Background: Heart Failure's foreboding presence is felt nationwide inclusive of PinnacleHealth, where it is the primary medical DRG. Costly to the healthcare system, these frequent hospitalizations are detrimental to a patient's quality of life as evidenced by the ACTION-HF trial. Concomitant medical conditions that often accompany heart failure may predispose patients to lower extremity ulcers and cellulitis as noted in the British Journal of Dermatology. January through September 2006 PinnacleHealth System admitted 123 patients with dual diagnoses of HF and cellulitis. Case summary: The patient is a 78-year-old male with a history that includes CHF, MI, CABG, AVR, AFib, IDDM, BPH, renal insufficiency, and pacer implantation with subsequent upgrade to a biventricular device. He was referred to the HFC in December 2005 post-hospitalization. His assessment revealed bilateral leg cellulitis and ulcers with copious drainage. Self-management consisted of wrapping his legs with paper towels and securing them with masking tape. With approval from his PCP, the multidisciplinary approach was initiated by the HFC RN and ET RN who managed his leg edema and wound care concurrently. This approach resulted in the resolution of skin integrity, decreased edema and improved ability to appropriately manage HF, wound care and quality of life as evidenced by an improved Illness Effects Questionnaire score. Significance of the case: The multidisciplinary approach utilizing the services offered at PinnacleHealth improved the patient's quality of life and adverted hospitalizations. The collaboration aided in the identification of risk factors that predispose heart failure patients to skin breakdown and cellulitis. This awareness may assist in identifying future high-risk patients who would benefit from early interventions resulting in the minimization or prevention of further complications.