While many podiatric treatments and services are covered by insurance, there are instances where out-of-pocket expenses may be necessary. For your patients and your practice, increased clarity makes all the difference, so it’s important to lay out what is and isn’t covered in the clearest terms possible.
For this blog post, the team at A Step Above Health Management will help you do just that. Keep reading to delve into some common podiatric conditions that often require insurance claims, then see which services may not be covered.
Common Podiatric Conditions Requiring Insurance Claims
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Serious complications of diabetes, often covered by insurance due to their association with a chronic condition.
- Bunions: Bony bumps at the base of the big toe, which can be covered by insurance if they cause significant pain or disability.
- Hammertoes: Deformities of the toes, often covered by insurance if they lead to pain or functional limitations.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage in the feet, often covered by insurance if associated with underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
Non-Covered Podiatric Services
While many podiatric services are covered by insurance, some may require out-of-pocket payments. These may include:
- Cosmetic procedures: Procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the feet, such as toenail reconstruction or wart removal.
- Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts, which can be expensive and may not be fully covered by insurance.
- Diabetic Shoes: A frequent source of frustration for podiatrists and patients alike is the fact that diabetic shoe coverage can be difficult to attain. Take extra care to avoid common mistakes, ESPECIALLY when dealing with Medicare.
- Routine foot exams: Preventive care, such as regular check-ups for healthy feet, may not be fully covered by insurance. This is of particular concern when dealing with patients who suffer from diabetes, in which case there are some ways to find exceptions to the rules.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
It’s essential for patients to review their insurance policies carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. Instruct them to contact their insurance providers to clarify any questions regarding coverage for podiatric services. After all, accurate billing means more patient satisfaction and less time diverted from your main goal: delivering the best podiatric services possible.
We can help you avoid billing errors. A Step Above Health Management provides specialized podiatric medical billing services to clients nationwide. Let our firm provide your practice with a plan customized to manage all your billing needs. Please call us at (877) 448-6233 to learn how our solution can save you money and help streamline your billing process.
