Does Medicare Cover Podiatry

Medicare may cover some of the podiatry services that you need. You’ll have to meet the eligibility requirements to receive podiatry services. You can visit with a podiatrist for foot conditions like a hammertoe, various injuries, heel spurs, and deformities. Podiatry services can include many types of treatments.

Part B will cover podiatry for the treatment of nerve damage due to diabetes. Further, Medicare will pay for diabetic foot care every six months. A prime example of diabetic foot care is diabetic peripheral neuropathy. But this only applies if you haven’t seen another foot care physician between your visits. Part B can also help pay for diabetic shoes.

Yes, orthotics are durable medical equipment that’s covered under Part B.

Some of the orthotics that Medicare may cover can include:

• Prosthetic devices
• Bracing for ankles, feet, knees, elbow, wrist, hand spine, neck, and back

Those with a Medigap plan have coverage to help pay for costs Medicare doesn’t; such as the coinsurance or applicable deductibles.

Yes, as long as you met the eligibility requirements, your doctor can give you a prescription for treatment. Plantar Fasciitis is a severe breakdown of the soft tissue around your heel. This can be extremely painful and make it difficult to walk. Plantar Fasciitis is also known as Policeman’s Heel. Since this would fall under Part B, you would be responsible for 20% of the cost unless you have a Medigap plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, they might cover it, but you could have higher cost-sharing than just the coinsurance.

Medicare can cover bunion removal if your doctor finds it medically necessary and prescribes treatment. Your doctor may provide you a prescription for bunion inserts, pads, or toe spacers before they say surgery is medically necessary. Bunion removal can cost anywhere from $3,500 – $12,000. Without a supplement plan, you’ll be responsible for the coinsurance.

Medicare will generally cover Hammertoe surgical procedures. But your doctor must decide that it’s necessary for your health. Hammertoe can cause severe pain and can affect the health of your foot. If you have significant pain or balance issues, you may qualify for hammertoe surgery. On average, hammertoe surgery costs over $9,000 without insurance.

Medicare will cover treatments for treatment for an ingrown toenail as long as your doctor deems it medically necessary. A podiatrist will remove the section of your toenail that has become ingrown and is causing you pain. They may prescribe you antibiotics to treat any underlying infection. The prescription would not be covered under Part B, but it may be covered under Part D.

Medicare will cover treatment for fungus within your toenail. Another term for this treatment is nail debridement. To be eligible, you must have severe, debilitating pain. Evidence of several infections caused by the fungus may also qualify you. Nail debridement can take place in your doctors’ office and will fall under Part B.

Medicare Advantage plans are different in each county. While they all have similarities, the actual coverage will vary. Advantage plans must cover at least as good as Medicare. But, you’ll need to make sure a Podiatrist is in-network.

If you use a Podiatrist out of network, you’ll pay the entire bill. Although some PPO plans allow you to use out-of-network doctors, you just have to pay more for the same treatment. You’ll also be required to get a referral from your doctor to see a podiatrist specialist. With a Medigap plan, you don’t need referrals to see a specialist.

Medicare Supplements allow you to see any doctor in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Further, Medigap plans help you save money by paying the portion of the bill Medicare leaves you to pay. If your Part B benefits cover any services performed by a podiatrist specialist, your Medigap plan will also cover it.