Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic Shoe and Orthotics Program
Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. During the past decade there has been an
increase of 33% with the diabetic population currently topping 15 million people. There are many complications
associated with diabetes including kidney, heart, vision, circulatory and foot problems. The good news is that
many of these potential problems can be minimized as a result of life style changes, medications and other
preventive care.

Amputations, or partial amputations, of the feet and legs are also growing at an alarming rate. In fact, it is the
leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in the United States. Recently, a task force was created by officials
from Medicare, the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American Diabetes Association in order to
explore ways to reduce the number of amputations in the diabetic populations. The number of these lower
extremity amputations grew by 28% in just the past several years. However, it has been determined that over
half of these amputations could have been prevented by timely conservative foot care.

Dr. James H. Lee of Seattle, WA is part of a national network of podiatric physicians providing protective foot
care for diabetic patients who may be at risk. Medicare coverage for protective footwear and shoe inserts has
helped to reduce foot complications. As an authorized Medicare supplier, Dr. Lee is qualified to evaluate,
prescribe and dispense these protective products to patients. Few patients are aware of the Medicare
coverage for preventive care, as a result of this lack of awareness, roughly 3% of the population who may be
qualified to receive the Medicare footwear benefit actually do. You may be entitled to one pair of corrective
shoes and three pairs of premium diabetic inserts free through Medicare. Interested in learning more about the
program or wishing to find out if you qualify for these benefits contact Dr. Lee's office at: