🦶 Diabetic Foot Check

💷 How much is this worth to me?

This template supports the QOF indicator:

• DM018 – Annual foot examination for patients with diabetes

It also supports structured clinical care to reduce the risk of ulcers, infections, and amputations, and aligns with NICE NG28 guidance on diabetes management.

Correctly coded diabetic foot checks are essential for QOF payment and for early identification of high-risk patients.

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📊 High-level overview of the specification requirements

To achieve DM018, practices must:

• Conduct a structured foot examination

• Record the outcome for both feet using recognised risk categories

• Document reasons if examination is not possible

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📌 What do you need to know?

This template includes the following fields:

🦶 Left and Right Foot Assessment

Dropdowns allow clinicians to record risk status for each foot individually, including:

• Low risk

• Moderate risk

• High risk

• Active foot disease

Risk is based on findings such as:

• Loss of protective sensation

• Peripheral arterial disease

• Foot deformity

• History of ulceration or amputation

🚫 Unable to Examine

A mandatory field if either foot cannot be assessed.

• Select appropriate reason (e.g. patient declined, dressings, non-attendance)

🦾 Amputation History

• Optional field to record whether the patient has a previous amputation

• Helps inform overall risk score and care planning

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💡 Hints and Tips

• Foot checks should be coded and dated every 12 months to meet QOF

• Where abnormal findings are present, refer or follow local pathways (e.g. podiatry)

• If a patient has an amputation, continue to assess the remaining foot thoroughly

• Always document clearly if the check could not be done — this protects QOF income and supports audit