So I kind of blazed a path for myself in that arena from the start, not to mention ruffled a few feathers along the way.

TWC: What is your position in your facility, and how long have you held this position?

JS: I am the CEO of All American Podiatry & Wound Care; I have held this position for 10 years now.

TWC: What are some of the unique characteristics of your wound care facility?

JS: The most unique and exciting aspect of my wound care facility is that it is 100% mobile. I travel throughout the dozen or so cities, towns, and counties that make up the greater Tidewater area. By going to nursing homes and assisted living homes I perform over a thousand house calls a year. The homebound patients really appreciate the effort my team makes and it affords me the opportunity to see a wide variety of wounds in a multitude of settings.

TWC: Can you describe the types of positions your employees hold that work in your clinic and the important rolls each plays?

JS: My head nurse, receptionist, scheduler, QuickBooks keeper, etc is my lovely wife Sondra Smith, LPN. She used to go on a lot of house calls with me too but once we started our family she preferred to stay at home. We really have no other employees. I have however, established a network of companies that provide services to homebound patients and are mobile like All American. I use a billing company, Advanced Medical Services that handles our friends at the insurance company. Miss Brenda Lyle from this company has been priceless. I outsource all products so I use Lawson Medical for diabetic shoes, AFO's, CROW boots, etc. I depend on Tycon medical for my beds, walkers, and wheelchairs. They both come to the patient’s home and are excellent at what they do. Mr. Duane Cook of Heritage Mobile X-ray has been very valuable as well by providing me with same day mobile x-rays. Numerous home health companies in the area have been a tremendous help and have been a symbiotic referral service for all involved. Dr. Abiola Opeitum and Dr. John Patterson have been great referrals as house call primary care MD's and have alleviated much suffering due to their tireless efforts. Of all the staff at the various nursing homes I attend, Liz Williams is especially attentive to the needs of both doctors and patients.

TWC: Approximately how many patients do you see per year? Is this up or down from last year?

JS: I see several thousand patients throughout the year. This amount is slightly higher and it has increased every year that I have been in practice.

TWC: Do you expect to see more patients in 2010? If so, why?

JS: Yes, it seems to be the trend in my business as I am the only mobile podiatry/wound care doctor in town. Each year more people grow older and more people are keeping their parents or grandparents in a renovated room at their house instead of putting them in nursing homes. Because of this, I am seeing an increase every year in the house call arena and therefore the wound care arena as well. The competition for nursing homes is pretty high throughout this area here so that number is staying the same.

TWC: What is an interesting trend or frightening statistic that you are noticing in wound care?