Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
Does Insurance Cover Ingrown Toenail Removal?
Yes — ingrown toenail removal is covered by virtually all Michigan health insurance plans including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, and Medicare when the procedure is medically necessary. An ingrown toenail that is causing pain, infection, or drainage is medically necessary to treat — it is not considered a cosmetic procedure. Most patients pay only their specialist copay for ingrown toenail treatment at a podiatry office. This is one of the most straightforward insurance-covered procedures in podiatry.
How Ingrown Toenail Removal Is Billed
Ingrown toenail removal uses two main CPT codes depending on the procedure: CPT 11730 (partial nail avulsion) — removing the ingrown edge of the nail; covered as a procedure. CPT 11750 (nail matrixectomy) — permanent removal of the nail root to prevent regrowth; used for recurrent ingrown toenails. Most insurance plans cover both codes as in-office procedures at your copay or coinsurance rate. An ingrown toenail on one toe is billed once; multiple affected toes on the same visit use modifier codes. You are typically charged one office visit copay plus one procedure copay at the same visit.
Cost Breakdown by Insurance Type
With BCBS (commercial): $35–$60 specialist copay + $20–$50 procedure copay = $55–$110 total out of pocket at the visit. With Aetna, Cigna, or UHC: similar structure — $35–$60 specialist + $20–$50 procedure. With Priority Health: $35–$55 specialist + procedure copay. With Medicare (Original): After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the approved amount — typically $30–$60 total for a simple ingrown toenail procedure. With Medicare + Medigap: $0–$10 in most cases with a good supplement. Without insurance (self-pay): $175–$350 for partial nail avulsion; $300–$500 for permanent matrixectomy. Prices are for one toe. Additional toes are priced individually at a reduced rate.
When Does Ingrown Toenail Treatment NOT Get Covered?
Rare situations where coverage may be limited or denied: routine nail trimming without evidence of infection or pain (routine foot care has different coverage rules); mild ingrown toenails that are self-manageable and not causing significant symptoms; cosmetic nail reshaping without medical indication. In practice, almost any ingrown toenail that prompts a patient to seek professional care meets medical necessity criteria. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we document the clinical findings (pain level, nail position, presence of infection/drainage) at every ingrown toenail visit to support insurance coverage.
Schedule Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki treats ingrown toenails at both Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices — often the same day you call. We accept all major Michigan insurance plans. Most patients leave the office with immediate relief and return to normal shoes within a few days. Call (810) 206-1402. For complete insurance information, see our podiatrist insurance and costs Michigan page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ingrown toenail removal cost without insurance in Michigan?
Without insurance, ingrown toenail removal at a podiatrist office in Michigan typically costs: $150–$200 for the office exam, plus $150–$250 for partial nail avulsion (removing the ingrown edge) = $300–$450 total for a straightforward case. Permanent nail correction (matrixectomy) adds $100–$150 to prevent regrowth. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide upfront self-pay pricing — call (810) 206-1402 to ask about current rates before your appointment.
Does Medicare cover permanent ingrown toenail correction?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers nail matrixectomy (permanent removal of the nail root to prevent regrowth of a recurrent ingrown toenail) when it is medically necessary. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after your Part B deductible. Most Medicare patients with a Medigap supplement pay $0–$20 out of pocket for this procedure. Documentation of recurrence is helpful but not strictly required if the clinical findings support the procedure. Dr. Biernacki documents the ingrown nail presentation and any prior treatment at every visit to support Medicare claims.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He treats ingrown toenails with in-office procedures — same or next-day appointments usually available.
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Ingrown Toenails
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
- PowerStep Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever — Sodium sulfide solution softens nail edge for painless removal — reduces redness and swelling within 24 hours
- Onyfix Nail Correction System — Composite strip guides nail growth away from skin — non-invasive correction without any cutting
- Proper Nail File and Nipper Set — Professional-grade stainless steel nippers and sapphire file — correct nail trimming prevents future ingrowth
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
Join 950,000+ Learning About Foot Health
Dr. Tom shares honest medical advice, supplement reviews, and treatment guides you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe on YouTube →Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Have an Ingrown Toenail? Insurance Usually Covers Treatment.
Most insurance plans cover ingrown toenail evaluation and treatment, including surgical correction. Our office verifies your benefits before your visit so you know exactly what to expect.
Clinical References
- Eekhof JA et al. “Interventions for ingrowing toenails.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012(4):CD001541, 2012.
- Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. “Management of the ingrown toenail.” American Family Physician, 79(4):303-308, 2009.
- Haneke E. “Controversies in the treatment of ingrown toenails.” Dermatology Research and Practice, 2012:783924, 2012.
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
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your Appointment
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.
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
- Hallux Valgus (Bunions): Evaluation and Management (PubMed)
- Bunions (Mayo Clinic)
Recommended Products from Dr. Tom