Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 30, 2022

Currently no, but there are alternative treatments

For Medicare beneficiaries looking for treatment for plantar fasciitis, you might need to look elsewhere. Medicare has determined that shock wave therapy is not considered medically necessary, so it is unlikely that you will get coverage. But don't worry, there are some alternatives to pursue, which we will discuss below.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What is plantar fasciitis and what are the symptoms?

Plantar fasciitis, also known as "policeman's heel," is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the heel and arch, especially when standing or walking after resting.

What is shock wave therapy and how does it work?

Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis. A handheld device delivers high-energy sound waves into the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Does Medicare cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. The determination is that it is not reasonable or medically necessary.

Alternatives to shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis

If you are looking for treatment options for plantar fasciitis, there are alternatives to shock wave therapy. Some of the most common treatments include rest, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, some people may benefit from shockwave therapy with an off-label use certification from their doctor.

How to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery or shock wave therapy

There are a few options if you are looking for ways to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery or shock wave therapy. Stretching exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the foot, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Additionally, orthotics can help support the arch of your foot and cushion it from impact when walking. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

Takeaway

While Medicare does not cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis, other treatment options are available. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the best course of action for you before you try shock therapy or any treatment for plantar fasciitis. This content is for informational purposes only. With proper care and treatment, you can relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and get back to living your life. Give us a call if you have any Medicare-related questions. Our experts are ready to help.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

888-572-6033

info@fairsquaremedicare.com

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

•

Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Currently no, but there are alternative treatments

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What is plantar fasciitis and what are the symptoms?

What is shock wave therapy and how does it work?

Does Medicare cover shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis?

Alternatives to shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis

How to treat plantar fasciitis without surgery or shock wave therapy

Takeaway

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans