What It Is
Care by a physician, podiatrist, or other Medicare-approved healthcare provider for injury, disease, or other medical conditions affecting the foot, ankle, or lower leg
What's Covered
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary care for treatment of injury, disease, or other medical conditions affecting the foot, ankle, or lower leg. It covers this treatment if provided by a physician (M.D.) or a Medicare-certified podiatrist (doctor of podiatric medicine, or DPM). This can include treatment for chronic conditions, such as bunion deformities and heel or toe spurs. Medicare Part B doesn't cover routine foot care that's not medically necessary.
Foot examinations for people with diabetes and therapeutic shoes and inserts for people with diabetes-related foot conditions are covered differently by Medicare Part B.
If you have a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan: Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plans, also called Medicare Advantage plans, must cover everything that's included in original Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. But sometimes a Part C plan covers more, with extra services or an expanded amount of coverage. (Co-payments for Part C plans may also be different than those for Part A or Part B.) To find out whether your plan provides extra coverage or requires different co-payments for foot care, contact the plan directly.
What Medicare Pays
Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered foot care.
Important: Regardless of the rules regarding any particular type of care, in order for Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, or a Medicare Part C plan to provide coverage, the care must meet two basic requirements:
The care must be "medically necessary." This means that it must be ordered or prescribed by a licensed physician or other authorized medical provider, and that Medicare (or a Medicare Part C plan) agrees that the care is necessary and proper. For help getting your care covered, see FAQ: How Can I Increase the Odds That Medicare Will Cover My Medical Service?
The care must be performed or delivered by a healthcare provider who participates in Medicare.
I see a podiatrist MD every 10 weeks. I have blood test every 3 months antalk to the Doctor to get the results. I see him as needed. At least once a year if the blood tests are within acceptable range. Does this satisfy medicare for coverage. I have had diabetes for 51 years. I am 65 years old.
I am a 70 yr. old woman and have advanced osteoporosis. About 5 wks ago I stepped on my right foot and it broke in two places. I am being treated by an MD podiatrist. Will Medicare pay for the special inserts that I have to wear in my shoes. I also have part B insurance.
I havee a serverly crushed left foot and amputated small toe. I need a cushened shoe/boot, heavyduty walker, portable ramp, safety shower bars, scooter/chair, ankle support/brace, compression stockings, and cane....can or will medicare cover any of these necessities... .if so, how do I go about recieving them
Great information for all in the family.
In a skilled nursing facility, which part of medicare covers routine footcare by a podiatrist when the patients stay is covered by medicare A? When the patient's stay is no longer covered by medicare A and they become a medicaid patient, will medicare A, medicare B or medicaid cover routine footcare?