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does medicare cover podiatry

Does Medicare Cover Podiatry?

Foot problems are no fun. And, unfortunately, they tend to get worse the older we get and the more miles we put on our feet.

If you’re having foot problems, it’s time for a trip to the podiatrist. For those over 65, that brings up the common question, “does Medicare cover Podiatry?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of podiatry services, as well as other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Podiatry?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of podiatry services. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met for Medicare to pay for your podiatry services. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for many podiatric services.

Medicare Part A will provide coverage for the costs of many podiatric services if they are performed in a hospital or an inpatient setting.

If the podiatric service is performed in an outpatient setting, Medicare Part B will cover the costs. Once approved, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of a podiatric service.

Medicare Part B covers care for foot issues such as:

  • Bunions
  • Heel spurs
  • Hammertoe
  • Painful nail fungi
  • Plantar warts

However, Medicare may not provide coverage for podiatric services such as:

  • Trimming or cutting of the nails (unless you have diabetes)
  • Removal of corns and calluses
  • Pedicures
  • Foot soaks and preventive care

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provides coverage for many podiatric services as they cover everything Original Medicare covers. However, out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the specifics of the plan you have.

How Much Do Podiatry Services Cost?

Consultation with a podiatrist can cost anywhere from around $60 to $400. The cost of the consultation depends on many factors including your location and the expertise of the doctor.

The cost for a podiatric service will also differ depending on the treatment that you need. Here is a list of some average prices for common podiatric treatments:

  • Ingrown toenails can cost between $250 to $500
  • Calluses usually cost $90
  • Bunions can cost between $4,080 to around $6,360

What Is Podiatry?

Podiatry is the branch of medicine that focuses on treating the lower parts of the body, particularly the foot, ankle, and other conditions in the lower legs.

Podiatry provides a lot of services and cares for the conditions of your foot, including bunions, hammertoe, nail fungi, calluses, and even pedicures.

What Are The Differences Between Podiatrists And Orthopedists?

Though they are both healthcare professionals, podiatrists mainly provide treatment in the ankle and foot area only. Meanwhile, orthopedists can treat other areas of the body if they are causing pain and ailments to the feet and ankles.

Podiatrists are not medical doctors. However, they can also be found in hospitals, especially during their training and residency.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.

Additional Info on Medicare Coverage

This article is part of our series on “What does Medicare cover?”

Also, you can check out other articles in this series including: Does Medicare cover power lift recliners?

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