Important COVID-19 Update for our Referring Physicians
Important COVID-19 Update for our Referring Physicians
At UCSF’s Center for Limb Preservation and Diabetic Foot, we value the opportunity to partner with you in caring for patients with limb-threatening conditions such as advanced vascular disease and non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated some of these conditions locally, so we wanted to reach out with important program updates.
Amputations on the Rise During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus has been challenging for the patients we serve. Many have conditions such as diabetes that put them at greater risk for complications from COVID-19 – and they require vigilant monitoring and medical care to maintain cardiovascular and limb health.
Increase in Amputations
Unfortunately, since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen a significant increase in amputations, likely because patients have been ignoring worrisome symptoms and delaying medical care. Other vascular centers around the country have seen this as well.
We want to work with you to help ensure patients get the care they need before it’s too late. We established the first fully integrated limb preservation team in Northern California in 2011. Our dedicated team of podiatrists and vascular surgeons work together seamlessly to evaluate and treat patients with DFUs and related conditions.
Referrals and Patient Education
Our limb salvage rates have exceeded 85 percent in a high-risk population, but this success depends on timely referrals and patient education. Our Amputation Risk and Screening Guide provides a quick overview. We work closely with referring wound centers, surgeons, podiatrists and others to ensure coordination of care back to the local practice for subsequent surveillance once patients have been stabilized.
Expanded Access
Our San Francisco clinic is open for in-person and video visits. We can see urgent referrals rapidly, and our experts are available 24/7 for peer-to-peer consultations.
- Please fax new-patient referrals to (415) 353-2669 for all of our locations, or call (415) 353-2256 for appointments.
- For questions, contact Clinical Director Joanna DeLong, RN, NP, at (415) 205-3281.
- For hospitalized patients with limb threat in need of transfer, contact our Transfer Center at (415) 353-9166.
With outreach sites throughout the Bay Area, we can provide evaluations and follow-up visits locally, for added convenience.
- Berkeley: Berkeley Outpatient Center
- Novato: Clinic opening soon
- San Mateo: UCSF San Mateo Primary and Specialty Care Clinic
We look forward to our continued partnership. Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly with any suggestions on how we can improve our services and access, or support your practice.
 | Professor and Chief,
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 | Alexander M. Reyzelman, D.P.M. Senior Physician Diplomate |