Medicap Pharmacy Partners with DMU, Orpyx to Prevent Diabetic Foot Amputation

Medicap Pharmacy is excited to join the partnership between Orpyx® Medical Technologies Inc and Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery to serve central Iowans living with diabetes. This is a pilot program that is aiming to address diabetic foot concerns by offering an easier avenue to get diabetic therapeutic inserts.

As an independent pharmacy group, Medicap Pharmacy is closely tied to the communities they serve. Medicap Pharmacy locations in Des Moines (East 14th), Boone, and Winterset are participating in the pilot program, which allows them to reach more Medicare-qualified beneficiaries all around the Des Moines metro area and beyond. Medicap Pharmacy has been offering diabetic care for years, including inserts, shoes, and other supplies. This program with DMU and Orpyx offers Medicap an opportunity to expand their offerings as well as reach more people in need of diabetic support.

“We are thrilled to offer this service to members of our community. This product isn’t available currently at any other pharmacies in the area, and we are excited to introduce it to our patients. The technology can help reduce pressure points and foot complications that can often lead to amputation in diabetics, so this will have a great impact on quality of life,” said Lori Kane, CPhT at Medicap Pharmacy on East 14th in Des Moines.

Foot care is an essential part of healthcare for those living with diabetes. As experts in foot and ankle care, DMU College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is the perfect partner for this program. The team at DMU will be evaluating patients for the Orpyx Sensory Insoles and referring qualifying patients to get fitted at a Medicap location.

“At the Des Moines University Foot & Ankle Clinic, we endeavor to offer a holistic approach to managing our patient’s foot and ankle conditions. This means not only working to treat whatever issue they are currently dealing with, but also striving to prevent future problems. Prevention is particularly critical in our patients who are at high risk of developing foot ulcerations,” said Ashley Dikis, DPM, FACFAS, assistant professor in the DMU College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and clinical department chair at Foot & Ankle Clinic. “We are excited to offer our patients Orpyx® SI Sensory Insoles with the assistance of our local partner, Medicap Pharmacy. They use the latest technology of receiving real-time information on areas of increased plantar pressure, temperature, and daily movement. We can then monitor areas of concern and intervene as needed. Our goal is to prevent foot ulcer formation, with the ultimate intent of decreasing the risk of amputation. By partnering with our local supplier Medicap, we can share this unique service with the greater Des Moines community.”

Orpyx products especially target concerns relating to foot ulcers, as they are an aspect of diabetes that is preventable with the right care. Foot ulcers can lead to amputation, and they are also correlated with a higher mortality rate. These wounds and amputations are not only taxing on the person's body; they are expensive. It is estimated that $176 billion are spent in the United States alone on diabetes care, of which $60 billion is directly related to lower limb care. “It is our mission to eliminate preventable diabetic foot amputation," stated Dr. Breanne Everett, Orpyx CEO and co-inventor. "Current treatments are not enough. One in four people suffering from diabetes will develop a foot ulcer, and after the ulcer has healed, almost 50% of those will recur within the first year. Once a person develops a wound, the 5-year mortality rate is almost 50% — higher than leukemia, colon cancer, and breast cancer. In my clinical practice, I saw the physical and emotional toll these complications have on our patients and their families. If we can prevent wounds and amputations from occurring, we can greatly improve peoples' lives while avoiding costs."

Since 1971, Medicap Pharmacy has been a leading provider of pharmacy services, and helping Iowans feel their best has been a focus since the beginning. As residents of the communities they serve, Medicap Pharmacy has always been committed to assisting every patient that walks through their doors.