Dr. Jon Bloom is a remarkable individual with an extensive background in both medicine and entrepreneurship. As a board-certified physician and entrepreneur, he brings more than 20 years of experience in technology development, patient monitoring, biomedical research, and healthcare delivery.
Dr. Bloom co-founded Podimetrics, creator of the SmartMat™ and integrated clinical and patient support services that can help save the limbs and lives of people living with complex diabetes, in 2011 while studying at the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management. Since then, he has served as the CEO of Podimetrics, leading the company’s mission to prevent devastating and costly diabetes-related amputations.
Dr. Bloom’s inspiration to create a solution — the Podimetrics SmartMat — for preventing amputations among people living with diabetes stems from his experience as an anesthesiologist. He recognized the urgent need for a less drastic approach to avoid complications from diabetes.
Prior to his role at Podimetrics, Dr. Bloom held positions as a Clinical Assistant Professor and staff anesthesiologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He also served as the Director of Global Medical Affairs for Covidien’s Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions division.
With an impressive academic background, Dr. Bloom earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. Throughout his career, he has co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on healthcare economics and perioperative complications.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Bloom is actively engaged in the medical community. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC), the largest regional MedTech association in the United States.
In this interview, we dive deeper into Dr. Jon Bloom’s journey, his innovative work at Podimetrics, and his vision for the future of diabetes-related amputation prevention.
- How can advancements in technology improve the early detection and prevention of foot ulcers resulting from complex diabetes?
Advancements in technology have the potential to significantly improve the early detection and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. For instance, medical devices equipped with sensors can continuously monitor factors such as temperature in a person’s foot. By detecting deviations from normal values, these devices can alert patients and healthcare providers to early signs of foot complications, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of ulcers.
Based on a prior study conducted with Kaiser Permanente, researchers saw major amputations completely eliminated and all-cause hospital admissions drop by 52% as a result of the Podimetrics SmartMat. This research was previously published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
The researchers examined the impact of once-daily foot temperature monitoring with Podimetrics for patients with recently healed diabetic foot ulcers and found that for every three study participants using Podimetrics over the year-long study, one hospital admission was avoided. They also noted a 40% reduction in emergency department visits, and a more than 25% reduction in outpatient visits. These findings demonstrate that the use of foot temperature monitoring for population health management represents a significant opportunity to reduce costs and improve health outcomes by avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations and healthcare utilization.
- What role do social determinants of health (SDOH) play in the development and management of diabetes?
The first step in addressing health inequity and diabetes-related amputations is to recognize the problem and its causes. Today, more than 154,000 amputations occur every year in America — a 75% increase in the last decade. This highlights the brutal consequences faced by vulnerable populations and that health inequity persists.
The root of the problem? SDOH continues to play a significant role in determining health outcomes especially for minorities. They often face a disproportionate burden of chronic health conditions. This is due to a complex array of factors, such as poverty and limited access to healthy foods. Educational gaps also play a significant role, as does lack of physical activity and limited access to quality healthcare.
Chain supermarkets and healthy food options are still significantly inaccessible to minorities, even in non-low income areas, for instance. Black neighborhoods continue to unfairly have to deal with a lower percentage of premium grocery stores that are often found in desirable white neighborhoods.
Native American communities face a difficult challenge, too. They have some of the highest poverty rates in the nation yet also struggle with food insecurity. At least 60 reservations in the U.S. are facing the challenge of food insecurity. Food insecurity may contribute to poor diet and mismanaged diabetes, resulting in uncontrolled blood sugar levels, diabetic foot ulcers, and amputation.
Amputation has been described as a “mega-disparity” that outstrips almost all other health disparities across races and ethnicities. Research has consistently revealed that Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations are at greater risk of amputation from diabetes compared to their white counterparts. Latino Americans are at 1.5 times higher risk of amputation compared to whites, whereas Indigenous Americans face twice the risk.
A study, published in 2022, highlights the disheartening outcomes faced by Black patients hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers. However, research has also revealed that targeted interventions aimed at addressing SDOH can help mitigate these disparities. The healthcare community needs to recognize the effect of SDOH on the health of vulnerable populations.
By considering social status, environmental factors, lifestyle, and biomedical information, health professionals can work toward lessening the health gaps associated with conditions such as diabetes. To achieve this, multidisciplinary teams must collaborate to influence community development and public services.
