 New
Medicare Diabetic Therapeutic Shoe Program
Diabetes
is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. During
the past decade there has been an increase of 33% with the diabetic
population currently topping 16 million people. There are many
complications associated with diabetes including kidney, heart,
vision, circulatory and foot problems.
The
good news is that many of these potential problems can be minimized
as a result of lifestyle changes, medications and other preventative
care.
Amputations,
or partial amputations, of the feet and legs are also growing
at an alarming rate. In fact, it is the leading cause of non-traumatic
amputation in the United States. Recently, a task force was created
by officials from Medicare, the American Podiatric Medical Association
ad the American Diabetes Association in order to explore ways
to reduce the number of amputations in the diabetic populations.
 The
number of these lower extremity amputations grew by 28% in just
the past several years. However, it has been determined that over
half of these amputations could have been prevented by timely
conservative footcare.
Drs.
Barry and Debra Klein have recently become a part of a national
network of podiatric physicians providing protective foot care
for diabetic patients who may be at risk. Medicare coverage for
protective footwear and shoe inserts has helped to reduce foot
complications.
As
authorized Medicare suppliers, they are qualified to evaluate,
prescribe and dispense these protective products to patients.
They accurately point out that hardly any patients are aware of
the Medicare coverage for preventative care. And as a result of
this lack of awareness, only 3% of the population who may be qualified
to receive the Medicare footwear benefit actually do.
Diabetic Foot Care: Daily
Routine | Diabetic Care | Do's
& Don'ts | Theraputic Shoes
Education & Reference: What
Is Podiatry? | Common Problems
Terms & Treatments | Diabetic
Foot Care | ESWT - Shockwave Therapy
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