Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover a podiatrist and foot care?
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Short answer
Covered in some cases: Part B
Medicare Part B covers podiatrist (foot doctor) exams and treatment when you need medically necessary care for foot injuries or diseases, like hammer toe, bunion deformities and heel spurs, but Medicare doesn't usually cover routine foot care such as trimming nails or removing corns and calluses.
If you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (diabetes-related nerve damage) with loss of protective sensation, Medicare Part B covers a foot exam or treatment every 6 months, as long as you haven't seen a foot care professional for another reason between visits.
For foot care covered by Medicare Part B in 2026, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible, plus a copayment in a hospital outpatient setting.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Medically necessary podiatry | Covered by Part B for foot injuries or diseases, like hammer toe, bunion deformities and heel spurs | Medicare.gov |
| Routine foot care | Not usually covered: nail trimming, corns and calluses, cleaning and soaking | Medicare.gov |
| Diabetes-related foot care | Exam or treatment every 6 months with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensation | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov; CMS |
| Hospital outpatient setting | You also pay a copayment | Medicare.gov |
| Therapeutic shoes and inserts | Covered by Part B with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease | Medicare.gov |
What foot care does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers podiatrist (foot doctor) foot exams or treatment if you need medically necessary treatment for foot injuries or diseases, like hammer toe, bunion deformities and heel spurs. Foot care like this can help prevent or treat conditions of the foot and ankle.
Does Medicare cover routine foot care?
No, Medicare doesn't usually cover routine foot care, such as:
- Cutting or removing corns and calluses
- Trimming, cutting or clipping nails
- Hygienic or other preventive maintenance, like cleaning and soaking your feet
What foot care does Medicare cover if I have diabetes?
Medicare Part B covers foot exams or treatment if you have diabetes-related lower leg nerve damage that can increase the risk of limb loss. To qualify, you must have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensation. Depending on your exam results, this care may include treatment for foot ulcers and calluses, and toenail management.
Part B covers this care every 6 months, as long as you haven't seen a foot care professional for another reason between visits. Medicare may cover more frequent visits if you've had a non-traumatic amputation of all or part of your foot, or if your feet have changed in the way they look, which may signal serious foot disease. People with severe diabetes-related foot disease may also qualify for therapeutic shoes and inserts.
What do I pay for a podiatrist with Medicare?
After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for medically necessary foot treatment from your doctor or other health care provider. In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay a copayment.
In most cases, you pay all costs for services Medicare doesn't cover, like routine foot care. If, in very limited circumstances, Medicare covers your routine foot care, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change this?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, but out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, and a plan may require you to use doctors in its network, get a referral to see a specialist or get prior authorization. Some plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover; rules and costs vary by plan. See how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare.
A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare, like your 20% coinsurance, for foot care that Medicare covers.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Does Medicare pay for toenail trimming?
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist with Medicare?
How often does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams?
Does Medicare cover bunion or hammer toe treatment?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Foot care (other)
- Medicare.gov: Foot care (for diabetes)
- Medicare.gov: Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services & Prevention Programs
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes & inserts
- Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.