COF COF Diabetic & Therapeutic Footwear 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of therapeutic footwear for diabetic patients?
- Reduce pressure points and prevent ulceration (Correct answer)
- Improve athletic performance
- Correct skeletal deformities
- Enhance proprioception
Correct answer: Reduce pressure points and prevent ulceration
Therapeutic footwear for diabetic patients is primarily designed to redistribute plantar pressure and prevent skin breakdown and ulceration.
Question 2: Which shoe depth is most commonly recommended for diabetic patients with foot deformities?
- Standard depth
- Extra depth (Correct answer)
- Narrow width
- Sandal style
Correct answer: Extra depth
Extra-depth shoes provide additional room to accommodate custom insoles and foot deformities without creating pressure points.
Question 3: Which Medicare program covers therapeutic footwear for qualifying diabetic patients?
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B — Therapeutic Shoe Bill (Section 4149) (Correct answer)
- Medicare Part C only
- Medicare Part D
Correct answer: Medicare Part B — Therapeutic Shoe Bill (Section 4149)
The Therapeutic Shoe Bill under Medicare Part B allows qualifying diabetic patients to receive one pair of extra-depth shoes and three pairs of custom inserts per year.
Question 4: A diabetic patient presents with a Grade 2 Wagner ulcer. What orthotic intervention is most appropriate?
- Standard arch support
- Total contact insert (Correct answer)
- Rigid carbon fiber orthosis
- No orthotic — refer to wound care only
Correct answer: Total contact insert
A total contact insert distributes pressure evenly across the entire plantar surface to offload the ulcerated area and promote healing.
Question 5: Which shoe feature is MOST important for a patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
- Firm heel counter
- Seamless interior lining (Correct answer)
- High heel
- Narrow toe box
Correct answer: Seamless interior lining
Seamless interior linings prevent friction and pressure points that a neuropathic patient cannot feel, reducing the risk of skin breakdown.
Question 6: What is the recommended maximum heel height for diabetic therapeutic footwear?
- ¼ inch
- ½ inch
- ¾ inch (Correct answer)
- 2 inches
Correct answer: ¾ inch
Diabetic therapeutic footwear should have a heel height no greater than ¾ inch to maintain proper foot alignment and minimize forefoot pressure.
COF COF Diabetic & Therapeutic Footwear 1
What is the primary goal of therapeutic footwear for diabetic patients?