Medicare.gov

Foot care (for diabetes)

Medicare covers foot exams if you have diabetes‑related lower leg nerve damage that can increase the risk of limb loss. You can get a foot exam once a year, as long as you haven't seen a footcare professional for another reason between visits. 

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B

deductible [glossary]

, you pay 20% of the

Medicare-Approved Amount

 for any medically necessary foot treatment your doctor approves. 

In a

hospital outpatient setting

, you also pay a

copayment

.

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

What it is

Depending on your exam results, foot care may include treatment for foot ulcers and calluses, and toenail management.

Related resources

Is my test, item, or service covered?