S. 1805: Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act

This bill, titled the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, aims to change the way certain medical documentation is handled under the Medicare program, specifically regarding coverage for shoes designed for individuals with diabetes. Currently, the documentation that supports the necessity for diabetic shoes must come from physicians. This bill proposes to expand the list of approved healthcare providers who can fulfill this documentation requirement to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in addition to physicians.

Key Provisions

• Expanded Provider Eligibility: The bill allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide the necessary documentation for Medicare coverage of diabetic shoes. This aims to enhance access for individuals who require these special shoes due to their diabetes.
• Amendments to Existing Law: The bill specifically amends Section 1861(s)(12) of the Social Security Act to include the new provider types in the provisions related to coverage for these shoes.

Potential Impact

The implementation of this bill would likely facilitate easier access to necessary diabetic footwear for individuals enrolled in Medicare. By permitting more healthcare professionals to document the need for these shoes, it could reduce barriers that patients may currently face when trying to obtain them. Furthermore, the bill could potentially alleviate some of the patient load on physicians, enabling nurse practitioners and physician assistants to take on more responsibilities in patient care regarding chronic conditions like diabetes.

Objectives of the Bill

The primary goals of the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act include:

• Increasing the number of healthcare providers able to certify the need for diabetic shoes.
• Reducing wait times and improving access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Enhancing patient outcomes by ensuring that individuals with diabetes can obtain the footwear essential to managing their condition effectively.

Relevant Companies

None found.