Does he check pulses, or inspect/palpate the foot and/or ankle? What about inspection of digits/nails? Inspection of skin/subcutaneous tissue? exam of Sensation? Deep tendon reflexes? Gait and station? Does he talk about general appearance of patient, or A&Ox3, or recent & remote memory? Does his staff record 3 vitals and he makes note of those?
Musculoskeletal isn't just about range of motion. Is the foot &/or ankle stable; muscle strength and tone. Remember if he comments about bilaterally or right....this and left...that. He gets points for each side.
A podiatrist can easily assess six points without even touching the patient. A few simple words or phrases and he can easily have expanded problem focused exam.
Example:
Patient presents today in good appearance. ..........A&Ox3.......Questioned patient about incident he recalls....... and states no past history of same....pedal pulses are equal bilaterally.....palpation of the right ankle confirms tenderness over the medial aspect but appears stable with good ROM.....no broken skin but signs of ecchymosis and edema, sensation remains good.
Points: (10) General Appearance, Vitals, recent/remote memory, pedal pulses, inspect/palpate ankles, assess stability, ROM, inspect skin, extremities edema, sensation.
