Fast Action Saved His Leg: Why Primary Care Access Matters More Than Ever

Frustrated at having to wait weeks or months for a primary care appointment, Dennis Rodkey, 56, turned to the web to search for a practice offering timely appointments, quality care, and a provider who accepted his health insurance.

“I came across the Penn Medicine Doylestown Health Family Medicine Residency Practice in Warrington, PA,” says Dennis. “They had immediate appointment availability and were just 10 minutes from my house.”

First Visit

Dennis arrived for his new patient visit in January 2024. The experience exceeded his expectations. “The environment was welcoming and I felt very comfortable. Everyone was kind and helpful,” says Dennis.

Unexpected Health Concern

“It was just a couple of months after my first appointment that I noticed a small, red spot on my leg,” says Dennis. “I called my new practice, and they brought me in right away.”

A Vital Diagnosis

Dennis saw Soujanya Jammalamadaka, MD, a second-year Family Medicine resident who recognized that the wound on Dennis’ leg appeared to be necrotizing fasciitis (NF). This rare and dangerous bacterial infection, commonly referred to as flesh-eating disease, kills the connective tissue under your skin, according to Dr. Jammalamadaka.

“Dennis did not have common risk factors such as having diabetes or being immunocompromised, but anyone can get necrotizing fasciitis through a cut or break in the skin,” she says. “Early treatment for this fast spreading infection was crucial, because it wasn’t just his leg at risk, but everything from the hip down.”

A Race Against Time

Dr. Jammalamadaka sent Dennis directly to the Emergency Department at Doylestown Hospital, where tests confirmed the NF diagnosis. The team started Dennis on IV antibiotics and prepped him for surgery. Doctors combat NF with repeated surgeries to remove damaged, infected tissue (debridement). The goal is to stop the infection from spreading.

“The risk of limb loss varies widely, depending on the severity of infection,” says Jeremy Linson, MD, the General Surgeon who treated Dennis, along with his partner, General Surgeon Brian Pellini, MD.

A Change of Venue

Sometimes, NF will clear with antibiotics and one or two operations, but after three surgeries, Dennis’ infection was not improving—he would need urgent, repeated operations on almost a daily basis to conquer the infection, followed by skin grafting.

“At a community hospital like ours, the majority of operations are scheduled, and surgeons cover emergencies on a rotating basis,” says Dr. Linson. “For less severe infections, a cure is possible with one or two trips to the operating room, but when Dennis’ infection failed to improve after three operations, we determined his ongoing treatment could be better managed at a tertiary care hospital with a dedicated acute care surgery team to enhance continuity of care, and a larger multi-disciplinary team including various specialists to give him the best chance of keeping his leg.”

Within 48 hours of his diagnosis, Dennis was on his way to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP).

“The communication was great,” says Dennis. “When I arrived at Penn, everyone knew exactly what was going on and what I needed.”

A Place Dennis Can Count On

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Jammalamadaka and everyone at my primary care practice,” says Dennis. “Now, I have connections to other specialists and resources. They keep in touch with me and know what’s going on with my health. Whenever I have a question, they answer right away and nothing is ever a problem.”

His primary care physician gives him all the credit. “Dennis made the decision to go to the doctor’s office that day to get checked out, which led to a timely diagnosis and treatment in the very early stages, saving his leg,” says Dr. Jammalamadaka. “He also completed rehabilitation therapy, to regain strength and function in his leg.” 

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

“I’m back to doing what I love, which is being outside and active, whether I’m at a park or hiking a trail. My health has improved 100%,” says Dennis, who plans to keep it that way—in partnership with his primary care provider.

Learn More

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information including risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis.

About the Family Medicine Residency Practice

Doylestown Health Family Medicine Residency Practice in Warrington, PA, is a comprehensive, dynamic Family Medicine practice staffed by board-certified Family Medicine physicians and medical residents. 

Dr. Jammalamadaka says, "We are a young and compassionate resident team with a collaborative spirit that works to develop comprehensive treatment plans, addressing our patients as whole individuals through mutual support and shared learning. Our team-based approach creates a unique work environment where both patients and providers thrive, resulting in enhanced patient outcomes and professional growth."

Offerings include:

• Treatment for all age groups — from newborns to the elderly
• Care for patients with acute and chronic conditions
• Accepts all insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid
• Welcomes patients without insurance
• Provides same-day, walk-in appointments for urgent needs

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Penn Medicine Doylestown Health Family Medicine Residency Practice, call 267.864.0020.