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The most important clinical decision with Cost Of Skipping Diabetic Foot Exams isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Dr. Tom’s Top Foot Health Supplements
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Affiliate disclosure: Amazon Associate. Always discuss supplements with your physician before starting.
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
Neuropathy support · Nerve repair
PROS
- Active B12 form
- Sublingual absorption
- Neuropathy adjunct
CONS
- Effects take 2-3 months
- Doesn’t replace medical care
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg
Diabetic neuropathy · Nerve antioxidant
PROS
- Peer-reviewed for neuropathy
- Both fat- and water-soluble
- Clinical doses available
CONS
- Possible blood sugar effect
- GI upset possible
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Diabetic neuropathy · Energy
PROS
- Crosses blood-brain barrier
- Studied for nerve repair
- Pairs with ALA
CONS
- Effects gradual (3+ months)
- Higher cost
Vitamin D3 5000 IU
Bone health · Stress fracture prevention
PROS
- Improves bone density
- Most patients deficient
- Affordable preventive
CONS
- Get blood test first
- Toxicity at very high doses
Dr. Tom’s Diabetic Foot Care Kit
Always under podiatric supervision for diabetic patients.
Dr. Tom’s Wound Care Kit
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
The True Cost of Skipping Diabetic Foot Exams — A Prev relates to diabetic foot care — typically caused by reduced circulation + neuropathy. Most patients improve in ongoing daily inspection with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage from prolonged hyperglycaemia, causing burning, tingling, numbness, or loss of protective sensation in the feet. It will not reverse without addressing glucose control. Daily foot checks, proper footwear, and annual monofilament testing prevent ulceration.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
The True Cost of Skipping Diabetic Foot Exams — A Preventable Tragedy
The most dangerous statement a diabetic patient can make is: “My feet feel fine.”
Peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar — affects over 50% of people with long-term diabetes. It doesn’t just cause pain. More dangerously, it causes the absence of pain. You can’t feel the callus forming. You can’t feel the wound that opened. By the time you do feel something, the infection has already set in.
What You’re Missing When You Skip Your Exam
| What We Check | What We Find | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Neuropathy testing | Which areas have lost protective sensation | Identifies which areas need extra protection |
| Vascular assessment | Blood flow adequacy to feet | Poor circulation = wounds don’t heal |
| Skin inspection | Calluses, pre-ulcerative lesions, early wounds | Catch problems before they open |
| Nail assessment | Fungal infection, ingrown risk, thickness | Infected nails → portal for serious infection |
| Footwear review | Whether your shoes are creating pressure points | Wrong shoes + neuropathy = wounds |
The Medicare-Covered Benefits You’re Leaving on the Table
Medicare covers an extensive range of diabetic foot care that most patients don’t know about:
- Annual diabetic foot exam: $0 copay in most cases
- Therapeutic footwear: 1 pair of shoes + 3 pairs of custom inserts annually — typically $0–$25 copay
- Routine foot care (nail trimming, callus treatment) every 60 days for qualifying patients
- Wound care if issues develop
These benefits are available to virtually every Medicare beneficiary with diabetes. If you’re not using them, you’re paying more (in time, money, and risk) than you need to.
The Diabetic Foot Monitoring Kit
• Foot inspection mirror for seeing the bottom of your feet: $10–$15
• Diabetic moisturizer for daily application: $12
• Diabetic socks with proper fit: $15–$25
• Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid (nerve support): $12/month
• Nutricost B-Complex (nerve health): $10/month
• Non-negotiable rule: Never go barefoot. Not even to the bathroom at night.
Don’t wait for symptoms that neuropathy may prevent you from feeling. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today — it’s covered, it’s fast, and it could save your foot.
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ Magnetotransduction (EMTT) — Deep electromagnetic healing
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
✅ Diabetic Shoe Program — Medicare-covered
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Township
Don’t Wait Until It’s Worse
Early treatment costs less and works better. Call us today.
📞 (810) 206-1402
Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Township: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
Clinical Foot Care Beyond Products: Michigan’s Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients using foot care products — wound care supplies, topical treatments, foot supplements, compression garments, orthotics, or stretching devices — as part of their foot health routine benefit from occasional clinical evaluation to ensure the products they are using are appropriate for their specific condition and that no developing pathology requires professional intervention. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our clinical evaluation confirms the diagnosis, assesses whether current product-based management is adequate, and identifies cases where professional treatment would produce better outcomes than continued self-management.
For Michigan patients managing chronic conditions — diabetic foot care, neuropathy management, post-surgical recovery, or persistent tendinopathy — regular podiatric check-ins at appropriate intervals ensure that small changes are caught before they become significant complications. The right interval varies by condition and risk level: high-risk diabetic patients benefit from quarterly visits; stable patients using products for minor chronic conditions may need only annual check-ins. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we help patients identify the appropriate visit frequency for their specific situation. Livingston and Oakland County patients can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Patients throughout Livingston and Oakland counties trust Balance Foot & Ankle for both clinical podiatric care and evidence-based guidance on foot health products and self-care strategies. Our two Michigan locations — Howell at 4330 E Grand River and Bloomfield Township at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 — are easily accessible from throughout the region, with ample parking and same-week scheduling for new patients. Whether you need a hands-on exam plus imaging when needed, a product recommendation, or a specific podiatric procedure, our team is ready to help. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule.
Michigan patients can access expert diabetic foot care in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Related Patient Guides
- Diabetic Foot Care Daily Routine
- Neuropathy Exercises for Feet
- Neuropathy in Feet: Relief Guide
- PAD & Foot Symptoms: Circulation Warning Signs
- 12 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentIn-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your diabetic foot concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?