Also, we must ensure that all patients have access to quality care so that we are capturing data and conducting research inclusive of all people, especially as AI comes more into play. If we don’t include all patients and acknowledge SDOH data, we will build predictive models that will only continue to promote inequities.
- Can you discuss the economic impact of foot complications from diabetes on individuals and healthcare systems?
The economic impact of diabetes-related foot complications on individuals and healthcare systems is substantial. For example, the cost of diabetes-related foot complications is comparable to the total direct costs of cancer ($80 billion/year).
Individuals with diabetic foot ulcers often face increased medical expenses, too. Moreover, these complications can lead to decreased productivity, increased disability, and a higher likelihood of early retirement or unemployment, as well as additional serious and costly healthcare challenges, such as an increased likelihood of re-ulceration and reduced mortality rates.
During diabetic foot ulcer episodes-of-care, individuals are also 30 times more likely to have a lower limb amputation; eight times more likely to be hospitalized for peripheral vascular disorders; and about two times more likely to be hospitalized for renal failure, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or a heart attack. Early detection of diabetes-related foot complications is therefore critical given the human impact and exorbitant associated costs.
While our approach is centered on preventing foot amputations resulting from complications related to diabetes, it truly has broader implications for the health and well-being of our patients — and on their overall utilization of the healthcare system. For example, we’ve proven that preventive actions and lower cost interventions driven by Podimetrics result in $8,000-$13,000 savings per member annually. Considering that, on average, 6% of a health plan’s diabetes population is at high risk for lower-extremity complications, these savings aren’t minor. This 6% of the population makes up 33% of diabetes expenditures.
From a healthcare system perspective, treating diabetic foot ulcers is a significant financial burden. Costs arise from hospital admissions, outpatient visits, medication prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and specialized wound care clinics. Additionally, the long-term management of chronic wounds can be resource-intensive.
Addressing the economic impact involves implementing preventive measures that reduce the incidence of diabetes-related foot complications. By investing in early detection technologies, patient education programs, multidisciplinary care teams, and telemedicine solutions, healthcare systems can potentially reduce costs associated with diabetes-related foot complications while improving patient outcomes.
- What are the key challenges in implementing preventive care measures for foot complications from diabetes in healthcare settings?
To address the key challenges of implementing preventive care measures for diabetic foot complications, our team at Podimetrics helped launch the Amputation Prevention Alliance alongside the American Diabetes Association last year.
To succeed in reducing unnecessary amputations related to complex diabetes, we needed to launch a dedicated initiative that combines policy levers, reimbursement strategies, technical innovation, and boots-on-the-ground care to move forward with the ultimate goal of reducing the need for amputations among at-risk populations living with complex diabetes.
Success for the Alliance — which is focused specifically on addressing health equity challenges — comes down to reducing the more than 154,000 amputations that occur every year in the U.S. Some of the best ways to help prevent amputations and diabetic foot ulcers in people — including those who are racial and ethnic minorities — living with complex diabetes are as follows:
- Patient education (and clinician education) about the signs and symptoms associated with diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic neuropathy;
- Regular patient checkups, including appointments with a podiatrist, that are focused primarily on foot health; and
- Regulatory changes that include screening coverage for those most likely to be at risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- How does Podimetrics’ SmartMat technology work, and what evidence supports its effectiveness in preventing amputations?
The Podimetrics Remote Temperature Monitoring technology, the SmartMat, is a groundbreaking solution designed to prevent amputations among patients with diabetes by detecting early signs of foot ulcers. The SmartMat is embedded with temperature sensors that monitor the temperature variations on a patient’s feet. Elevated temperatures can indicate inflammation or infection, which are precursors to ulcer formation.
The system works by having patients step on the mat 20 seconds per day to obtain temperature readings. The SmartMat automatically sends the scan to Podimetrics. Our care support team then monitors these scans for signs of inflammation. If abnormal temperature patterns are detected, the Podimetrics team reaches out to the patient and their clinician to support preventive action if needed.
In addition to the Kaiser Permanente study mentioned previously, the accuracy to detect diabetic foot ulcers has been examined in a number of different settings. For example, a study published in Diabetes Care showed that the SmartMat detected 97% of developing foot ulcers an average of five weeks before clinical presentation in high-risk patients. These findings highlight the potential of Podimetrics’ technology in identifying at-risk individuals early on, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of amputations.
