Diabetic Foot Health
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that 18.2 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diagnosed cases total 13 million people, undiagnosed total 5.2 million people. In Ross and the seven surrounding counties, approximately 10% of the population has diabetes. This totals 30,000 individuals. The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age. Approximately 18.3 percent (8.6 million) of the United States population age 60 and over have diabetes. These statistics are staggering. There are several complications associated with diabetes including heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, amputations, dental disease and pregnancy complications. Over 20% of all diabetic admissions to the hospital are due to complications of the diabetic foot.The ADA reports that 15% of all people with diabetes will eventually develop foot ulcers and that these ulcers frequently become infected and lead to amputation. Many of these complications could have been avoided with patient education, proper care, and tight control of glucose levels. Prevention of diabetic foot problems involves daily inspections, good glucose control and regular visits to your doctor. The following guidelines can help you to achieve these goals.
Qualifications
Diabetics who are covered under Medicare Part B may qualify for extra-depth shoes. Aside from being diabetic, you must meet one or more of the following conditions:
Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callous formation
History of pre-ulcerative callouses
Foot deformity
Previous amputation of the foot or part of the foot
Poor circulation
History of previous ulceration
Coverage
Provided qualifications are met, Medicare covers 80% of the cost for extra-depth shoes. One of the following will be covered per calendar year:
One pair of custom molded shoes and two additional pairs of multi-density inserts.
One pair of off-the-shelf extra-depth shoes including modifications and two additional pairs of multi-density inserts.
One pair of off-the-shelf extra-depth shoes and three additional pairs of multi-density inserts.
The patient will also need a certified statement from their primary care physician (M.D. or D. O.) stating they have diabetes. Under most circumstances, we will obtain this statement for our patients, along with providing the required written prescription.