Break-In instructions for new shoes.

Congratulations on receiving your new shoes. In accordance with Medicare regulations, they have been selected from our own inventory, from another company or have been fabricated to provide you with optimum comfort and protection. In order to receive the greatest benefits from this footwear, please follow these suggested guidelines.

Getting used to your shoes
People with decreased feeling in their feet may have a false sense of security as to how much at risk their feet actually are. An ulcer under the foot can develop in a couple of hours even if the shoes are expertly fit. In order to best avoid any irritation, please adhere to the following break-in schedule:

• IF AT ANY TIME YOU SEE RED SPOTS OR DARKNESS ON THE TOES OR OTHER BONY AREAS DURING THE FIRST FIVE DAYS: Discontinue wearing the shoes for the rest of the day and start routine again the next day beginning with one hour of wear.
• IF A RED SPOT OR DARKNESS APPEARS WITH EVERY WEARING – DO NOT WEAR SHOES. Call our office for an adjustment appointment.
• BE SURE TO INSPECT YOUR FEET EVERY DAY.

Follow-Up
You should have regularly scheduled visits with our office. Please direct any questions about the items received today to this office. Billing questions may be directed to your Medicare carrier. Every four months get rid of the inserts in your shoes and put in a new pair. In one year, you will receive a reminder to return to our office to evaluate the condition of these shoes.

Return Policy
Shoes that are unsuitable may be returned within four weeks of dispensing. The shoes must be in good condition, i.e., no scuffmarks, outside dirt or obvious wear on the soles. We strongly urge you to wear these shoes in your home for the first week. Substandard shoes may also be returned as all warranties, expressed and implied under applicable State law will be honored.

What Is Covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers 80% of the cost of the following (per year):

• One pair of  Depth Shoes.
• 3 pair of inserts.

Billing Codes

3) The certifying physician, who is managing the patient’s systemic diabetes condition has certified that indications (1) and (2) are met and that he/she is treating the patient under a comprehensive plan of care for his/her diabetes and that the patient needs diabetic shoes. The certifying physician must be an M.D. or D.O.

This policy requires that the certifying physician, providing the medical care for the diabetic condition must sign a statement that the conditions stated above are met.

The prescribing physician may be a podiatrist, M.D. or D.O. and should write the order for the therapeutic shoes, modifications, and inserts.

The supplier, the person or entity furnishing the shoes, modifications, or inserts may be a podiatrist, pedorthist, orthotist, prosthetist, or other qualified individual. The supplier should bill Medicare for the service.