Newman Medical News

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Why Should You Test for It?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects an estimated 21 million Americans, making it one of the most underdiagnosed cardiovascular conditions in the United States. This silent killer narrows arteries in the limbs, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and lower extremity amputations.

The greatest danger of PAD lies in its asymptomatic nature—up to 50% of patients show no symptoms until the disease has progressed to advanced stages. Early detection through Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing can be lifesaving, preventing devastating complications and improving patient outcomes.

The Critical Importance of Early PAD Detection

PAD testing isn’t just about diagnosing a single condition—it’s about identifying patients at high risk for:

• Cardiovascular events: PAD patients have a 2-3x higher risk of heart attack and stroke
• Lower extremity amputation: PAD is a leading cause of non-traumatic amputations
• Reduced quality of life: Untreated PAD leads to claudication, limiting mobility and independence
• Increased mortality: PAD patients face significantly higher mortality rates than the general population

Overcoming Common Physician Objections to PAD Testing

“PAD Isn’t a Significant Threat in My Practice”

The Reality: This misconception can be deadly. Research shows that PAD affects:

• 1 in 20 Americans over age 50
• 1 in 3 Americans with diabetes over age 50
• Up to 20% of patients over age 65

Untreated PAD doesn’t just affect the limbs—it’s a marker for systemic atherosclerosis, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk throughout the body.

“ABI Testing is Expensive and Time-Consuming”

The Facts: Modern automated ABI systems like simpleABI make testing:

• Quick: Complete exam in under 5 minutes
• Cost-effective: Minimal equipment investment with excellent ROI
• Billable: Medicare and most insurers reimburse for ABI testing (CPT codes 93922-93924)
• Profitable: Early detection prevents costly complications and improves patient retention

“We Don’t Have Vascular Specialists on Staff”

The Solution: Today’s automated ABI systems require no specialized training. Staff can perform accurate ABI testing with the same ease as taking blood pressure—using Doppler technology instead of a stethoscope. No vascular technologist required.

“There’s No Benefit to Early PAD Diagnosis”

The Evidence: Early PAD detection provides multiple benefits:

For Patients:

• Prevents progression to critical limb ischemia
• Enables early intervention with lifestyle modifications and medications
• Identifies cardiovascular risk for comprehensive care management
• Improves long-term mobility and quality of life

For Your Practice:

• Additional revenue stream through testing and follow-up care
• Enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Compliance with preventive care guidelines
• Reduced liability from missed diagnoses

“PAD Only Affects Elderly Patients”

The Truth: While PAD prevalence increases with age, it can affect younger patients, especially those with:

• Diabetes (any age)
• Smoking history
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Family history of cardiovascular disease

Don’t let age bias lead to missed diagnoses in younger, at-risk patients.

“My Patients Don’t Have Symptoms, So They Don’t Need Testing”

Critical Point: Up to 50% of PAD cases are asymptomatic. Waiting for symptoms means waiting too long. The American Heart Association and ACC/AHA guidelines recommend ABI testing for:

• All patients over 65
• Patients 50-64 with risk factors
• Patients under 50 with diabetes plus one additional risk factor

Who Should Receive PAD Testing?

High-Risk Populations for ABI Testing:

• Adults over 65 years
• Adults 50-64 with cardiovascular risk factors
• Adults under 50 with diabetes plus additional risk factors
• Patients with leg symptoms (claudication, rest pain)
• Patients with non-healing wounds on feet or legs
• Patients with diminished pulses in legs or feet

How SimpleABI Testing Transforms Patient Care

Modern automated ABI systems have revolutionized PAD detection by making it:

• Accessible: No specialized training required
• Accurate: Automated calculations eliminate human error
• Efficient: Complete testing in under 5 minutes
• Comprehensive: Provides immediate, actionable results

The Bottom Line: PAD Testing Saves Lives and Improves Practice Revenue

Implementing routine PAD screening through ABI testing is a win-win investment:

• Saves patient lives through early detection and intervention
• Prevents costly complications like amputations and cardiovascular events
• Generates additional revenue through testing and management services
• Enhances practice reputation as a comprehensive, preventive-focused clinic

Take Action: Implement PAD Testing in Your Practice Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—by then, it may be too late. Early PAD detection through ABI testing is a simple, cost-effective way to:

• Save patient lives and limbs
• Improve practice profitability
• Meet preventive care standards
• Reduce liability exposure

Ready to learn more about implementing ABI testing in your practice? Contact Newman Medical for a 30-minute consultation to discover how simpleABI systems can transform your approach to PAD detection and management.

For more information about PAD prevalence and clinical guidelines, visit the American Heart Association’s official resources on peripheral artery disease.

Frequently Asked Questions About PAD Testing

Q: How accurate is ABI testing? A: ABI testing has a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 99% for detecting PAD when performed correctly.

Q: Is ABI testing covered by insurance? A: Yes, Medicare and most insurance plans cover ABI testing when medically indicated (CPT codes 93922-93924).

Q: How often should ABI testing be performed? A: Follow-up testing frequency depends on initial results and risk factors, typically annually for high-risk patients.

Q: Can ABI testing be performed on diabetic patients? A: Yes, though toe-brachial index (TBI) may be more accurate in patients with calcified arteries due to diabetes.

More information about PAD and its prevalence can be found at this link.