Does Medicare Pay for a Podiatrist?

Medicare does cover podiatry if the treatment is considered medically necessary by a doctor. However, Medicare does not cover routine foot care, such as the removal of corns and calluses or the trimming of nails.

If Medicare covers podiatry care for your feet, you will typically have to pay some out-of-pocket Medicare costs.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help cover podiatry costs that Original Medicare leaves behind, such as deductibles, copays, coinsurance and more.

A Medigap plan can help cover your podiatry costs for Medicare-covered services.

When Does Medicare Pay for Podiatry Services?

Treatments for the following conditions and diseases are typically covered by Medicare:

• Hammer toe surgery

• Bunion deformities

• Heel spurs

Medicare Part B also covers a foot exam every six months if you have:

• Diabetes

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

• Loss of protective sensations

Podiatrists specialize in feet, ankles, and the structures in the leg that are related to feet and ankles. Podiatrists address a range of areas, including sports medicine, wound care, diabetic care and surgeries. 

While Medicare may cover some of the podiatry treatments listed above, Medicare does not typically cover routine foot care.

How Much Does Podiatry Cost With Medicare?

Even if your podiatry service is covered by Medicare, you're responsible for some out-of-pocket costs including:

• Part B Deductible
  Before Medicare starts paying its share, you’ll have to reach your annual deductible. In 2023, the standard Part B deductible is $240 per year.

• Part B coinsurance
  Medicare Part B requires that patients share the costs of doctor services after your Part B deductible is met (your Part B coinsurance). It's typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the service.

• Part B copayment
  If you receive your treatment in a hospital outpatient setting, you can expect to pay a copayment.

Medicare doesn't cover routine foot care. You typically pay 100% out-of-pocket for those services.

Medigap Plans Can Cover Some of Your Out-of-Pocket Podiatry Costs

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans can help cover some of the Medicare out-of-pocket costs you'll typically face if Medicare covers your podiatry care.

For example, there are up to 10 standardized Medigap plans to choose from in most states, and each type of plan provides full or partial coverage of the Part B coinsurance costs you'll typically face for covered foot care.

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and compare the Medigap plans that are available where you live.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.