Diabetic Footwear

Diabetic Footwear

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR MEDICARE DIABETIC FOOTWEAR COVERAGE

The 1993 Therapeutic Shoe Bill extends Medicare coverage to diabetic patients that qualify. Coverage is for one pair of shoes and three pair of inserts each calendar year. Protective footwear can reduce complications of the foot and the number of diabetic amputations.  Not only does Medicare cover diabetic shoes but so does Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield and most other insurances.

WHY FOOTWEAR MATTERS

Your feet are the base for your entire body. It is therefore important to protect and support them during your lifetime. Diabetic shoes are specifically designed and constructed for foot protection, pressure relief and support. These shoes are designed with extra depth to accommodate prescribed inserts to ensure that your feet are protected and comfortable throughout the day.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR DIABETIC FOOTWEAR

Medicare and other insurances cover therapeutic shoes and inserts for persons with diabetes. This statutory benefit is limited to one pair of shoes and up to 3 pairs of inserts or shoe modifications per calendar year. However, for these items to be covered for your patient, the following criteria must be met:

• An M.D. or D.O. (termed the “certifying physician”) must be managing the patient’s diabetes under a comprehensive plan of care
• Must certify that the patient needs therapeutic shoes
• Must have a foot exam documented in the patient’s medical record
• That certifying physician must document that the patient has one or more of the following qualifying conditions: 
  • Foot deformity
  • Previous partial amputation of one or both feet
  • Current or previous foot ulceration
  • Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation
  • Current or previous pre-ulcerative calluses
  • Poor circulation

Contact us today at our Newport or Heber Springs, Arkansas locations to speak with our Certified Pedorthist who is trained in the selection and fitting of the proper diabetic shoes for you.