Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Podiatry in Michigan?

Yes — UnitedHealthcare (UHC) covers podiatry visits and treatments in Michigan when services are medically necessary. UHC offers commercial plans through employer groups (Choice PPO, Choice Plus PPO, Charter HMO), individual marketplace plans (ACA plans), and Medicare Advantage (UHC AARP Medicare Advantage). Coverage specifics depend on your plan type and network. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills participates with UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.

What UnitedHealthcare Covers for Foot Care in Michigan

Podiatry office visits: Covered at your specialist copay (typically $30–$60 for in-network, depending on your UHC plan). X-rays: Covered as diagnostic imaging at your imaging copay. Corticosteroid injections: Covered as in-office procedures at procedure copay or coinsurance. Custom orthotics: Coverage varies by plan — UHC PPO plans may include custom orthotic coverage as DME; UHC HMO plans are often more restrictive. Call UHC member services at the number on your card to verify. Physical therapy: Covered under your PT benefit — typically 20–60 visits per year depending on the plan. Nail and callus care (diabetic patients): Covered for patients with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral vascular disease. Podiatric surgery: Covered when medically necessary with prior authorization — must be performed at an in-network surgical facility.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Podiatry Coverage

UHC AARP Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan typically provide strong podiatry benefits. Most UHC Medicare Advantage plans cover: podiatrist visits at $0–$40 copay (plan tier dependent); diabetic foot exams at no charge as a preventive benefit; diabetic therapeutic shoes under the Medicare shoe benefit; preventive nail care for qualifying patients with systemic conditions. Some UHC Medicare Advantage plans also include an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit card that can purchase non-prescription foot care items. Check your UHC Medicare Advantage Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document or call 1-800-442-8834 (UHC Medicare) for your specific plan benefits.

Does UHC Require a Referral for Podiatry in Michigan?

UHC PPO plans (Choice PPO, Choice Plus) do not require a referral to see a podiatrist — you can self-refer directly. UHC HMO/Charter plans typically require a PCP referral for specialist visits including podiatry. UHC Medicare Advantage plans generally do not require referrals but may require that you use in-network providers for full coverage. Check your plan type on your UHC insurance card — “PPO” or “Open Access” plans are referral-free.

How to Verify Your UHC Podiatry Coverage

Log in to myuhc.com to check your benefits summary and find in-network providers. Or call the member services number on your UHC card and ask: “Is Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell or Bloomfield Hills in-network?”; “What is my specialist copay for podiatry?”; “Does my plan cover custom orthotics as DME?”; “Is prior authorization required for [specific procedure]?” Our office verifies UHC benefits for all new patients at no charge — just call (810) 206-1402. For full pricing information, see our podiatrist insurance and costs Michigan page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.

Clinical References

1. American Podiatric Medical Association. “Insurance and podiatric medicine.” APMA.org, 2024.
2. UnitedHealthcare. “Podiatric medicine benefit guidelines.” UHC.com, 2024.
3. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Specialist coverage under ACA plans.” CMS.gov, 2024.