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Dr. Comfort Shoes for Patients
When you see your doctor —take your socks & shoes off.
Many people with diabetes have circulatory issues, which can affect their nerve endings and sometimes lead to foot health complications. The good news is there are steps you can take to ensure you continue to walk through life with healthy, happy feet. A simple plan to take better care of your feet can reduce your risks of foot health issues — and help your feet continue to take you wherever you want to go.
Talk to your primary care doctor about your feet.
The best way to start that conversation is to take your shoes and socks off when you go in for your regular checkup. Bring this booklet with you. Ask your doctor about steps you can take to help protect your feet from complications commonly associated with diabetes.
NOTE: Since 1993, Medicare Part B has provided partial reimbursement for prescription extra- depth shoes & inserts for qualifying beneficiaries with diabetes. Many experts agree that prescription diabetic footwear is an important part of a comprehensive foot care program. Ask your doctor if prescription diabetic footwear is right for you.
Insurance Coverage
You may need special prescription shoes and inserts to provide relief and help prevent serious foot problems. Have Medicare Part B insurance? You may qualify each year for reimbursement for 1 pair of extra-depth diabetic shoes, and 3 pairs of heat-moldable or custom fabricated inserts. Other insurances may also cover prescription diabetic footwear.
Diabetic shoes, also known as extra-depth shoes, differ from regular shoes because they are specifically designed to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with co-existing foot health concerns such as neuropathy, poor circulation, and foot deformities.
In addition, Diabetic shoes are designed with the following:
- Diabetic shoes are extra deep to accommodate diabetic insoles or orthotics
- They also have a built-in, firm heel counter that delivers medial and lateral foot stability
- Wider than normal toe box
- Stitching is on the outside of a diabetic shoe. Stitching on the inside can cause skin irritation or breakdown
- The shoe collar around the ankle is padded
- The tongue is thick and padded to help secure the foot back in the shoe
Our shoes are specially designed with the input of foot health professionals. They feature extra width and depth in the toe box and forefoot to relieve pressure from key areas of your feet, and they’re manufactured using only top-quality materials. That makes them great for people with diabetes and other health conditions that affect the feet.
Coverage is for anyone with Medicare Part B (or other qualified insurance) who has diabetes, has appropriate documentation from a qualified physician, and:
- Previous amputation of the foot, or part of either foot, or
- History of ulcers, or
- History of pre-ulcerative calluses, or
- Diabetic Neuropathy with evidence of Callus formation, or Foot deformity, or
- Poor blood circulation
Custom orthotics can be made with off-loading areas, metatarsal pads, toe fillers, and more. Most models of shoes can be modified to accommodate a patient's gait or other unique need, as determined by the prescribing medical professional or another qualified expert.
Medicare will pay for 80% after the Part B deductible is met. Secondary insurance will pick up the balance.
No. They do not meet the Medicare requirements for diabetic footwear.
It is health that is real wealth
and not pieces of gold and silver.
