Diabetic Shoes

Risk factors that may make therapeutic footwear appropriate include:

• Loss of protective sensation
• Foot deformity
• A previous ulcer
• Pre-ulcerative callus
• Poor circulation
• Prior amputation

Candidacy follows a comprehensive foot evaluation that assesses skin, foot structure, sensation, and circulation.

Footwear must be appropriately selected and fitted. Fit matters as much as the category of shoe, since poorly fitted footwear can itself create pressure problems.

Therapeutic footwear is one element of foot protection alongside daily inspection, professional care of calluses and nails, and prompt evaluation of new problems.

Insurance and Medicare coverage depend on specific clinical and documentation requirements. We cannot promise coverage, and plans do not all follow identical requirements.

Depending on your evaluation, other pressure-management options such as custom orthotics or footwear modifications may be discussed.

Does everyone with diabetes need diabetic shoes?

No. Therapeutic footwear is appropriate for selected people at increased ulcer risk, not automatically for everyone with diabetes.

Will Medicare cover them?

Coverage depends on specific eligibility and documentation requirements and cannot be promised in advance.

What makes someone eligible?

Qualifying clinical-risk categories include findings such as loss of protective sensation, deformity, prior ulcer, pre-ulcerative callus, poor circulation, or prior amputation, with the required certification and documentation.

To ask whether diabetic shoes fits your situation, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. New to the practice? Start with new-patient information.