MEDICARE DIABETIC SHOES

PODIATRIC MEDICINE

This is a branch of the health sciences devoted to the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle.  A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot and ankle disorders resulting from injury or disease. A podiatrist makes independent medical judgments, prescribes medications, and when necessary performs surgery.

Podiatrists play an important part of our aging population and help people remain active and independent by keeping them ambulatory.  Congress recognized this important relationship between foot health and general health and they included the services of podiatrists in the Medicare legislation.

MEDICARE COVERAGE

Medicare coverage can often be confusing.  The rules and regulations are easily misunderstood by patients.  Medicare will cover routine foot care under very specific conditions.

According to the Medicare Rules and Regulations Manual, "Certain foot care procedures that are generally considered to be routine - e.g., cutting or removal of nails, calluses or corns - may pose a hazard when performed by a nonprofessional person on patients with a systemic condition that has resulted in severe circulatory problems or areas of desensitization in their legs or feet.  Routine foot care performed under these circumstances is covered."

The manual also states, "Services ordinarily considered routine are also covered if they are performed as a necessary and integral part of otherwise covered services such as the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ulcers, wounds, and infections."

MEDICARE DIABETIC SHOE PROGRAM

Diabetic patients are ones with increased risk of developing foot infections and ulcers throughout their lifetime.  Wearing specialized shoes commonly referred to as 'extra-depth shoes' may help to prevent increased pressure from occurring on the bottom (plantar) surfaces of the foot.  These shoes coupled with a multidensity heat-moldable insole can significantly reduce the pressure and shear forces on the bottom of a diabetic foot.  Medicare recognizes this relationship and instituted a specialized program for diabetics who qualify under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program.

This program will allow qualifying diabetics, one pair of extra-depth therapeutic shoes and three pairs of heat-molded insoles per calendar year.

These extra-depth shoes generally have a firm heel counter, rigid midsole, a high and wide toe box, and incorporate a multidensity heat-moldable insole.  These shoes are utilized as part of a comprehensive plan for treatment of the diabetic foot.

There are many shoe styles available in Dr. Honick's office, and he will personally measure your foot, order the shoes, fit, and dispense them to you.  This program is an excellent step in preventing diabetic foot infections by helping to minimize pressure and shear forces on the foot.

Please consult with Dr. Honick to see if you may qualify for the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program, and he will be happy to answer any questions you have.