Routine Foot Care

Medicare generally excludes routine foot care procedures (e.g., corns/callus removal, nail trimming/debridement, paring of keratoma/heloma, and palliative wart shaving) from coverage, but exceptions exist when systemic conditions justify the need. Coverage may be allowed for listed systemic conditions (ALS, arteritis of feet, chronic indurated cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, intractable edema, lymphedema, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's) or for diabetic patients with LOPS per specific Medicare manuals, provided required documentation (including evidence of active MD/DO/NPP care within six months when applicable) and billing rules (e.g., modifier 25 for separate E/M) are met.

"Routine foot care is generally excluded from Medicare coverage but may be covered when a systemic condition justifies the need for routine foot care as defined in CMS manuals."