| |
|
 |  | Over-the-Counter Remedies: $50 or Less |  | Doctor Visit, With Health Insurance: Copays + 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Doctor Visit, Without Health Insurance: $250+ |
|
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that commonly form on the feet due to excess pressure against the foot. Corns, which form on the toes, and calluses, which form on the bottom of the feet, typically can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or a simple procedure in a doctor's office.
Typical costs: |
- For patients with health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for corn or callus treatment consists of a copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. Corn or callus treatment is excluded from coverage by some health insurance plans. For example, Aetna[1] HMO plans typically do not cover corn or callus treatment unless the patient has a condition, such as diabetes, that could make it dangerous to treat the condition without the care of a doctor.
- For patients without health insurance, corn or callus treatment typically costs less than $50 for over-the-counter remedies or up to $250 or more if a doctor visit and office procedure is required.
- For example, corn and callus removal kits with medicated liquid and pads, or corn remover strips or a callus shaver cost about $3-$9 at Wagreens. Toe cushions, pads and protectors[2] for corns cost about $7-$18 at FootSmart.com.
- At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, in Nebraska, a procedure to remove a corn or callus [3] costs about $190, not including doctor fee. At Virginia Mason Medical Center, in Washington state, removal of a benign hyperkeratotic lesion[4] , the medical term for a corn or callus, costs $60-$90 for the facility fee plus $104-$156 for the doctor fee for a total of about $165-$250.
Related articles: Plantar Wart Removal, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Health Insurance
|
|
What should be included: |
- For many patients, corns and calluses can be treated at home. One option is soaking the foot in warm water and then using a pumice stone or pedicure file to gently remove dead skin. Or, over-the-counter corn and callus removal pads, liquid, cream or gel can be used.
- In some cases, such as when calluses or corns cause pain or difficulty walking or do not respond to over-the-counter treatment, a doctor visit will be required. The doctor can use a scalpel to trim away some of the thickened skin.
- WebMD offers an overview of corn and callus treatment[5] .
Additional costs: |
- Corns and calluses can come back after treatment, so the over-the-counter treatment or office procedure might need to be repeated.
- If the corn or callus was caused by an underlying condition such as abnormal weight distribution or hammer toe or bunions, then that condition will need to be corrected. Custom orthotics cost about $200-$800, and hammer toe surgery can cost $10,000-$30,000 or more.
Discounts: |
- Many hospitals and doctors give discounts of up to 35% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, UC Health, in Cincinnati, offers a 40% discount[6] .
Shopping for foot corn or callus treatment: |
- A podiatrist can treat a corn or callus. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a podiatrist locator[7] . It is important to make sure the podiatrist is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine[8] or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery[9] , depending on their area of specialty.
- Patients with diabetes or other conditions that can affect circulation should always see a doctor before using any over-the-counter remedy. For diabetics, there is a danger that over-the-counter treatment could cause a foot ulcer to form.
|
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
|
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
|
|
|
|
External Resources: |
- www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0046.html
- www.footsmart.com/Corns
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- /www.virginiamason.org/workfiles/pdfdocs/Top-50-Minor-Procedures.pdf
- www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/calluses-and-corns-treatment-overview
- www.uchealth.com/patients-visitors/financial-services/discounts/
- www.apma.org/Directory/FindAPodiatrist.cfm
- www.abpoppm.org/membership/public/public2.html
- www.abps.org/content/resources/FindADoctor.aspx
More Health & Personal Care Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
Post
