✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Does Insurance Cover Diabetic Foot Exams?

Why Annual Diabetic Foot Exams Matter

If you have diabetes and haven’t had a foot exam this year, you’re leaving a covered benefit unused — and your feet at risk. The annual diabetic foot exam catches early neuropathy, circulation problems, callus formation, and pre-ulcerative conditions before they become wounds requiring hospitalization or worse. Studies show patients who receive regular diabetic foot exams have dramatically lower rates of ulceration and amputation. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we see this difference every day. Call (810) 206-1402.

What the Annual Diabetic Foot Exam Includes

Our comprehensive diabetic foot exam covers: monofilament sensation testing (checking for protective sensation loss), vibration threshold testing, vascular assessment (pulses, capillary refill, ankle-brachial index when indicated), skin and nail inspection, callus assessment and removal when needed, footwear evaluation, coordination with your diabetes care team for flagged findings, and Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program enrollment when eligible. This is far more comprehensive than the brief foot check at a PCP visit.

Medicare Coverage Details for Diabetic Foot Exams

Original Medicare (Part B): Covers one comprehensive diabetic foot exam per year for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes who have no open wounds on their feet. If you have documented peripheral neuropathy, you qualify for exams every 6 months. After your Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), Medicare pays 80% and you owe 20%. With a Medigap plan, your out-of-pocket cost is often $0.

Important rule: You cannot have seen your treating podiatrist for any reason in the 6-month period immediately prior to the diabetic foot exam (this is specific to the preventive diabetic exam benefit — it does not apply to exams for symptoms or treatment).

Medicare Advantage (Part C): All Michigan Medicare Advantage plans cover annual diabetic foot exams at minimum matching Original Medicare. Many plans offer lower copays or additional covered visits. BCBS Medicare Plus Blue PPO, Humana, Aetna, HAP, Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, and others all cover diabetic foot exams.

Commercial Insurance (BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna, HAP): Most commercial plans cover diabetic foot care as part of preventive benefits and/or chronic disease management. Frequency and cost-sharing vary by plan. We verify your specific benefits before your appointment.

Medicaid: Michigan Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan cover diabetic foot exams with minimal or zero copay.

Diabetic Benefits That Pair With the Foot Exam

At the same visit as your diabetic foot exam, we can also enroll you in — or continue — the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program (one pair of diabetic shoes plus inserts per year, typically at no cost to Medicare patients), arrange professional nail care if you qualify, address any active foot concerns, and update your custom orthotics if needed. One visit, multiple covered benefits addressed efficiently.

Schedule Your Annual Exam Before Your Benefit Resets

Medicare benefits reset January 1. Don’t let your annual diabetic foot exam benefit expire unused. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell (Livingston County) or Bloomfield Hills (Oakland County) office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a diabetic foot exam at the same visit as a regular podiatry appointment? The Medicare preventive diabetic foot exam is a specific benefit with rules about not having been seen recently for any reason. For patients with active foot conditions, a regular evaluation and management visit is more appropriate and allows us to address problems, not just screen. We’ll determine the right visit type when you call.

Does my PCP need to document my neuropathy for my exam to be covered? Yes — for some Medicare coverage scenarios (particularly routine nail care), documentation from your managing physician is required. Our office coordinates with your PCP or endocrinologist to ensure proper documentation is in place before your visit.

I have diabetes but no foot symptoms — do I still need the exam? Absolutely. The absence of foot symptoms in a diabetic patient with neuropathy is actually a warning sign, not reassurance. Neuropathy reduces pain — so problems develop silently. The exam finds what your feet can no longer tell you about.

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.

Medical References & Sources

• American Diabetes Association — Foot Complications
• PubMed Research — Diabetic Foot Care
• American Podiatric Medical Association — Diabetic Foot

Clinical References

1. Boulton AJ, et al. Comprehensive foot examination and risk assessment. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1679-1685.
2. Singh N, et al. Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA. 2005;293(2):217-228.
3. Bus SA, et al. IWGDF guidance on the prevention of foot ulcers. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2016;32(Suppl 1):16-24.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.