Does Medicare Cover Peripheral Neuropathy?

Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare, will cover your peripheral neuropathy treatments. Treatments vary depending on the type of peripheral neuropathy condition you have.

According to a research study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), over 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, all with different symptoms.

Medicare Part A will cover your inpatient hospitalization costs for peripheral neuropathy treatments. Part B will cover your outpatient doctors’ visits, screenings and necessary medical equipment. Keep in mind that you must meet your deductibles before coverage begins.

While there is no set cure for peripheral neuropathy, there are many Medicare-covered treatments to help manage and ease pain. Treatment effectiveness depends on the type of nerve damage you have. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can treat your condition.

However, if you have diabetic neuropathy or an autoimmune condition that led to peripheral neuropathy, you may need a more vigorous treatment plan.

Some conditions may even require surgery or amputations. Meet with your doctor to establish what type of peripheral neuropathy you have and devise a Medicare-covered treatment plan accordingly.

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can help cover the cost of your peripheral neuropathy medications. Each Part D plan varies in coverage and costs, so make sure your specific plan covers the drug you need.

Another option for peripheral neuropathy drug coverage is Medicare Advantage. Also known as Part C, Medicare Advantage plans covers everything included in Original Medicare plus additional coverage.

Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover various drugs to treat different types of peripheral neuropathy. There are a few medications that are typically prescribed to treat common types of the condition.

Peripheral neuropathy is typically caused by trauma or a disease. However, sometimes peripheral neuropathy is acquired genetically.

In either scenario, the result is the same — a damaged nervous system which disrupts signals between your brain, spinal cord and other parts of your body.

While there are over 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy, there are several types that are more common than others. Diabetic neuropathy, a type of orthopedic condition, is the most common.

Diabetic neuropathy typically has symptoms of painful tingling or numbness in your feet. This condition may eventually spread to your legs, arms and hands.

Each type of peripheral neuropathy can progress in stages from one to five.

Stage one is mild symptoms that can typically be treated with slight lifestyle changes.

Those who are in stages two to four commonly experience burning or tingling sensations and struggle to sleep. These stages are typically when medications are needed.

Stage five is when limbs go numb and amputation becomes a possibility due to dead nerves. Medicare-covered treatments, medications and lifestyle changes can help you avoid your condition reaching stage five.