The amputation rate in Fresno County is almost 50 percent higher than the statewide rate. In this article doctors in the county struggle to explain the discrepancy. There is consensus that these amputations are due to diabetes but why is the number so out of whack? Some point out that nearby counties with the same socioeconomics and numbers of diabetes patients have lower amputation rates. The article quotes local cardiologist Dr. Rohit Sundrani, who blames the numbers on lack of immediate treatment: "Sundrani said that too often, low-income patients without insurance or on Medi-Cal, the state-federal health insurance program, can wait weeks for appointments with primary-care doctors, and the wait can be even longer for referrals to specialists -- if someone can be found who accepts the government reimbursement, which is among the lowest in the country."
- Source: Fresnobee
