PODIATRY, PRACTICE OF

"The practice of podiatry consists of the medical, mechanical, and surgical treatment of ailments of the foot, the muscles and tendons of the leg governing the functions of the foot; and superficial lesions of the hand other than those associated with trauma. Podiatrists are permitted the use of such preparations, medicines, and drugs as may be necessary for the treatment of such ailments. The podiatrist may treat the local manifestations of systemic diseases as they appear in the hand and foot, but the patient shall be concurrently referred to a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine and surgery for the treatment of the systemic disease itself. General anesthetics may be used under this section only in colleges of podiatry approved by the Medical Board...and in hospitals approved by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals, or the American Osteopathic Association. The use of X-ray or radium for therapeutic purposes is not permitted." ORC § 4731.51

A certificate authorizing the practice of podiatry permits the holder the use of the title "physician" or the use of the title "surgeon" when the title is qualified by letters or words showing that the holder of the certificate is a practitioner of podiatry. ORC § 4731.56

(See also under State Medical Board Policy Positions: PODIATRY)

PODIATRY, PRACTICE OF