Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS) , the administrator for Medicare in Michigan, is now requiring more information for the Diabetic Shoe Program. In the past, Diabetic shoes were provided if risk factors were met such as poor circulation and neuropathy and the diabetic diagnosis was verified by the patient's primary physician. This is no longer the case.
Midland Family Footcare has been informed that the patient must be under a diabetic plan and this must be verified by us by obtaining the last 6 months of chart notes concerning the diabetic patient. This requires us to get a patient release for the records and that the primary physician release the records to be incorporated into our chart. The question is WHY???? Answer: MONEY!!!!
All this extra paperwork puts a burden on our office to make sure that it is done for every patient. Offices will elect not to provide shoes since the paperwork is a nightmare. There will be mistakes where the chart notes are 9 months old instead of 6 month leading to a denial by WPS. The whole purpose is to not take away the benefit of Diabetic Shoes, but not pay for 10-20% since the shoe provider will make a mistake.
Midland Family Footcare will continue to provide diabetic shoes for at risk diabetic patients since it is good medicine. The shoe program reduces ulcerations, amputations, infections, and saves money in the long run. Please bear with us as we ask for release of information and comply with the paperwork.