Friday, February 26, 2010

Diabetic Medicare: Do I need a prescription for Diabetic Shoes?


Diabetic footwear is a critical part of diabetic foot care and you do not need a prescription to purchase diabetic shoes. If you are covered by Medicare, however, and your doctor has mandated a rigorous foot-care regimen because you are at risk of complications, you may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement of one pair of diabetic shoes and up to 3 insoles each year. If you would like to have qualified professional evaluate your feet, and provide diabetic shoes and inserts under Medicare Part B, please call MMAR Medical at 800-622-7633 and they will be able to locate a certified provider in your area. If you are not on Medicaid, it is important to know that diabetic shoes are, in fact, a medical necessity for many, and most insurance companies follow similar reimbursement protocols. Be sure to ask your insurer how your specific coverage works.


Reimbursement requires that your doctor, typically a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist must complete a certificate of medical necessity for the therapeutic shoes. They must also verify that you suffer from one of the following:

  • History of foot ulcers or severe calluses that could lead to ulcers

  • Foot nerve damage

  • Poor foot circulation

  • Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

  • Partial or complete foot amputation

The diabetic shoe provider must receive your order prior to billing Medicaid and keep that order on file for verification. Once these terms are met, you should receive appropriate compensation.


It is important to realize that diabetic shoes are part of a larger comprehensive plan for diabetic foot care. It is recommended that patients at risk for diabetic foot complications work with a foot-care specialist for routine nail and callus care. Always speak with your physician about the best solution for your specific needs.



Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.


About the Author:MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of comfort footwear offering a wide selection of diabetic shoes, custom made orthotics, as well as support braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

No comments:

Post a Comment