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Arche Healthcare's Call to Action for LEAP Day

In a significant move to combat the serious complications of diabetes, Arche Healthcare has declared November 14 as LEAP Day, an initiative aimed at preventing lower extremity amputations associated with diabetes. This campaign aligns with Diabetes Awareness Month, focusing on the importance of early detection and intervention in diabetic care. The overarching objective is to promote a standardized three-minute diabetic foot assessment during routine primary care visits.

Importance of LEAP Day

Diabetes has become increasingly prevalent, and with it, the risk of developing serious complications, especially concerning foot health. Research shows that more than 80% of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations begin with preventable foot ulcers. Despite advancements in diabetes management, delays in clinical intervention continue to result in unnecessary amputations. By integrating foot assessments into regular check-ups, primary care providers can shift the focus of diabetes management from reactive solutions to proactive prevention.

Des Bell, DPM, CWS, President Emeritus of The Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation, acknowledges the critical role of primary care clinicians in this preventive approach. He highlights that many patients do not receive adequate monitoring for risk factors like neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease until it is too late. “Integrating a standard foot check into care visits can identify these risk factors early and connect patients to specialists before it's too late,” he states.

LEAP 2030 Initiative

Arche Healthcare leads the LEAP 2030 initiative, advocating for the establishment of a formal quality measure for diabetic foot assessments under the HEDIS® guidelines. The initiative builds on the success of similar measures in other areas of diabetic care, such as retinal exams, which have significantly reduced blindness rates among diabetic patients. The aim is to ensure that diabetic foot assessments are routinely conducted, ultimately lowering the costs of care and preserving patient mobility.

Steps for Implementation

The Clinical Action Plan for LEAP Day is straightforward yet effective:
1. Assess: Integrate a standardized, three-minute diabetic foot examination into routine adult chronic-care and annual wellness visits.
2. Stratify Risk: Identify risks like loss of protective sensation (LOPS), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and prior ulceration.
3. Refer: Establish immediate referral pathways to podiatrists for high-risk patients requiring specialized intervention.

To support healthcare providers, Arche Healthcare offers free clinical workflows, assessment tools, and a downloadable Diabetic Foot Assessment Score Sheet. These resources are available at LEAP2030.org.

About Arche Healthcare

Arche Healthcare is dedicated to empowering patients, physicians, and payers by providing comprehensive tools to prevent diabetes-related complications. The organization emphasizes patient engagement and enhanced health outcomes through initiatives like the Arche Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam (CDFE).

As LEAP Day approaches, it is crucial for primary care providers, health systems, and health plans to take action. By implementing routine foot checks, they can help mitigate the risks associated with diabetes and ultimately save lives. In the words of Des Bell, “We must act upstream and make LEAP Day a meaningful step towards a future with fewer amputations.”

For more information and to access resources, visit LEAP2030.org.

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This article underscores the importance of proactive measures in diabetes care and calls upon health professionals to participate in LEAP Day. Through collective effort, we can turn the tide on diabetes-related amputations and improve the quality of life for countless individuals.