The TM FLOW SYSTEM is a non-invasive, in-office test, that performs three billable diagnostic tests:

• Sudomotor test for small fiber neuropathy

• ABI – Ankle-Brachial Index

• ANS – Autonomic Nervous System

Today we will focus on PAD  or Peripheral Arterial Disease

15-19 million Americans are affected by Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when plaque forms in the leg arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your arms and legs. Identifying Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can mean the difference between life and death. If left untreated, one in five people with PAD will suffer a leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, or death within five years.

With the number is increasing each year detection and diagnosis is coming to the forefront in Primary Care practices, Integrated Chiropractic clinics, and Podiatry clinics.

The most common test to diagnose PAD is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) examination.

The ABI is a simple non-invasive test that takes 3-5 minutes with the TM FLOW SYSTEM.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) have both recommended annual ABI screenings for the following patients:

• Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
• Patients over 50 Patients at high risk

These are some reasons why PAD testing should be performed everywhere, rather than only by specialists:

• PAD and small fiber neuropathy testing is quick and can be completed within five minutes
• This test is reimbursable by Medicare and most insurances; therefore, it offers a good return on investment.
• In order to improve patient outcomes, it is crucial to detect PAD as early as possible.

Autonomic Function Testing with the TM Flow System

TM FLOW System also provides Autonomic Function Testing and increases reimbursement to a Medicare Average of $300.00.

Vascular testing is not just for specialists

There are more than 19 million people with PAD in the United States alone, which makes it a common health condition that affects many patients. From point-of-care to hospital care to specialty practices, testing for PAD should be routine.

ABI systems are convenient and beneficial for businesses.

A quick PAD screening can be performed in-office and is non-invasive.  Here are a few reasons why PAD testing should be performed everywhere:

• PAD testing is quick and can take as little as 5 minutes
• The testing equipment produces an excellent ROI
• Early detection of PAD is essential to improving patient outcomes and saving lives
• PAD testing is reimbursable and has a national average CMS payment of $85 (Average 2022 Medicare)

PAD testing has excellent reimbursement.  The national average CMS payment for a basic screening is $85 (Average 2022 Medicare) so even our most advanced systems will pay for themselves after a few tests are performed.

Why it’s important to test for PAD

Benefits of PAD testing, include reimbursement (ROI) information for physicians.

If your patients have any of the following symptoms, they potentially have PAD

• Cold feet
• Skin discolored and dry on the lower legs
• Pain when walking
• Leg pain at night
• Painful, heavy legs
• Numbness or burning sensations
• Wounds that won’t heal
• Gangrene

Patients who have the following risk factors have a higher incidence of PAD:

• Over the age of 65
• Diabetic
• Current or previous smoker
• Kidney disease

VASCULAR TESTING IS ESSENTIAL AT THE EARLY STAGES OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE TO IMPROVE PATIENT OUTCOMES

• People with PAD often do not display any symptoms.
• Patients with early-onset symptoms, like pain while walking or cold feet, dismiss these changes as a normal part of the aging process or the result of another health issue, such as an existing heart condition.
• Early symptoms could be a sign of PAD, which is treatable if diagnosed by a trusted health care professional.

Primary Care Diagnostics is a company dedicated to improving patient care and increasing practice revenue. 

To learn more about ABI Testing using the TM Flow Machine, contact Primary Care Diagnostics.