- Are there specific strategies to address the barriers in access to podiatry services for individuals at risk of diabetes-related foot complications?
Addressing barriers in access to podiatry services for individuals at risk of diabetes-related foot complications requires a multifaceted approach. One strategy is to integrate podiatry services within primary care settings or multidisciplinary diabetes clinics. This integration allows for easier access to specialized foot care within existing healthcare infrastructure.
Education programs targeting primary care providers can also empower them with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify early signs of foot complications and provide basic preventive care. This approach helps distribute the workload among healthcare professionals while ensuring timely interventions.
Furthermore, telemedicine platforms offer a promising solution by enabling remote consultations between patients and podiatrists. This approach expands access to specialized foot care services for individuals residing in remote areas or facing mobility challenges.
Collaboration between healthcare systems and community organizations can also facilitate outreach programs that provide mobile podiatry clinics or educational sessions at community centers, senior living facilities, or regional faith-based establishments.
- What potential does telemedicine hold in improving access to specialized foot care for people with diabetes, particularly for underserved populations?
Telemedicine holds significant potential in improving access to specialized foot care for people living with diabetes, especially for underserved populations. By leveraging telemedicine, patients can remotely connect with podiatrists or multidisciplinary care teams without the need for physical visits.
For underserved populations residing in rural or remote areas with limited access to specialized foot care services, telemedicine eliminates geographical barriers by providing virtual consultations. This allows individuals to receive expert guidance and recommendations for preventive care measures or early intervention without long-distance travel.
Telemedicine also offers convenience and flexibility for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. It reduces wait times for appointments and enables patients to connect with specialists at their preferred locations.
Furthermore, telemedicine facilitates real-time transmission of patient data such as images or videos of wounds, enabling podiatrists to make accurate assessments remotely. This expedites diagnosis and treatment planning while reducing unnecessary delays in care.
Still, in-person care options are critical to high-quality foot care for those living with diabetes. We still very much need in-person touch points with patients to fully address all aspects of preventive foot care.
- Can you elaborate on the importance of patient education and self-management in reducing the risk of diabetic foot complications?
Patient education and self-management play a vital role in reducing the risk of diabetes-related foot complications. Empowering patients with knowledge about diabetes self-care practices, proper footwear selection, daily foot inspections, and hygiene routines enables them to actively participate in their own foot health management.
Education should emphasize the importance of maintaining blood glucose levels in target range through medication adherence, diet modifications, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques. Patients should also be educated on recognizing early signs of foot problems such as numbness or tingling sensations, changes in skin color or temperature, or slow-healing wounds.
Encouraging self-management behaviors like regular moisturization of the feet, appropriate nail care practices, wearing well-fitting shoes, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing can further contribute to preventing complications.
By fostering patient education and self-management skills, individuals become proactive partners in their own care journey while reducing the risk of diabetes-related foot complications.
- How can healthcare providers and policymakers collaborate to promote preventive care for diabetes-related foot complications and reduce the economic burden?
Collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers is crucial in promoting preventive care for diabetic foot ulcers and reducing the economic burden associated with complications. Healthcare providers can actively engage in initiatives aimed at raising awareness about preventive measures through patient education programs or community outreach activities.
By implementing evidence-based guidelines for screening protocols and preventive interventions, such as routine foot examinations or footwear assessments, healthcare providers can ensure consistent delivery of high-quality care across different settings.
Policymakers can support these efforts by enacting policies that prioritize preventive care interventions through reimbursement models that incentivize implementation. They can also allocate resources toward public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about diabetes prevention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Moreover, policymakers should consider policies that support interprofessional collaborations between different healthcare specialties involved in foot care for patients with diabetes. This fosters a team-based approach that optimizes patient outcomes while reducing costs associated with fragmented care delivery.
By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers at local, regional, and national levels, we can create an environment that prioritizes preventive care for diabetes-related foot complications — while alleviating the economic burden associated with these conditions.
Contact Details:
- Business website: Podimetrics.com
- Email: press@podimetrics.com
- Business LinkedIn: Podimetrics Linkedin
- Personal LinkedIn: Dr Jon Bloom Linkedin
