Footcare Services
All FAQs are current as of the date noted next to the question.
- Does Medicare cover routine foot care? (05/19/05)
Medicare only covers routine foot care when: -Services not performed by a doctor may be harmful to your health because you have a condition affecting your whole body resulting in severe circulation problems.
-There are signs of fungus in the nails and you have pain, infection, or problems walking. - What kinds of services does Medicare regard as routine foot care? (05/19/05)
Services considered routine foot care include - -The cutting or removal of corns or calluses
-The trimming, cutting, or clipping of nails
-The debridement of nails
-Cleaning and soaking the feet
-The use of creams to maintain skin tone
-Any service performed when there is not an illness, injury or symptom involving the feet - What is meant by a 'systemic disease'? (05/19/05)
This is a disease that affects your whole body. One such disease is diabetes. - How often will Medicare pay for nail trimming? (05/19/05)
Normally, Medicare will cover this service up to once every 60 days, if your condition meets Medicare guidelines. - I live by myself and cannot see very well. I need help taking care of the calluses on my feet and trimming my nails. Will Medicare pay my doctor to perform these services? (05/19/05)
Medicare only covers these services when:
-Services not performed by a doctor may be harmful to your health because you have a condition affecting your whole body resulting in severe circulation problems.
-There are signs of fungus in the nails and you have pain, infection, or problems walking.
Otherwise the services will be considered as routine and they will not be covered by Medicare. - What kinds of doctors can perform foot care? (05/19/05)
Any provider may perform foot care, if the care is within the scope of his or her practice, as defined by law. Medicare will decide whether to cover the services based on your condition. Medicare will not cover routine services except in the cases listed above. - What is an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN)? I was told I would have to sign one before having any services. (05/19/05)
An ABN is a form that your doctor may ask you to sign when he or she believes that Medicare will not pay for a service. Your doctor should explain the reason why he or she doesn't think Medicare will cover the service. By signing the ABN, you are agreeing to pay for the service yourself, if Medicare denies it.
Page Last Updated: Thursday, 17-Jul-2008 10:11:18 CDT
