Treatment of “flat foot conditions” means treatment of the local condition of flattened arches regardless of the underlying pathology causing it, except when such treatment is purely incidental to and an integral part of covered foot treatment (e.g., treatment of a fracture).

The term “subluxation” refers to structural misalignments of the joints of the feet (except fractures and complete dislocations) which do not require treatment by surgical methods. Excluded “treatment” includes evaluations as well as the nonsurgical measures, supplies, or appliances used to correct the condition or alleviate symptoms. The exclusion does not apply where such treatment is purely incidental to and an integral part of covered foot treatment (such as treatment of a fracture) or where performed as a part of postoperative care during the period of convalescence from covered foot surgery.

This exclusion does not apply to the ankle joint.

Routine foot care includes the cutting or removal of corns, or calluses, the trimming of nails, and other hygienic and preventive maintenance care in the realm of self-care, such as cleaning and soaking the feet, the use of skin creams to maintain skin tone of both ambulatory and bedfast patients, and any services performed in the absence of localized illness, injury, or symptoms involving the foot. Foot care such as routine soaking and application of topical medication on a physician's order between required visits to the physician is not covered.