PAT'S PHARMACY

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are approximately 16 million Americans with diabetes. Unfortunately, this number continues to grow. Twenty-five percent of persons with diabetes develop foot problems related to the disease. Recognizing this problem, Congress approved the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill; helping thousands of persons with diabetes obtain protective footwear and inserts. 

Medicare covers diabetic shoes, inserts and modifications for program beneficiaries only if the following criteria are met:

(A) The Patient has diabetes and one or more of the following conditions:
----- i) Previous amputation of the other foot, or part of either foot, of
----- ii) History of previous foot ulceration of either foot, or
----- iii) History of pre-ulcerative calluses of either foot, or
----- iv) Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation of either foot, or
----- v) Foot deformity of either foot, or
----- vi) Poor circulation in either foot; and

(B) The certifying physician who is managing the patient‘s systemic diabetes condition has certified that:
(1) one or more of the indications required by (A) above are present,
(2) he or she is treating the patient under a comprehensive plan of care for his or her diabetes, and
(3) the patient needs diabetic shoes, inserts or modifications.