Medicare Noncovered Services by Podiatrists

Medicare Noncovered Services by Podiatrists

The Medicare program does not cover certain foot care services and supportive devices for the feet. This document includes an excerpt from the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (current as of April 16, 2014)that explains noncovered foot care services for the purpose of highlighting what services may not be billed to the Medicare program. Because Medicare manuals are continually updated, Practice should consult with the current version of the manual before taking any action based on the guidance below. Manuals can be found at

Foot Care Excluded From Coverage

Chapter 15, Section 290 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides the following guidelines for noncovered foot care services:

The following foot care services are generally excluded from coverage under both Part A and Part B.

1.Treatment of Flat Foot.

The term “flat foot” is defined as a condition in which one or more arches of the foot have flattened out. Services or devices directed toward the care or correction of such conditions, including the prescription of supportive devices, are not covered.

2.Treatment of Subluxation of Foot.

Subluxations of the foot are defined as partial dislocations or displacements of joint surfaces, tendons ligaments, or muscles of the foot. Surgical or nonsurgical treatments undertaken for the sole purpose of correcting a subluxated structure in the foot as an isolated entity are not covered.

However, medical or surgical treatment of subluxation of the ankle joint (talo- crural joint) is covered. In addition, reasonable and necessary medical or surgical services, diagnosis, or treatment for medical conditions that have resulted from or are associated with partial displacement of structures is covered. For example, if a patient has osteoarthritis that has resulted in a partial displacement of joints in the foot, and the primary treatment is for the osteoarthritis, coverage is provided.

3.Routine Foot Care

Except as provided above, routine foot care is excluded from coverage.

Services that normally are considered routine and not covered by Medicare include the following:

• The cutting or removal of corns and calluses;

• The trimming, cutting, clipping, or debriding of nails; and

• Other hygienic and preventive maintenance care, such as cleaning and soaking the feet, the use of skin creams to maintain skin tone of either ambulatory or bedfast patients, and any other service performed in the absence of localized illness, injury, or symptoms involving the foot.

4.Supportive Devices for Feet

Orthopedic shoes and other supportive devices for the feet general are not covered. However, this exclusion does not apply to such a shoe if it is an integral part of a leg brace, and its expense is included as part of the cost of the brace. Also, this exclusion does not apply to therapeutic shoes furnished to diabetics.

This Medicare Benefit Policy Manual section is intended to provide MACs with guidelines for developing local coverage determinations concerning noncovered podiatric services. Each MAC has the option of implementing coverage determinations that either follow the guidelines as recommended or adopt the guidelines in modified form. The Practice will contact the local MAC for specific instruction as to the MAC’s policies.

Exceptions to Routine Foot Care and Supportive Devices Exclusions

In certain circumstances, the Medicare program will cover routine foot care that would normally be a noncovered service, as well as supportive devices for the feet that are otherwise noncovered. This document includes excerpts from the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (current as of April 16, 2014)that explain when routine foot care may be a covered service, for the purpose of highlighting when it is appropriate to bill for routine foot care. In addition, this document includes excerpts from the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual that provide guidance concerning coverage for orthopedic shoes and other supportive devices for the feet, to promote proper billing for those items and related services. Notwithstanding, the guidance below, local Medicare policies may vary. Accordingly, the Compliance Officer or the Compliance Officer’s designee will consult with the local MAC representative and will obtain applicable local coverage determinations and advise the Practice. Finally, because Medicare manuals are continually updated, Practice should consult with the current version of the manual before taking any action based on the guidance below. Manuals can be found at

A.Exceptions to Routine Foot Care Exclusion

Chapter 15, Section 290 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides the following guidelines for providing coverage for routine foot care:

1.Necessary and Integral Part of Otherwise Covered Services.

In certain circumstances, services ordinarily considered to be routine may be covered if they are performed as a necessary and integral part of otherwise covered services, such as diagnosis and treatment of ulcers, wounds, or infections.

2.Treatment of Warts on Foot.

The treatment of warts (including plantar warts) on the foot is covered to the same extent as services provided for the treatment of warts located elsewhere on the body.

3.Presence of Systemic Condition.

The presence of a systemic condition such as metabolic, neurologic, or peripheral vascular disease may require scrupulous foot care by a professional that in the absence of such condition(s) would be considered routine (and, therefore, excluded from coverage). Accordingly, foot care that would otherwise be considered routine may be covered when systemic condition(s) result in severe circulatory embarrassment or areas of diminished sensation in the individual’s legs or feet.

In these instances, certain foot care procedures that otherwise are considered routine (e.g., cutting or removing corns and calluses, or trimming, cutting, clipping, or debriding nails) may pose a hazard when performed by a nonprofessional person on patients with such systemic conditions.

4.Mycotic Nails.

