I am writing this on behalf of my mother Mary Lou Pattermann who is 87 with an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She saw Dr. Austin to treat fungal infections on all toenails, periodic ingrown toenails and also current bruising in the bed of her rod nails. After the appt, Dr Austin and I agreed to follow up with my mom for another appointment in 3 months. Only after Dr. Austin left the room did the assistant enter with a required signature informing my mom that the next appointments would likely not be covered by Medicare because my mom does not has diabetes. We were told "nail trimming" is not a covered charge. However upon further investigation it IS covered if the providing doctor finds it to be medically necessary. In this case with an 87 year old Alzheimer's patient with chronic  fungal infections in all toes and a history of ingrown nails and current bruising in multiple toes it certainly appears reasonable  that follow up visit and trimming/machine filing is medically necessary. Dr. Austin was cold and seemed bothered by having to perform this task and it appears that Advocates policy is based on medical reimbursement rather than on patient well being. How is an 87 year old Alzheimer's patient supposed to take steps necessary to prevent further deterioration of her condition? My mom has had this treatment covered for the past several years once self-care became impossible, and we are disappointed in the deterioration in Advocate's care and in Dr. Austin's bedside manner.  The interaction with my mother distressed her and caused stress about why Medicare will not cover treatment of her infection. We still miss Dr. Tata who had a wonderful bedside manner and was kind to my mother. Dr. Austin entered with a "why are you here" rather than with a "hello Mrs pattermann how are you". An 87 year old patient deserves kindness.
Naperville 1508 Aurora Podiatry