Pedorthics & Medicare
A pedorthist is a medical professional who specializes in the use of footwear and supportive devices to address conditions, which affect the feet and lower limbs. Pedorthists work with a variety of people, from athletes to diabetics, to promote foot health, maximum mobility, and comfort.
In order to become a pedorthist, someone must usually study anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, to learn about how the body moves and which conditions affect the feet and lower legs. Typically an associate's degree is required before a pedorthist trains specifically with an institution, which teaches people how to apply corrective footwear and orthotic devices to patient care. After completion of training, a pedorthist can apply for certification through a professional organization and then pursue a career.
The services of a pedorthist can be invaluable in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Using proper footwear can be vital for people with conditions like diabetes, for example, to ensure that the feet are supported and comfortable. Pedorthics devices can also be used to increase mobility for people with disabilities, and to handle specific circumstances like partial foot amputations. Many professional athletes also use the services of a pedorthist to help them select the most efficient and suitable footwear for their sports and body types.
Often, a pedorthist works with a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of conditions of the feet. The podiatrist may recommend a pedorthist to a patient, sending information about the patient to the pedorthist so that the specialist can assist the patient with his or her needs. Pedorthists can also work with physical therapists and other support staff to help patients live active, healthy lives.
In addition to working with a range of specialized footwear, a pedorthist can also make custom modifications to shoes, or develop orthotic devices to help a patient with a specific problem. Frequent visits may be recommended to ensure that the footwear still fits and meets the needs of the patient, with the pedorthist making adjustments as necessary.
Proper support for the feet and lower legs is critical. Although orthotics and orthotic shoes may be pricey, consumers and pedorthists believe that the benefits outweigh the costs. Many insurance companies recognize that a pedorthist can play an important role in patient care, and major insurance companies, along with prescribed shoes and devices, increasingly cover pedorthic services.
Adapted from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. www.abcop.orgMorgan's Shoes has seven full-time pedorthists on staff to assist you with your pedorthic needs. They are available for appointments during store hours, including days, nights, and weekends. Please call 608.238.3509 for an appointment.
Medicare
People with diabetes and other health care issues sometimes require special footwear. A doctor may prescribe custom or modified shoes and inserts. Often, this is a medical necessity, and may be covered by Medicare.
Morgan's Pedorthic Services can fill your doctor's prescriptions, and we are now authorized to accept Medicare payments.
You need a prescription signed by Medical Doctor (M.D.), a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), or a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) for Medicare to consider the claim.
Generally speaking, Medicare will cover one pair of shoes per year, and possibly extra inserts, as well as the fitting done by the Pedorthist.
There are numerous exceptions, and Medicare will only cover what it deems "reasonable and necessary".
Medicare has guidelines, which define what is "reasonable and necessary", and they have the final say in determining what does and what does not fall within these guidelines.
The patient will be responsible to pay for any products or services that Medicare doesn't cover.
Call us at 608.238.3509 for more information and to arrange for an appointment.
Downloadable Pedorthic Services & Medicare Forms
Summary of Privacy Practices for Morgan's Shoes, Inc.This summary briefly describes our privacy practices. This form must be signed by the patient before any work or treatment may begin. A complete description of Privacy Practices is available by clicking the link below.
Notice of Privacy Practices for Morgan's Shoes, Inc.
This is the full version of our Privacy Practices. This form does not need to be signed by the patient; it is for information only. Note that the summary found above must be signed by the patient before any work or treatment may begin.
Medicare - Patient's Request for Medical Payment (OMB 0938-0008)
Use this form to request Medicare reimburse you for products or services we supply that are covered under Medicare. Note that this form is partially filled out for the convenience of our patients. If you are not a patient of ours, then some of the information on this form will not be correct. For blank forms visit www.cms.gov
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