Medicare & Diabetic Foot Care
in New York, NY
Medicare covers diabetic foot care as an essential medical benefit — including a covered foot exam every six months for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, plus treatment of ulcers, infections, and circulation problems. Dr. Suzanne Levine, DPM provides comprehensive diabetic foot care at our Park Avenue office on the Upper East Side. See all Medicare-covered podiatry services.
Medicare Coverage for Diabetic Foot Care: What's Included
Covered Diabetic Foot Exams
Medicare Part B covers a comprehensive foot exam every six months for patients with diabetes-related nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), as long as you have not seen a foot-care professional for another reason in between. These exams catch ulcers, deformities, and circulation problems before they become serious.
Ulcer & Wound Care
Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers — debridement, dressings, infection management, and offloading — is covered as medically necessary care. Early treatment is critical: most diabetic amputations begin with an untreated ulcer.
Nail, Corn & Callus Care
Because diabetes makes self-care of the feet risky, Medicare covers routine care — trimming nails, corns, and calluses — for qualifying diabetic patients, typically every 61 days.
Therapeutic Shoes & Inserts
Medicare covers one pair of depth-inlay therapeutic shoes and three pairs of inserts per year for diabetic patients who qualify (history of ulcers, deformity, poor circulation, or neuropathy), when prescribed as part of a comprehensive diabetes care plan.
Neuropathy Evaluation
Burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet warrants a covered neurological evaluation. Documenting neuropathy also unlocks your six-month covered exam benefit.
Circulation Assessment
Peripheral arterial disease is common with diabetes and often silent. Vascular assessment of the feet is covered when signs like cold feet, color changes, or slow-healing wounds are present.
Infection Treatment
Foot infections in diabetic patients are medical urgencies. Diagnosis and treatment — including cultures and coordination with your physician — are covered by Medicare.
Meet Our Acclaimed Podiatrist
Dr. Suzanne Levine is a board-certified podiatric foot surgeon recognized for her contributions to both medical and aesthetic podiatry. With extensive experience and a commitment to innovation, she provides patients with attentive, personalized care. Dr. Levine stays at the forefront of the latest advancements to offer effective treatments for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
How a Medicare Visit Works at Millennium Podiatry
Bring Your Medicare Card & Book Your Visit
Call or book online, and bring your Medicare card (or Medicare Advantage card) plus any supplemental insurance. Our front desk verifies your coverage before you are seen, so there are no billing surprises.
Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Levine examines your feet, reviews your history, and orders any covered diagnostics — such as in-office X-rays — needed for an accurate diagnosis of your diabetic foot care needs.
A Documented, Medically Necessary Treatment Plan
Medicare covers care that is medically necessary, so we document your diagnosis and plan thoroughly. You will know exactly what is covered before treatment begins.
Treatment — Often the Same Day
Many covered treatments are performed right in our Park Avenue office at your first or second visit.
Follow-Up & Preventive Care
Covered follow-up visits track your progress and keep small problems from becoming big ones.
Who Qualifies for Medicare-Covered Diabetic Foot Care?
You qualify for Medicare-covered diabetic foot care if you are enrolled in Part B (or a Medicare Advantage plan) and have diabetes. Coverage is strongest for patients with:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy — covered foot exams every six months.
- A history of foot ulcers or amputation — ongoing covered wound and preventive care.
- Poor circulation — qualifying you for covered routine nail, corn, and callus care.
- Foot deformity with diabetes — potentially qualifying you for covered therapeutic shoes.
We document your qualifying condition at your first visit so every covered benefit is billed correctly.
Medicare-Covered Services We Provide
- Six-Month Diabetic Foot Exams
- Ulcer & Wound Care
- Qualifying Nail, Corn & Callus Care
- Therapeutic Shoe Program
- Neuropathy & Circulation Testing
Patient Experiences
What Will Diabetic Foot Care Cost With Medicare?
With Original Medicare, Part B pays 80% of the approved amount for diabetic foot care after your annual deductible; you owe the remaining 20% unless a Medigap plan covers it. The six-month diabetic foot exam and qualifying routine care follow the same 80/20 structure. Therapeutic shoes are covered under the same Part B terms when you qualify.
Medicare Advantage plans cover at least the same services, usually with a fixed specialist copay. Our office verifies your exact coverage before your visit.
Medicare Diabetic Foot Care FAQs
How often does Medicare cover a diabetic foot exam?
Every six months for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, provided you have not been treated by a foot-care professional for another condition between visits.
Does Medicare cover toenail trimming for diabetics?
Yes — diabetic patients qualify for covered routine foot care, including nail trimming and corn/callus care, typically every 61 days, because self-care poses a medical risk.
Does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?
Yes. Qualifying diabetic patients receive one pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of custom inserts per calendar year, covered under Part B at 80% of the approved amount.
Is diabetic wound care covered?
Yes — ulcer debridement, dressings, infection treatment, and offloading are all covered as medically necessary. Prompt care dramatically reduces amputation risk.
Do I need a referral from my primary doctor?
Not with Original Medicare — book directly with us. Some Medicare Advantage HMO plans require a referral; call us and we will check your plan.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Your Medicare card, any supplemental insurance card, a list of medications, and your most recent A1C if you have it. We handle eligibility verification before you are seen.