Medicare-Covered Nail Care for High-Risk Patients in Michigan — What You Need to Know

Did You Know Medicare Covers Nail Care?

One of the most underutilized Medicare benefits is podiatric nail care — and most patients who qualify don’t know it exists. If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy, or other qualifying systemic conditions, Medicare will pay for regular professional nail care by a podiatrist. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we help Michigan patients access this coverage every day.

Who Qualifies for Medicare-Covered Nail Care?

Medicare covers routine nail care for patients who have a qualifying systemic condition that creates a medical necessity for professional nail care. Qualifying conditions include: diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease or arteriosclerosis obliterans, Buerger’s disease, chronic thrombophlebitis, peripheral neuropathies (including those caused by diabetes, vascular disease, or other systemic conditions), and other conditions documented by your physician that affect circulation or sensation in the feet.

There are two pathways to qualification: either documentation by a physician (MD/DO) of a qualifying systemic condition, or documentation that performing the nail care yourself would be hazardous due to a physical limitation.

What Does Coverage Include?

When qualified, Medicare Part B covers routine podiatric nail care at approximately 80% of the allowed amount after your deductible is met, subject to your specific plan terms. Most Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans and many Medicare Advantage plans cover the remaining 20%, making the service free or nearly free for many patients.

How Often Can I Be Seen?

Medicare covers nail care every 60 days for qualifying patients. Most patients schedule appointments every other month for ongoing professional nail maintenance.

How to Get Qualified

You need documentation from a physician (like your primary care doctor or internist) confirming your qualifying condition. If you’re a patient of Vassallo Medical Group or another Livingston County physician who has already documented your diabetes or vascular disease, we can often verify your qualification quickly. For Oakland County patients, documentation from Grunberger Diabetes Institute or your Oakland County physician works equally well.

Schedule Your Covered Nail Care Visit

Don’t pay out of pocket for something Medicare may cover. Call Balance Foot & Ankle today to check your eligibility: (810) 206-1402. We see patients from across Livingston and Oakland counties.

Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive comprehensive podiatric care across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathology — from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and nail disorders to complex reconstructive surgery, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries. Our clinical approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment selection, and honest communication with patients about realistic outcomes.

We serve patients in Livingston and Oakland counties from two convenient Michigan locations: our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River (serving Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Howell, and all of Livingston County) and our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and all of Oakland County). Both offices offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient appointments, and a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.

Related Treatment Guides

• Peripheral Arterial Disease Foot Care
• Diabetic Foot Care & Neuropathy
• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics

Michigan patients from throughout the region — Livingston County communities including Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, and Fowlerville, and Oakland County communities including Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, and Rochester — can access expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our clinical team is committed to providing the highest standard of foot and ankle care available in Southeast Michigan, from routine preventive care to complex surgical intervention. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule — we look forward to serving you at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills location.

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

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.