Protective shoes for diabetic feet

It is well-known that people with diabetes mellitus can experience numerous foot problems, many of which if untreated can become severe. Proper foot hygiene and other forms of preventive care can prevent many of these complications. One important component of protection and injury prevention in the diabetic foot is the Medicare diabetic shoe program.

Approximately 30 years old, the Medicare diabetic shoe program was designed to provide protective shoes as a covered service for Medicare patients with diabetes who met certain criteria. To qualify for this program, the patient must meet 3 criteria: Coverage by Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan, diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and a diagnosis of any of the following 6 conditions: Poor circulation; foot deformity; neuropathy with callus formation; callus; history of previous ulcer; or history of partial or complete amputation of the foot. Since 60% of diabetic patients have neuropathy, over 10% have poor circulation, and 70% have some type of foot deformity (bunion, hammertoe, etc.), a majority of diabetic patients will meet the criteria for inclusion in the program.

The doctors at the Melbourne Podiatry Associates will examine you and determine if you meet the criteria for the program. If so, they will completely appropriate paperwork which will be co-signed by the physician treating the diabetes itself. Once authorization is obtained, the patient will return for sizing such that the shoes can be ordered. When the shoes arrive, the patient will return to the office for dispensation.

All of the shoes come with three pairs of removable soft insoles. The shoes are very durable and comfortable and have no internal seams. All shoe models have extra depth and width in the forefoot area. A wide variety of shoe models, colors, and styles are available. All the shoes are attractive looking and are extremely comfortable.

Patients who qualify for this Medicare program are entitled to a new pair of shoes annually for life. This program has been documented to prevent millions of diabetic complications each year.

If you are diabetic or know someone who is , make an appointment with our doctors determine qualification for coverage.