It is estimated more than 20 million Americans have diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one-third of these people are unaware that they are living with this disease, making it a "silent killer." In 2005, over 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed. Diabetes can lead to a series of health complications; including premature death and it seriously affects the eyes, kidneys, legs, and other extremities, such as the feet.

Proper foot care is an important part of diabetes. In fact, diabetics are at an extremely increased risk of serious foot disorders. For people with diabetes, regular foot care is essential for overall health. Diabetes often leads to neuropathy, poor circulation, foot ulcers, calluses, or possibly amputations. Diabetic footwear addresses these problems and many more. Diabetic footwear provides the support needed, which can help prevent medical complications for diabetics.

You may be eligible for diabetic footwear at little or no cost to you if you qualify*

*Medicare will reimburse 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. This means that once the annual Part B deductible is met, you are responsible for only the remaining 20%. Supplementary or secondary insurance, such as Texas Medicaid, may cover all charges.

A diabetic shoe, sometimes referred to as an extra depth or therapeutic shoe, is one that meets specific Medicare guidelines to be considered reimbursable under the Therapeutic Foot Bill (TSB) by Medicare. The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications, such as: strain, ulcers, calluses, or even amputations for high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes. In addition to meeting strict guidelines, diabetic shoes must be prescribed by a Physician and fit by a qualified individual, such as a Certified Pedorthist (C. Ped). The shoes must also be equipped with a diabetic insole, which also is required to meet Medicare guidelines. These insoles are carefully selected by the qualified fitter and molded to the individual's foot to make a "custom" fit. Together, the diabetic shoes and customized insoles work as a preventative system to help high-risk patients, such as diabetics, avoid foot injuries and improve their function.

All eligible Medicare Part B recipients that qualify are eligible for one pair of shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year. How do I find out if I qualify?

For more information call and speak with our Certified Pedorthist at 1-877-817-7737 or email questions to Rfootguy@aol.com.

* Diabetic Footwear available in-store only

Custom Shoes:

Custom shoes are covered by Medicare and most insurances for diabetic patients with angular deformities and/or amputations that cannot be accommodated by "off the shelf" diabetic shoes. Your Physician and the Pedorthist determine if a custom shoe is required for your individual needs. Custom shoes require casting of the foot and precise measuring along with other additional preparations.

Typically, it takes about 1-3 hours in our office and 3-5 weeks for delivery. If you have questions about custom shoes or wish to speak to our Pedorthist, call 1-877-817-7737 or email Rfootguy@aol.com.

* Custom Footwear available in-store only

A certified pedorthist, or C.Ped, is a specialist in using footwear - which includes shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses and other pedorthic devices - to solve problems in, or related to, the foot and lower limb. A C.Ped understands the property of footwear, and the interaction between the patient's foot and shoe. Foot orthoses, also called orthotics are an important component of footwear that can accommodate, support or relieve specific conditions, as well as improve the foot's function. In addition to designing and fabricating an appropriate orthotic, a C.Ped can provide you with personalized attention in selecting, fitting, and modifying shoes so that you can wear the orthotic effectively.

At SPECIALTY SHOES AND DIABETIC SUPPLIES we are dedicated to meeting your individual diabetic needs. We provide a simple, fast, and hassle-free service to better serve you and assist you in managing your diabetes.

Let Us Do The Work For You! We will verify benefits with your insurance provider, obtain necessary paperwork from your physician, and file all essential paperwork for your claim if you qualify. No confusing paperwork and no more waiting for reimbursements. We make your visit as convenient as possible for you!

Free Consultation With Our Certified Pedorthist! Meet with our Board Certified Pedorthist for an assessment at no cost to you. Our expert shoe fitter will take measurements, temperature readings, and static tests of your feet to better understand your particular footwear needs. You and the pedorthist will discuss the proper footwear for your individual needs. Together, you the patient, pedorthist, and physician work as a team to achieve proper care for you.

Our highly trained staff is here to help YOU! Call or come by to find out more!

We carry an extensive inventory of diabetic shoes SPECIALTY SHOES AND DIABETIC SUPPLIES . We feature these products and many more. Come see all the styles and colors available in our store.

Aetrex Athletic Runner	Aetrex Ariya Shoe
Propet - GalwayWalker	Propet - VillageWalker Mid
Canfield Leisure by P.W. Minor	Canfield Performance Walker by P.W. Minor
Patrick - Black by www.drcomfortshoes.com	Patrick - Two Tone by www.drcomfortshoes.com
Comfort Plus Black by www.drcomfortshoes.com	Comfort Plus White by www.drcomfortshoes.com
Brian Black by www.drcomfortshoes.com	Lu Lu Black by www.drcomfortshoes.com
Mary-Jane Indigo by www.drcomfortshoes.com	Lily Beige by www.drcomfortshoes.com

We also carry an extensive inventory of foot and
shoe care products:

-Socks
-Orthotics
-Ankle and Foot Braces
-Foot Care
-Shoe Polish/Shield
-Emergency Medical Identification Jewelry
-Diabetic Supply Travel Cases
-Anti-Neuropathy Lotions