diabetic shoes

Of the sixteen million Americans with diabetes, 25% will develop foot problems related to the disease. Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.

Feet 1st Shoes is proud to be a provider of footwear and inserts for at-risk patients with diabetes. We accept Medicare assignment and participate in other insurance plans. In addition to off the shelf extra-depth shoes and inserts, we also have our own in-house lab to create totally custom inserts. When prescribed by your doctor, we also can produce custom-molded shoes for patients with serious foot problems.

It is very important for people with diabetes to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot related injuries. Due to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative foot care measures, it greatly reduces the risks of serious foot conditions.

Insurance coverage of diabetic footwear is predicated on the patient obtaining appropriate documentation from their health care provider. Three forms of documentation are required. These include the Diabetic Footwear Prescription, the Statement of Certifying Physician and copies of your medical records that show you are being treated for diabetes AND demonstrates that your qualifying foot conditions are well documented.

The Prescription can be completed by a Podiatrist or a Medical Doctor.

The Statement of Certifying Physician must be completed by the Medical Doctor (or D.O.) who treats the patient for diabetes. The medical records must come from this physician, must be signed and dated. You must have been seen by the doctor within six months.