David A. Pougatsch, DPM
Expert on Lower Extremity Wounds, Infections, and Amputations
About The Wound Expert
David A. Pougatsch, DPM
Dr. Pougatsch is a fellowship-trained podiatrist specializing in
lower extremity infections, diabetic foot wounds, venous leg ulcers,
pressure sores, ischemic (arterial) wounds, skin grafts, the use of graft substitutes (allografts), limb salvage and reconstructive surgery, amputation prevention, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Dr. Pougatsch is a Clinical Instructor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the College of Podiatric Medicine at Western University in Southern California. He maintains attending clinical privileges at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where he is involved in training Podiatric medical students and residents through its Podiatric Surgery residency program. Dr. Pougatsch has performed thousands of procedures in his clinical career involving wound care patients.
Dr. Pougatsch founded a multi-specialty wound care group in Southern Calfiornia. He is familiar with many aspects of wound care including care as an inpatient (hospital), outpatient (office), hospital wound care center, nursing homes, in-home health services, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as claim billing and insurance reimbursement for such services.
The Whole Patient Approach
Dr. Pougatsch understands that patients undergoing treatment for these complex medical issues often have an elaborate medical history with a multi-faceted treatment plan involving physicians of multiple specialties.
That being said, ALL patients should have the utmost care provided to him/her according to medical literature and the accepted standard of care.
As an example, sometimes a loved one can receive the appropriate care, but sadly there is nothing more that a physician can do to prevent an amputation. On the other hand, there are times where an amputation was performed due to substandard care by the members of the medical team.
Dr. Pougatsch believes in doing what's right. Ask any of the residents he supervises, and the motto always said during patients rounds is...
"Do what's right!" Sadly, however, this is not always the case.
Consultant Services for Physician Offices, Patients, Hospital Wound Centers, and Legal Cases
Physicians/Patients:
At the request of the physician or the patient, Dr. Pougatsch conduct an in-depth review and will provide his thoughts regarding the ongoing treatment plan and any care provide up to that point. Any potential modifications in treatment will also be discussed.
Consultations are usually done via videoconference, or, if requested,
Dr. Pougatsch does have the ability to travel and come to you.
Hospitals/Wound Centers/Physician Offices:
Dr. Pougatsch also provides consulting services for hospital-based wound centers, and physician offices specializing in wound care or that are interested in treating patients with wounds. This can be a daunting task for many facilities, and countless hospitals outsource a wound care facility to a third-party company, when if done right, can provide a much-needed monetary lifeline for a facility. Concomitantly, many physician offices are also wanting to treat wound care patients, but are inundated with many guidelines, documentation requirements, and a steep financial burden.
Dr. Pougatsch provides consultation services with a distinct personal touch and can assist with turning around your medical facility or private practice.
Legal:
Dr. Pougatsch personally goes through every legal case brought to him from start to finish. A thorough review of the medical chart is performed, whether treated in the inpatient and/or outpatient setting, wound center, as well as any nursing home care and home health services that were provided. Billing, coding, and payment records may also be reviewed if requested. A full report can be provided in addition to any discussion.
It is imperative to understand that a poor outcome is not necessarily an outcome due to poor care. Because of the many difficulties and intricacies of treating such a patient, the patient may not have had the best outcome though care was given in the appropriate fashion according to the accepted standards and medical literature. It is when there is a deviation from these standards of care that one should look further into the situation.
Qualifications
Education:
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Chicago, IL
Residency:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Fellowship:
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Advanced Wound Care, Diabetic Limb Salvage, and Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
Board Certification:
American Board of Podiatric Medicine
Certificate of Added Qualification in Amputation Prevention & Wound Care