Which statement about the Podiatric Medicine Practice Act's scope is true?

• A. It covers diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, including local manifestations of systemic conditions, by all appropriate systems and means
• B. It covers only dermatology of the foot
• C. It prohibits any treatment of systemic diseases
• D. It only allows non-surgical treatment

Answer: (A)

The scope of practice for podiatrists in Oklahoma covers diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle and recognizing the local manifestations of systemic diseases that can present in the foot, using all appropriate therapies and techniques. This broad view means that podiatrists can use medical and surgical treatments, imaging, and referrals as needed to care for patients, not just limited procedures or specialties. The idea that the practice is restricted to dermatology would be too narrow, and the notion that systemic diseases cannot be treated or that only non-surgical care is allowed both contradict the act’s expansive scope. In practice, conditions like diabetes-related foot ulcers or inflammatory or infectious diseases seen in the foot fall within this scope, with management that may involve collaboration with other healthcare providers when appropriate.