How often to cut toe nails?

Q. How often does a person 83 years old have to have some one cut their nails? I am diabetic.

A. Cutting toenails of a diabetic patient is an important service to maintain good foot health.

Generally speaking diabetic patients are at a higher risk level than non diabetic patients for developing foot related problems. Cutting the nails reduces the risk of the patient from developing complications associated with long and or thick nails.

It also provides the provider of that service the opportunity to periodically evaluate the patient for other risk factors. The frequency of the service is determined by the health care provider and the patient again depends on several factors including how quickly the nails grow.

Medicare has determined that they will provide coverage for "at risk patients" with certain nail conditions once every 61 days.