Variation in the Care of Surgical Conditions: Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease

This report examines how Medicare patients with diabetes and PAD are treated across the United States. It describes how, when, and why they may (or may not) be treated with preventive measures, as well as invasive treatments aimed at limiting amputation. By examining these treatment patterns, and outlining the ways in which physicians have attempted to study and improve the care of these complex patients, we hope to highlight opportunities to reduce amputations for patients at the highest risk for limb loss.