Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Does Insurance Cover Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) for Plantar Fa relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks 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
Does Insurance Cover Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) for Plantar Fasciitis?
Coverage varies significantly. Some plans (certain BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare) cover EPAT for plantar fasciitis when conservative treatments have failed and medical necessity is documented. Others classify it as investigational. We verify before treatment.
About EPAT Shockwave Therapy
EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) delivers acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in chronically injured tissue. FDA-cleared for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy, it achieves an 80%+ success rate for chronic heel pain. When insurance won’t cover it, most patients find it worth the self-pay investment after years of failed conservative treatment.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Coverage varies significantly. Some plans (certain BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare) cover EPAT for plantar fasciitis when conservative treatments have failed and medical necessity is documented. Others classify it as investigational. We verify before treatment.
What May Not Be Covered
Plans that don’t cover shockwave classify it as investigational. Self-pay and CareCredit financing available.
How to Verify Your Coverage
Insurance coverage for epat shockwave therapy depends on your specific plan, your deductible status, and whether the service is deemed medically necessary. Call us — we verify benefits before every appointment at no charge.
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
📞 Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your coverage and schedule your appointment.
Does Insurance Cover Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Michigan? Coverage Guide 2026
Insurance coverage for EPAT (shockwave) therapy for plantar fasciitis in Michigan depends significantly on the specific plan, the diagnosis code, and the documentation of prior conservative treatment failure. Medicare covers extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for chronic plantar fasciitis under CPT code 0101T when the patient has had plantar fasciitis for at least 6 months and has failed conservative care including orthotics, physical therapy, and/or injections — documentation of this conservative care history is essential for coverage. Commercial insurance coverage is more variable: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and several other major carriers cover ESWT with appropriate documentation, while some plans consider it investigational and deny coverage regardless of clinical indication.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, our insurance coordinators verify shockwave therapy coverage for each patient’s specific plan before treatment begins, and we provide detailed documentation of conservative care history that supports prior authorization requests. Patients whose insurance denies shockwave coverage have the option of self-pay at our practice rate, which is significantly lower than the total out-of-pocket exposure from a surgical plantar fascia release — including surgical facility fees, anesthesia, and the post-surgical recovery period off work. Michigan patients considering shockwave therapy who want to understand their specific coverage should contact our Howell office at (810) 206-1402 with their insurance card information — our team will verify benefits and provide a cost estimate before scheduling the treatment series.
Michigan patients who are denied coverage for shockwave therapy have the right to appeal the denial and request a peer-to-peer review — a conversation between our treating podiatrist and the insurance company’s medical reviewer — which frequently results in overturned denials when the clinical record demonstrates appropriate conservative care failure and clear medical necessity. Balance Foot & Ankle‘s insurance team initiates appeals on behalf of patients whose shockwave coverage is denied, and our podiatrists conduct peer-to-peer reviews as needed. This advocacy significantly increases the percentage of patients who receive covered shockwave treatment rather than defaulting to self-pay or going untreated. Call (810) 206-1402 to discuss your insurance situation and begin the coverage verification process for shockwave therapy.
For Michigan patients considering shockwave therapy, the most important qualifying criterion is duration: patients who have had plantar fasciitis for less than 3 months are typically better served by completing a structured conservative care program first, since a significant percentage resolve without intervention. EPAT shockwave is most appropriate — and insurance documentation is most supportable — for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis lasting 6 months or longer despite appropriate conservative care. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to determine if your plantar fasciitis history meets the criteria for shockwave therapy coverage or candidacy.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Michigan patients can access expert shockwave and laser therapy 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 Shockwave Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology - Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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
Shockwave therapy has 75-85% success rates for chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy that haven’t responded to conservative care. Balance Foot & Ankle offers in-office shockwave — no anesthesia, no downtime. Typical protocol: 3-5 weekly sessions with measurable improvement by week 3.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including EPAT Shockwave Therapy Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
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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