In the absence of a systemic condition, treatment of mycotic nails may be covered. The treatment of mycotic nails for an ambulatory patient is covered only when the physician attending the patient’s mycotic condition documents that (1) there is clinical evidence of mycosis of the toenail, and (2) the patient has marked limitation of ambulation, pain, or secondary infection resulting from the thickening and dystrophy of the infected toenail plate.

The treatment of mycotic nails for a nonambulatory patient is covered only when the physician attending the patient’s mycotic condition documents that (1) there is clinical evidence of mycosis of the toenail, and (2) the patient suffers from pain or secondary infection resulting from the thickening and dystrophy of the infected toenail plate.

For the purpose of these requirements, documentation means any written information that is required by the carrier in order for services to be covered. Thus, the information submitted with claims must be substantiated by information found in the patient’s medical record. Any information, including that contained in a form letter, used for documentation purposes is subject to carrier verification in order to ensure that the information adequately justifies coverage of the treatment of mycotic nails.

B.Supportive Devices For Feet

Chapter 15, Section 290.B of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual states that “orthopedic shoes and other supportive devices generally are not covered. However, this exclusion does not apply to such a shoe if it is an integral part of a leg brace and its expense is included as part of the cost of the brace. Also, this exclusion does not apply to therapeutic shoes furnished to diabetics.”

Chapter 15, Section 140 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides the following guidelines for coverage of therapeutic shoes for diabetics:

“Coverage of therapeutic shoes (depth or custom-molded) along with inserts for individuals with diabetes is available as of May 1, 1993. These diabetic shoes are covered if the requirements as specified in this section concerning certification and prescription are fulfilled. In addition, this benefit provides for a pair of diabetic shoes even if only one foot suffers from diabetic foot disease. Each shoe is equally equipped so that the affected limb, as well as the remaining limb, is protected. Claims for therapeutic shoes for diabetics are processed by the Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERCs).

Therapeutic shoes for diabetics are not DME and are not considered DME nor orthotics, but a separate category of coverage under Medicare Part B. (See §1861(s)(12) and §1833(o) of the Act.).”

C.Definitions

The following items may be covered under the diabetic shoe benefit:

1.Custom-Molded Shoes

Custom-molded shoes are shoes that:

• Are constructed over a positive model of the patient’s foot;

• Are made from leather or other suitable material of equal quality;

• Have removable inserts that can be altered or replaced as the patient’s condition warrants;

• Have some form of shoe closure

2.Depth Shoes

Depth shoes are shoes that:

• Have a full length, heel-to-toe filler that, when removed, provides a minimum of 3/16 inch of additional depth used to accommodate custom-molded or customized inserts;

• Are made from leather or other suitable material of equal quality;

• Have some form of shoe closure; and

• Are available in full and half sizes with a minimum of three widths so that the sole is graded to the size and width of the upper portions of the shoes according to the American standard last sizing schedule or its equivalent. (The American standard last sizing schedule is the numerical shoe sizing system used for shoes sold in the United States.).

3.Inserts

Inserts are total contact, multiple density, removable inlays that are directly molded to the patient’s foot or a model of the patient’s foot and that are made of a suitable material with regard to the patient’s condition.

D.Coverage

1.Limitations

For each individual, coverage of the footwear and inserts is limited to one of the following within one calendar year:

• No more than one pair of custom-molded shoes (including inserts provided with such shoes) and two additional pairs of inserts; or

• No more than one pair of depth shoes and three pairs of inserts (not including the noncustomized removable inserts provided with such shoes).

2.Coverage of Diabetic Shoes and Brace

Orthopedic shoes, as stated in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 20, “Durable Medical Equipment, Surgical Dressings and Casts, Orthotics and Artificial Limbs, and Prosthetic Devices,” generally are not covered. This exclusion does not apply to orthopedic shoes that are an integral part of a leg brace. In situations in which an individual qualifies for both diabetic shoes and a leg brace, these items are covered separately. Thus, the diabetic shoes may be covered if the requirements for this section are met, while the brace may be covered if the requirements of §130 are met.

3.Substitution of Modifications for Inserts

• An individual may substitute modification(s) of custom-molded or depth shoes instead of obtaining a pair(s) of inserts in any combination. Payment for the modification(s) may not exceed the limit set for the inserts for which the individual is entitled. The following is a list of the most common shoe modifications available, but it is not meant as an exhaustive list of the modifications available for diabetic shoes:

• Rigid Rocker Bottoms - These are exterior elevations with apex positions for 51 percent to 75 percent distance measured from the back end of the heel. The apex is a narrowed or pointed end of an anatomical structure. The apex must be positioned behind the metatarsal heads and tapered off sharply to the front tip of the sole. Apex height helps to eliminate pressure at the metatarsal heads. Rigidity is ensured by the steel in the shoe. The heel of the shoe tapers off in the back in order to cause the heel to strike in the middle of the heel;

• Roller Bottoms (Sole or Bar) - These are the same as rocker bottoms, but the heel is tapered from the apex to the front tip of the sole;

• Metatarsal Bars - An exterior bar is placed behind the metatarsal heads in order to remove pressure from the metatarsal heads. The bars are of various shapes, heights, and construction depending on the exact purpose;

• Wedges (Posting) - Wedges are either of hind foot, fore foot, or both and may be in the middle or to the side. The function is to shift or transfer weight bearing upon standing or during ambulation to the opposite side for added support, stabilization, equalized weight distribution, or balance; and

• Offset Heels - This is a heel flanged at its base either in the middle, to the side, or a combination, that is then extended upward to the shoe in order to stabilize extreme positions of the hind foot.

