Diabetic Shoes- Everything you wanted to know- Part 4

The following requirements must be met to ensure Medicare payment.

You must have a certificate of medical necessity for the diabetic shoes and this must be documented in the medical records. Do not order any shoe on the presumption that your physician will write you a letter. And never ever be pressured by sales person or the health care professional.

Anytime you get pressure from a sales person, simply walk away- they are just it in for the money.

The shoes and insoles must be prescribed by a podiatrist or a physician and provided by a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist.

If you have coverage through a medical insurance carrier, call and ask what steps you need to follow to get the maximum coverage.

What if you have no medical insurance?

Many individuals have no medical coverage and need diabetic shoes but can’t afford them. In such a case, get a good pair of sandals, take care of your feet, maintain your blood glucose at appropriate levels, wear a decent pair of socks and take great care when trimming your nails. And do not smoke or if you do- quit.

Buyer Beware

Finally, remember the shoe industry including many health care professionals will recommend you buy these expensive shoes for trivial reasons. Because the shoes are quite expensive, always get a second opinion.