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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Just Diagnosed with Diabetes? Here’s What Foot Care Yo 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 Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Diabetic Foot & Circulation Screening →
Just Diagnosed with Diabetes? Here’s What Foot Care Your Insurance Now Covers
A diabetes diagnosis is life-changing — and not just for the obvious reasons. It also unlocks a set of podiatry benefits that weren’t available to you before. Many newly diagnosed patients don’t realize that their insurance now covers regular professional foot care that could prevent amputations, hospitalizations, and serious complications.
Your Diagnosis Unlocks These Benefits
1. Annual Diabetic Foot Exam — FREE with Medicare
Medicare covers one comprehensive diabetic foot examination per year for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This exam includes vascular assessment, neurologic testing, skin and nail evaluation, and risk stratification. If you have Medicare, this is now a covered annual benefit.
2. Medically Necessary Nail Care — Covered Every 61 Days
With a documented diabetes diagnosis and qualifying conditions (neuropathy, vascular changes), Medicare and most commercial insurance plans now cover professional nail care approximately every 2 months. Overgrown nails that were previously a self-care task are now a covered medical service — because for a diabetic patient, they’re a potential gateway to infection.
3. Diabetic Therapeutic Shoes — One Free Pair Per Year
Through Medicare’s Therapeutic Shoe Program, qualifying diabetic patients receive one pair of therapeutic shoes plus three pairs of inserts per calendar year. Most patients pay $0-$30 after meeting their deductible. We fit and dispense on-site.
4. Wound Care — Always Covered
If you ever develop a foot wound, blister, or sore, treatment is covered as a medically necessary service — at any frequency required by your clinical condition.
5. Custom Orthotics — Covered When Medically Necessary
Custom orthotics to address diabetic foot deformities, callus formation, or pressure redistribution are covered when properly documented as medically necessary.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Schedule a baseline diabetic foot examination — even if your feet feel fine today
- Ask about your therapeutic shoe benefit
- Get a baseline nerve and circulation assessment
- Set up regular monitoring visits appropriate to your current risk level
Prevention of diabetic foot complications is far more effective (and less expensive) than treating them after they occur. A $30 copay today could prevent a $500,000 amputation tomorrow.
Not sure what your plan covers? Our team verifies your insurance before every visit — no surprise bills, no confusion.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, HAP, Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, Oscar, McLaren, Workers’ Comp, VA, and most Michigan insurance plans.
✅ 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 Hills
📞 Newly diagnosed? Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule your baseline diabetic foot exam at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
New Diabetes Diagnosis and Foot Care: Insurance Coverage for Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exams in Michigan
A new diabetes diagnosis creates immediate podiatric care needs — and immediate insurance coverage for those needs. From the date of a confirmed Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Medicare Part B and virtually all commercial insurance plans cover annual comprehensive diabetic foot examinations with no cost-sharing barrier when the patient has established peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation. Even for newly diagnosed patients without documented neuropathy, the annual diabetic foot exam is a covered preventive service under most commercial plans. The exam is not routine care — it is a specialized clinical assessment that evaluates for the early signs of the foot complications that, if undetected, lead to the hospitalizations and amputations that diabetes is known for.
Michigan patients with a new diabetes diagnosis should know that the timing of their first podiatric evaluation matters. Early establishment of care — within the first year of diagnosis — documents a baseline neurological and vascular assessment that all subsequent years’ examinations are compared against. Detecting neuropathy early, when it is mild, allows the patient and care team to implement interventions (tight glycemic control, nutritional optimization, protective footwear habits) before significant nerve damage has occurred. Balance Foot & Ankle welcomes newly diagnosed diabetic patients from Livingston County (Howell, Brighton, Hartland) and Oakland County (Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Royal Oak, Birmingham) to establish foot care early. Our diabetic foot care program includes annual exam scheduling, patient education on daily foot inspection, footwear guidance, and coordination with the patient’s endocrinologist or primary care team. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule your comprehensive diabetic foot evaluation.
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 Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials
Diabetic-Approved Walking Shoe
- Tie-Less Lacing System eliminates the need to tie laces. Heel strap enables to adjust the grip around the heel. Cushioning sole with a mild Rocker adds spring to your step. Soft, padded fabric interior with no overlays eliminates irritation.
Orthofeet Sprint — seamless, extra-depth, designed for neuropathic feet.
Seamless Diabetic Sock
- Provides continuous support of the Plantar Fascia by gently stretching the fascia tissue.
- Compression zones promote circulation, reduce impact vibration, boost recovery and strengthen feet.
- Lightweight, seamless design with extra cushioning provides support while still being comfortable.
- Supports the heel/arch and overall foot structure while stabilizing the tendon for better performance
- Made from high quality materials, the socks are moisture wicking and breathable.
OS1st FS4 — non-binding, moisture-wicking, protects fragile diabetic skin.
Recovery Slide for Indoor Wear
- Model ID: 1135061-BTRT
HOKA Ora 3 — protects diabetic feet from barefoot injury at home.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
One unnoticed blister on a neuropathic foot can become a limb-threatening ulcer in under 14 days. Medicare covers diabetic shoes (A5500) and comprehensive foot exams annually for most diabetic patients with neuropathy or circulation concerns. Balance Foot & Ankle runs a dedicated diabetic limb-preservation program — vascular screening, offloading, ulcer care, and shoe fitting — all in one visit. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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
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 Twp. 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 Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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