What is the Foot Defender?

The Foot Defender: A Revolutionary Solution for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Developed by podiatrist Jason Hanft and former Nike designer Michael DiTullo, the Foot Defender is a groundbreaking product addressing the diabetic epidemic, which results in over 200,000 amputations annually. Designed for easy application, offloading pressure points, and promoting patient compliance, the Foot Defender combines function with the modern aesthetics of today’s footwear.

Ordering the Foot Defender for Your Patient

The Foot Defender may be a covered benefit under certain insurance plans when prescribed appropriately. However, each claim is processed based on the patient’s insurance provider guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:

How is the Foot Defender Boot coded by insurance?

The Foot Defender is billed under HCPCS code L4361:

• Walking boot, pneumatic and/or vacuum, with or without joints, with or without interface material, prefabricated, off-the-shelf.
• This code requires documentation of an orthopedic diagnosis to support the claim.

Why is it billed as an orthopedic walking boot instead of a DFU offloading device?

Currently, there is no HCPCS code specific to DFU offloading devices. HCPCS L4361 is approved with an orthopedic code in the patient’s medical documentation. Many DFU patients also have underlying orthopedic conditions that contribute to the development of DFUs.

Common Orthopedic Diagnoses Linked to DFUs:

• Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease
• Equinus
• Foot or Ankle Contractures
• Unstable Ankle or Foot Instability
• Foot Drop

Required Medical Documentation for HCPCS L4361 Submission:

1. Orthopedic Diagnosis: Relevant to the product, not the overall wound care treatment plan.
2. Ambulatory Status: Documentation that the patient is ambulatory.
3. Weakness or Deformity: Evidence of foot or ankle weakness/deformity requiring stabilization.
4. Improvement Potential: Documentation that the patient has potential for improved mobility and/or function with the boot.

Eligibility for Two Boots:

Patients with bilateral diabetic ulcers or recently healed ulcers may qualify for two boots if chart notes support the need for both feet.

When Is the Foot Defender Not Covered by Insurance?

• Non-ambulatory patients or those who do not show wound healing or gait improvement from using the boot.
• Patients who have had a claim for a walking boot, CAM Walker, or similar product on the same foot within the past five years.

How to Order Using Patient Insurance Benefits

If your patient qualifies based on the above guidelines, you can begin the process with the following paperwork:

1. Patient Face Sheet: Insurance information, date of birth, address, etc.
2. Completed Prescription: Include a written orthopedic diagnosis code.
3. Medical Documentation: Include information to support the claim (see documentation requirements above).

Ensure all paperwork is accurate and complete to expedite the approval process for the Foot Defender. This revolutionary product offers a practical and effective solution for managing diabetic foot ulcers while improving patient outcomes.

Aesthetics is one of the major hurdles of compliance for all products. Nothing comes close to the modern design of Foot Defender that also delivers on performance.