Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Podiatric Care in Michigan
Insurance coverage for podiatric care in Michigan varies significantly by insurance plan, condition being treated, and how the condition is documented. Patients are frequently surprised to discover that care they assumed would be covered isn’t — or that care they didn’t pursue assuming it wasn’t covered actually is. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, we work to help patients understand their coverage and maximize insurance benefits for the care they need.
What Is Almost Always Covered
Podiatric care that virtually all Michigan insurance plans cover as medically necessary: evaluation and treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain, ankle sprain evaluation and management, diabetic foot evaluations (annual diabetic foot exams are a covered preventive benefit under most plans), diabetic wound care and ulcer management, ingrown toenail treatment (surgical procedures), fractures and acute injuries, foot and ankle surgery for medical indications (bunions causing pain, hammertoe surgery, tendon repair), custom orthotics when medically necessary for covered diagnoses, and neurological foot conditions including peripheral neuropathy evaluation. Coverage specifics — copays, deductibles, prior authorization requirements — vary by plan.
What Requires Prior Authorization or Has Coverage Limitations
Custom orthotics: most insurance plans cover custom orthotics when medically necessary (with documentation of the condition requiring them) but require prior authorization and may have quantity or dollar limitations. Laser treatment for nail fungus: typically not covered by most insurance as it is classified as cosmetic or experimental. Routine foot care in non-diabetic, non-neuropathic patients: trimming of thickened nails and routine callus care in otherwise healthy patients is generally not covered. Cosmetic procedures: toe shortening, cosmetic nail procedures, and any treatment primarily for appearance are not covered.
Medicare and Diabetic Foot Care
Medicare Part B covers: annual foot exams for diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy or vascular disease (with evidence-based diagnosis and documentation), custom orthotics (with prior authorization and DMEPOS supplier designation), treatment of foot infections and wounds, and foot surgery when medically indicated. Routine foot care (nail trimming, callus care) in diabetic patients is covered only when the patient also has diabetic peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease AND the podiatrist documents Class findings (diminished sensation, absent pulses, etc.) at each visit. Understanding Medicare’s documentation requirements allows diabetic patients to receive covered routine foot care that protects against complications. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to discuss your specific insurance coverage for the foot care you need — our team assists with prior authorization and insurance verification.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (810) 206-1402
Understanding Michigan Insurance Coverage for Podiatry
Navigating insurance coverage for podiatry in Michigan can be confusing. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we accept most major insurance plans and help patients understand what is and is not covered. Our staff verifies benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises.
View Our Insurance and Pricing Information | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- American Podiatric Medical Association. Insurance coverage for podiatric medical services: a guide for patients. APMA Policy Statement. 2020.
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare coverage of foot care services. CMS Publication 10050. 2023.
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Health insurance coverage requirements in Michigan. DIFS Consumer Guide. 2024.
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 Foot Health 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
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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)