COF Diabetic & Therapeutic Footwear Flashcards

Which insole material is most appropriate for a diabetic patient with plantar calluses?

Answer: Viscoelastic/PPT foam

Viscoelastic materials like PPT absorb shock and reduce shear forces, protecting insensate diabetic feet from callus formation and skin breakdown.

What condition must a physician certify to qualify a patient for Medicare therapeutic shoes?

Answer: Diabetes mellitus with at least one qualifying lower limb condition

Medicare requires physician certification that the patient has diabetes mellitus with at least one qualifying foot condition such as neuropathy, ulceration, or Charcot foot.

A rocker-bottom shoe modification is used primarily to:

Answer: Reduce pressure on the metatarsal heads and forefoot during propulsion

Rocker-bottom soles roll the foot through gait, reducing peak pressure at the metatarsal heads and decreasing the need for toe extension at push-off.

Which situation is a contraindication for placing a standard metatarsal pad?

Answer: Active plantar ulcer directly beneath a metatarsal head

Placing a metatarsal pad over an active ulcer increases pressure at that site and worsens the wound; total contact offloading is required instead.

What does 'DMEPOS' stand for in relation to therapeutic footwear reimbursement?

Answer: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies

DMEPOS is the Medicare billing category that includes therapeutic footwear, prosthetics, orthotics, and other durable supplies.

What is the primary purpose of a metatarsal bar on therapeutic footwear?

Answer: Offload pressure from the metatarsal heads by transferring load proximally

A metatarsal bar placed proximal to the metatarsal heads transfers weight to the metatarsal shafts, reducing peak pressure over the heads.