CommercialCoverageHigh impact
Foot Orthotics (CPB 0451, reviewed 2026-07-16)
Aetna·Podiatry, Orthopedics, Family Medicine +4 more·DME
Effective date
Jul 16, 2026
We identified it
Aug 17, 2026
Summary
Aetna CPB 0451 (Foot Orthotics) is a comprehensive policy establishing medical necessity criteria for foot orthotics and diabetic therapeutic shoes across Aetna plans. This 1-day-old policy clarifies coverage requirements including prescriber qualifications, provider certification standards, documentation mandates for custom orthotics, and specific diabetic shoe benefits with annual limits. Billing teams must ensure claims meet all stated criteria or face denials.
Action Required
By August 16, 2026: Billing team must implement the following controls in billing software and claim submission processes: (1) Verify all foot orthotic claims include prescriber credentials (physician, NP, podiatrist, or qualified health professional per state law) and that provider is licensed/certified (ABC, BOC, or state-licensed); (2) For custom-fabricated orthotics, require documentation explaining why prefabricated alternatives cannot meet member needs—attach to claim or reject; (3) Ensure diabetic shoe claims document one of six qualifying foot complications (deformity, pre-ulcerative calluses, history of ulceration, peripheral neuropathy with callus, poor circulation, prior amputation); (4) Enforce annual limits for diabetic members: either 1 custom-molded shoe + 2 inserts OR 1 depth shoe + 3 inserts per calendar year; (5) Verify diabetic shoes meet material/construction specifications (leather/equivalent, full-length heel-to-toe filler minimum 3/16" depth, full shoe closure); (6) Flag prosthetic shoe claims separately—these are covered even under plans excluding orthotics; (7) Reject claims for deluxe shoe features (color, style) not contributing to therapeutic function; (8) Route all claims through prior authorization workflow if plan requires it. Providers must include physical examination documentation demonstrating orthotic will improve mobility/ADLs and be prescribed within 6 months of provision. Failure to obtain required documentation and certifications will result in automatic claim denials.