Diabetic Foot Care: Home Visits Covered by Greenshield
Diabetic Foot Care: Home Visits Covered by Greenshield
- Janis Boudreau
Diabetic Foot Care Is Crucial for Health
You’ve been dealing with diabetes for a while now, and you know just how essential it is to take care of your feet. With diabetes, even a small cut can turn into a much bigger issue if you’re not careful. Don’t worry though – if Green Shield is your benefits provider, you’ve got options. Turns out they cover home visits by diabetic foot care nurses with Custom Foot Clinic. Yep, you read that right – free monthly home visits to check your feet, treat any problems that crop up, and help you keep a solid foot care routine. No need to stress about trips to the doc or hefty bills – the nurses submit claims directly to Green Shield. For diabetic feet, this kind of preventative care is clutch. And the best part? It won’t cost you a thing.
Common Foot Problems for People With Diabetes
- If you have diabetes, caring for your feet is vital to your health and mobility. High blood sugar can damage nerves in your feet, making it hard to feel injuries. It also slows healing, allowing small cuts or blisters to become serious infections.
- See a podiatrist for annual foot exams. They can check for nerve damage, poor circulation, and other issues. Early detection of problems is key.
- Inspect your own feet daily. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Wash and dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes. Moisturize them to prevent cracking. Never walk barefoot – always wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and socks.
- Get medical care right away if you notice any foot problems. Even minor cuts or blisters need prompt treatment and monitoring. See your doctor for calluses, ingrown toenails, or noticeable changes in skin color or temperature.
- Follow your doctor’s advice for proper foot care. Most likely, they will recommend keeping blood sugar under control, exercising, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. All of these steps will help prevent long-term foot complications so you can stay mobile and independent.
- Your feet deserve tender loving care. By inspecting them daily, seeing your podiatrist regularly, and managing health conditions diligently, you’ll avoid serious foot problems and keep this vital part of your body healthy for life. After all, your feet carry you everywhere you need to go!
Greenshield Coverage for Diabetic Foot Care
If you have diabetes, you’re prone to developing foot problems. Unchecked, even minor injuries can turn into serious issues. Foot ulcers are open sores that don’t heal, often caused by injuries, ill-fitting shoes, or limited mobility. See a podiatrist right away for treatment like wound care, antibiotics, or surgery.
Nerve damage or neuropathy is common and means you may not feel heat, cold or pain in your feet. Check your feet daily for any injuries or changes and mention them to your doctor. Keeping blood sugar under control can help prevent further nerve damage.
Poor circulation reduces blood flow to your feet. Exercise, elevate your feet, and avoid crossing your legs. See a podiatrist about prescription medication if needed. Infections enter through cuts, blisters or ulcers and spread quickly if unnoticed or untreated. See your doctor right away for oral or IV antibiotics.
Charcot foot, a weakening of the bones in the foot, causes swelling, changes in foot shape, and instability. Offloading the foot and wearing a brace helps prevent severe deformity. Surgery may be recommended to stabilize the foot.
By inspecting your feet daily, following your doctor’s recommendations, and seeking prompt treatment of any problems, you can avoid serious complications and keep your feet healthy. While diabetes foot care can seem daunting, the alternative is even scarier. Take control of your health and don’t let diabetes get the best of your feet!
What to Expect During a Home Foot Care Visit
If you’re living with diabetes, you know how important foot care is. Unchecked, diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation that leads to foot ulcers and other problems. The good news is, as a Green Shield member, you have coverage for monthly in-home foot care visits.
Certified Diabetic Foot Care Nurses
Our diabetic foot care nurses are specially trained to assess your feet, trim your toenails, and check for any signs of infection or changes in sensation. They can help establish a foot care routine and recommend products to keep your feet healthy in between visits. Having a nurse come to you eliminates the need to travel to a podiatrist’s office, especially if mobility is an issue.
Custom Treatment Plans
After an initial assessment, our nurses will develop a custom foot care plan based on your specific needs and risks. This may include recommendations for prescription footwear, orthotics, or topical treatments. They can also advise you on proper foot hygiene and inspecting your own feet daily for any changes that require medical attention. By catching problems early, we help prevent more serious complications down the road.
Direct Billing to Green Shield
As a Green Shield member, the cost of your monthly foot care visits and any prescribed supplies or orthotics are covered with no out-of-pocket fees. We bill Green Shield directly so you don’t have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. All you need to do is schedule your appointment and we’ll handle the rest.
Keeping diabetes under control and your feet healthy requires diligent management and care. With the support of Green Shield coverage and our diabetic foot care nurses, you have the resources and expertise to avoid diabetes-related foot problems and maintain your mobility and independence. Call today to schedule your first in-home foot care visit—your feet will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Feet
When the nurse arrives for your monthly home visit, they will start by reviewing your medical history and current foot issues. Be prepared to discuss any pain, ulcers, or other problems you’ve noticed with your feet. The nurse will then thoroughly examine your feet, checking for any signs of damage or infection.
Foot Inspection
The nurse will carefully inspect your feet, including checking between your toes. They will look for any redness, swelling, blisters or sores that could lead to ulcers if left untreated. Your foot pulses and sensation will also be tested using a monofilament to check for any loss of feeling. Early detection of foot problems is key to preventing complications, so be sure to mention anything that seems abnormal.
Nail and Callus Care
Your nurse will trim your toenails and file down any calluses to prevent injury. For diabetics, nail and callus care is especially important since you may not feel pain from ingrown nails or calluses that are too thick. Keeping your nails and calluses under control will help ensure no breaks or tears in the skin that could lead to infection.
Foot Soaks or Massages
Some nurses may provide soothing foot soaks, moisturizing treatments or gentle massages to relieve any pain and keep your feet soft and pliable. These treatments improve circulation which is vital for foot health and wound healing.
Recommendations
The nurse will provide recommendations for daily foot care and may supply special stockings, orthotics or shoes if needed. They can also help set up any follow-up podiatry appointments required. Take the nurse’s advice seriously to avoid complications and keep your feet healthy in between visits. Diabetic foot care is a team effort, so follow the guidance of your doctor and nurse for the best outcomes.