Other modifications to diabetic shoes include, but are not limited to flared heels,

Velcro closures, and inserts for missing toes.

4.Separate Inserts

Inserts may be covered and dispensed independently of diabetic shoes if the supplier of the shoes verifies in writing that the patient has appropriate footwear into which the insert can be placed. This footwear must meet the definitions found above for depth shoes and custom-molded shoes.

E.Certification

The need for diabetic shoes must be certified by a physician who is a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy and who is responsible for diagnosing and treating the patient’s diabetic systemic condition through a comprehensive plan of care. This managing physician must:

• Document in the patient’s medical record that the patient has diabetes;

• Certify that the patient is being treated under a comprehensive plan of care for diabetes, and that the patient needs diabetic shoes; and

• Document in the patient’s record that the patient has one or more of the following conditions:

• Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation;

• History of pre-ulcerative calluses;

• History of previous ulceration;

• Foot deformity;

• Previous amputation of the foot or part of the foot; or

• Poor circulation.

F.Prescription

Following certification by the physician managing the patient’s systemic diabetic condition, a podiatrist or other qualified physician who is knowledgeable in the fitting of diabetic shoes and inserts may prescribe the particular type of footwear necessary.

G.Furnishing Footwear

The footwear must be fitted and furnished by a podiatrist or other qualified individual such as a pedorthist, an orthotist, or a prosthetist. The certifying physician may not furnish the diabetic shoes unless the certifying physician is the only qualified individual in the area. It is left to the discretion of each carrier to determine the meaning of ‘in the area’.”

Systemic Conditions Supporting Claims for Otherwise Routine Care and Presumption of Coverage

A number of systemic conditions are identified in Chapter 15 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (current as of April 16, 2014) asconditions that may support Medicare coverage of otherwise routine foot care. In addition, there are certain presumptions of coverage for routine services where there are certain findings. This document reprints the section of Chapter 15 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual that identifies these systemic conditions, so that Practice employees will be familiar with them and further understand the circumstances under which billing for routine foot care is appropriate. Because Medicare manuals are continually updated, Practice should consult with the current version of the manual before taking any action based on the guidance below. Manuals can be found at

A.Systemic Conditions

Section 290.D of Chapter 15 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides the following information about systemic conditions that may support coverage of routine foot care:

Although not intended as a comprehensive list, the following metabolic, neurologic, and peripheral vascular diseases (with synonyms in parentheses) most commonly represent the underlying conditions that might justify coverage for routine foot care.

• Diabetes mellitus *

• Arteriosclerosis obliterans (A.S.O., arteriosclerosis of the extremities, occlusive peripheral arteriosclerosis)

• Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans)

• Chronic thrombophlebitis *

• Peripheral neuropathies involving the feet –

• Associated with malnutrition and vitamin deficiency*

• Malnutrition (general, pellagra)

• Alcoholism

• Malabsorption (celiac disease, tropical sprue)

• Pernicious anemia

• Associated with carcinoma *

• Associated with diabetes mellitus *

• Associated with drugs and toxins *

• Associated with multiple sclerosis *

• Associated with uremia (chronic renal disease) *

• Associated with traumatic injury

• Associated with leprosy or neurosyphilis

• Associated with hereditary disorders

• Hereditary sensory radicular neuropathy

• Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry’s)

• Amyloid neuropathy

When the patient’s condition is one of those designated by an asterisk (*), routine procedures are covered only if the patient is under the active care of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy who documents the condition.

B.Presumption of Coverage

Section 290.F of Chapter 15 of the Medicare Benefit Manual provides the following additional guidelines for establishing coverage for routine foot care:

“In evaluating whether the routine services can be reimbursed, a presumption of coverage may be made where the evidence available discloses certain physical and/or clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis and indicative of severe peripheral involvement.

For purposes of applying this presumption the following findings are pertinent:

Class A Findings

Nontraumatic amputation of foot or integral skeletal portion thereof.

Class B Findings

• Absent posterior tibial pulse;

• Advanced trophic changes as: hair growth (decrease or absence) nail changes (thickening) pigmentary changes (discoloration) skin texture (thin, shiny) skin color (rubor or redness) (Three required); and

• Absent dorsalis pedis pulse.

Class C Findings