Foot pain typically responds to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments like supportive footwear and targeted stretching, and—when needed—custom orthotics. Most patients see improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a treatment plan. Severe or persistent symptoms warrant in-person assessment to rule out structural issues. Contact our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office for a same-week evaluation.
★ Balance Foot & Ankle Accepts Medicare
Medicare Podiatry Coverage
Michigan Board-Certified Podiatrists In-Network
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We verify your benefits before your first appointment and handle all billing and prior authorizations. Call (810) 206-1402 to confirm your coverage.
Medicare Podiatry Coverage at Balance Foot & Ankle
Yes, Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare for podiatric care at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. We are enrolled Medicare providers and accept Original Medicare (Part B), most Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies. Our team handles Medicare billing directly so you can focus on your foot health.
To schedule your Medicare-covered podiatry appointment, call (810) 206-1402 or visit our new patient information page.
What Medicare Covers for Podiatric Care
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary podiatric services. Understanding what is and is not covered helps you plan your care and avoid unexpected costs.
Services Medicare Covers
Diabetic foot exams: Medicare covers one comprehensive diabetic foot exam every 12 months for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensation. This is a critical preventive benefit that can help identify problems before they become serious.
Therapeutic shoes for diabetes: The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill covers one pair of custom-molded shoes (or depth-inlay shoes) and three pairs of inserts per calendar year for patients with diabetes who qualify. Your podiatrist must certify medical necessity and provide a treatment plan.
Medically necessary foot care: Medicare covers treatment of foot conditions that affect your ability to walk or that are caused by systemic diseases. This includes treatment of bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, peripheral neuropathy, foot ulcers, wound care, fractures, ankle sprains, and infections.
Foot surgery: All medically necessary foot and ankle surgeries are covered by Medicare when conservative treatments have been tried and documented. This includes bunionectomy, hammertoe correction, ingrown toenail removal, neuroma excision, and ankle reconstruction.
Diagnostic imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, and other diagnostic imaging performed in our office are covered when medically necessary.
Services Medicare Does Not Cover
Routine foot care: Medicare generally does not cover routine foot care such as trimming of nontrophic nails, removal of corns and calluses, and other hygienic care when these are not related to a systemic condition. However, if you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral vascular disease, routine foot care may be covered as medically necessary preventive care.
Supportive shoes (non-diabetic): Medicare does not cover orthopedic shoes or custom orthotics for patients who do not have diabetes. However, orthotics may be covered if prescribed as part of a leg brace.
Typical Costs with Medicare
Part B deductible: You must meet the annual Medicare Part B deductible before Medicare begins paying its share. In 2026, confirm your current deductible amount with Medicare or our office.
Coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, Medicare Part B typically covers 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. You are responsible for the remaining 20 percent coinsurance. If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy, it may cover part or all of this coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage plans: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your costs may differ. Many MA plans have set copays for specialist visits rather than the 20 percent coinsurance structure. Contact our office to verify your specific MA plan benefits.
Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist with Medicare?
With Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you do not need a referral from your primary care physician to see a podiatrist. You can schedule directly with Balance Foot and Ankle. If you have a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you may need a referral from your PCP depending on your specific plan rules. Our office can help you determine whether a referral is required when you call to schedule.
Medicare Coverage for Senior Foot Care Services
Many of our Medicare patients visit us for senior toenail care services, diabetic foot management, and medical pedicure services. For patients with qualifying systemic conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral arterial disease, Medicare covers routine foot care that would otherwise be excluded. Our team documents your medical conditions thoroughly to ensure maximum coverage.
How to Verify Your Medicare Coverage
Step 1: Call our office at (810) 206-1402 with your Medicare number (found on your red, white, and blue Medicare card).
Step 2: Let us know if you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy or a Medicare Advantage plan, and provide that information as well.
Step 3: Our team will verify your benefits and explain what your visit will cost before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Podiatry Coverage
Does Medicare cover toenail trimming?
Medicare covers toenail trimming and debridement when you have a qualifying systemic condition such as diabetes with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or other conditions that make self-care dangerous. Without a qualifying condition, routine toenail trimming is not covered by Medicare.