Several conditions share symptoms with Diabetic Neuropathy and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam:
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Burning radiating into the arch with positive Tinel’s at the medial ankle.
- Peripheral artery disease. Pain with walking that resolves with rest, weak pulses, hair loss on toes.
- Lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms following a dermatome, often with back pain — MRI of spine, not foot.
If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment.
In Our Clinic
Diabetic neuropathy patients in our clinic often don’t realize they have it until we put a 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament to the plantar foot and they can’t feel it. Many arrive for an unrelated concern — an ingrown toenail, a callus — and we catch the neuropathy on screening. The conversation then shifts: we need to discuss daily foot inspections, appropriate footwear, the urgency of any blister or open area, and the timing of vascular referral if pulses are diminished. Comprehensive diabetic foot exams are covered by Medicare annually. If you have diabetes, we want to see you once a year even if nothing hurts.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Stopping B-vitamin supplementation as soon as symptoms improve. Fix: maintain supplementation for 6-18 months alongside strict glucose control.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden loss of sensation on one side
- Wound on the foot not felt by the patient
- One-sided symptoms (rule out compression)
- Back pain plus leg symptoms (possible radiculopathy)
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for diabetic foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Daily inspection prevents amputation
- ✓ Most insurance covers DME
- ✓ Custom orthotics help
Considerations
- ✗ Daily commitment required
- ✗ Slow wound healing
- ✗ Charcot risk if neuropathy
In This Article
- Quick Answer
- Clinical Foot Care Beyond Products: Michigan’s Balance Foot & Ankle
- In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
- Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be? Several conditions share symptoms with Diabetic Neuropathy and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam: Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Burning radiating into the arch with positive Tinel’s at the medial ankle. Peripheral artery disease. Pain with walking that resolves with rest, weak pulses, hair loss on toes. Lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms following a dermatome, often with back pain — MRI of spine, not foot. If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment. In Our Clinic Diabetic neuropathy patients in our clinic often don’t realize they have it until we put a 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament to the plantar foot and they can’t feel it. Many arrive for an unrelated concern — an ingrown toenail, a callus — and we catch the neuropathy on screening. The conversation then shifts: we need to discuss daily foot inspections, appropriate footwear, the urgency of any blister or open area, and the timing of vascular referral if pulses are diminished. Comprehensive diabetic foot exams are covered by Medicare annually. If you have diabetes, we want to see you once a year even if nothing hurts. Most Common Mistake We See
- Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for diabetic foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Drew Moonwalker Diabetic Shoe Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Medicare-covered diabetic footwear
Diabetic Compression Socks Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily protection + circulation
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
No insurance? Our $250 flat first visit covers the exam, X-rays and same-day care, with $100 follow-ups — no surprise billing.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What happens if diabetics skip annual foot exams?
Skipping annual diabetic foot exams dramatically increases the risk of missed early-stage complications. Studies show that 85% of diabetic amputations are preceded by foot ulcers that were preventable with regular podiatric monitoring. At Balance Foot & Ankle, annual exams detect: early neuropathy before sensation loss is complete, early PAD before it limits healing, nail and skin changes that precede ulceration, and structural changes requiring footwear modification. The $0–30 copay for an exam is infinitely less costly than amputation.
What does a diabetic foot exam at Balance Foot & Ankle include?
Balance Foot & Ankle's comprehensive diabetic foot exam includes: monofilament sensation testing (10-point neuropathy screening), ankle-brachial index for vascular assessment, nail and skin inspection, callus and pressure mapping, shoe inspection, joint range of motion assessment, and therapeutic footwear prescription if qualifying. The complete exam takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is covered by Medicare and most insurance. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers diabetic foot exams once every 6 months for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensation. When a primary care physician certifies the neuropathy, patients pay their standard Part B coinsurance (typically 20% after deductible). Balance Foot & Ankle handles all Medicare documentation and billing for diabetic foot exams. Many patients pay $0–20 after Medicare. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your coverage.
Can a missed foot exam lead to amputation in diabetics?
Yes — the connection is direct. Diabetic patients who miss regular podiatric exams miss early detection of neuropathy, vascular disease, and ulcer precursors. Without early intervention, small ulcers can progress to deep infections, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and require partial or complete amputation. Balance Foot & Ankle aggressively monitors at-risk diabetic patients — our goal is zero amputations among our patients through proactive, consistent care. Don't skip your exam — call (810) 206-1402.
How often should diabetic patients with complications see a podiatrist?
High-risk diabetics (with neuropathy, PAD, or previous ulcers) should see Balance Foot & Ankle every 2–3 months. Moderate-risk (neuropathy without ulcer history): every 3–6 months. Low-risk (diabetes without neuropathy or vascular changes): annually. After a diabetic foot ulcer, follow-up continues every 2–4 weeks until healed, then maintains at 3-month intervals. Our Howell office (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township office (43494 Woodward Ave #208) accommodate flexible scheduling to meet these monitoring needs.
How often should diabetics check their feet?
Daily self-exams plus professional exams annually (or every 3-6 months for neuropathy/PAD patients). Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot care programs.
Why do diabetics have foot problems?
Diabetes causes nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and impaired immunity. Injuries go unnoticed and heal slowly. ~15% of diabetics develop ulcers. Prevention through regular podiatric care is essential.
What are signs of diabetic neuropathy?
Tingling, burning, numbness starting in toes, sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, balance problems. Schedule evaluation at 810-206-1402 for nerve testing and management.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.