Does Medicare cover custom orthotics?
Medicare covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for patients with diabetes through the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill. Standard custom orthotics for conditions like plantar fasciitis are generally not covered by Medicare unless they are part of a leg brace. Our team can discuss alternative coverage options and self-pay pricing for orthotics.
Does Medicare cover bunion surgery?
Yes, Medicare covers bunion surgery when it is medically necessary and conservative treatments have been attempted. You will be responsible for your Part B deductible and 20 percent coinsurance (or your Medicare Advantage plan copay). A Medigap policy can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket surgical costs.
How often does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams?
Medicare covers one comprehensive diabetic foot exam every 12 months for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensation. Additional visits for treatment of foot problems related to diabetes are covered as medically necessary throughout the year.
Schedule Your Medicare Podiatry Appointment
Balance Foot and Ankle makes it easy to use your Medicare benefits for foot and ankle care. We offer same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. Call (810) 206-1402 today to schedule your appointment.
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Using your insurance at Balance Foot & Ankle
Three board-certified podiatrists. Two Michigan locations. Same-week appointments. Our team checks your benefits before you arrive so there are no surprises.
Call or book online
Give us your insurance info at booking — we handle the rest.
We verify benefits
We confirm your copay, deductible, and covered services before you visit.
Same-week care
No surprise bills. Clear cost estimate at checkout. On-site X-ray if needed.
Ready to book with your plan?
Same-week appointments at both locations. We’ll verify your benefits before you arrive.
Medicare: Frequently Asked Questions
What podiatry services does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers: medically necessary foot care (not routine nail trimming), diabetic foot exams (every 6 months for patients with neuropathy), custom orthotics for diabetic patients, foot surgery, physical therapy for foot conditions, and diagnostic imaging. Routine nail care is covered only with documented systemic disease.
Does Medicare pay for plantar fasciitis treatment?
Yes. Medicare covers plantar fasciitis treatment including: office visits, X-rays and diagnostic ultrasound, cortisone injections, and custom orthotics. Shockwave therapy coverage varies by Medicare supplement plan. We submit all Medicare claims and have expertise in Medicare documentation requirements.
Watch: Medicare Coverage for Podiatry at Balance Foot & Ankle
How Medicare covers foot care, diabetic shoes, and podiatry services at our Michigan offices.
Does Medicare cover podiatry services at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary podiatry including nail care for systemic conditions, diabetic foot exams, and custom orthotics when prescribed.
What podiatry services are NOT covered by Medicare?
Routine nail trimming, corns, and calluses for patients without systemic conditions are typically not covered. We verify your specific benefits upfront.
Does Medicare cover bunion or hammertoe surgery?
Yes — Medicare covers medically necessary foot surgery including bunionectomy and hammertoe correction when conservative treatment has failed.
Podiatrist-Recommended Products for Foot Health
While Medicare covers many podiatry services at Balance Foot & Ankle, supportive footwear and over-the-counter products are typically purchased out-of-pocket. These doctor-recommended options help manage foot and ankle conditions between appointments:
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Browse our complete Podiatrist-Recommended Products Guide — organized by condition, from plantar fasciitis insoles to diabetic footwear.
Ready to Use Your Medicare Benefits?
We accept Medicare at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. Same-day appointments available.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
Foot pain — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of self-care, interfere with daily activity, or worsen suddenly, schedule a podiatrist evaluation. Early intervention typically shortens recovery and prevents chronic compensation patterns.
Will I need imaging or surgery?
Most foot pain cases resolve with conservative care—custom orthotics, supportive shoe changes, anti-inflammatory protocols, and targeted physical therapy. Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) is reserved for cases that fail conservative treatment or when structural pathology is suspected. Surgery is rarely the first option.
Does insurance cover foot pain treatment in Michigan?
Most major Michigan insurance plans (BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, Medicaid HMOs, United, Aetna, Cigna) cover medically necessary podiatric care. Custom orthotics may have separate DME coverage rules. Our team verifies your specific benefits before your visit.