Frequently Asked Questions

Innovative technologies often raise as many questions as they answer. At Podimetrics, we’re always happy to address any concerns you have. Below you’ll find the answers to some of the more common questions that we hear from healthcare professionals, patients and associates.

If you don’t see or find the answers you’re looking for here, please fill out our Customer Support Form and we’ll have the appropriate person contact you.

SmartMat™ Questions

Can you tell me a bit more about the SmartMat™?

Millions of people have a history of complications with their feet. We developed a special mat — the SmartMat™ — that will help detect areas on your feet that show signs of the type of inflammation that often come before a wound develops. Our goal is to identify inflammation early allowing you to take preventative measures, which can prevent more serious complications.

The mat is very easy to use. Simply place the SmartMat™ wherever you like in your home. Stand on it with your bare feet, once a day, at any time of day you choose. It only takes about 20 seconds to take a temperature scan. Within a few minutes the Podimetrics patient support team receives a copy of your scans.

If our team sees signs of concern based on your prescription and temperature measurements, a nurse will reach out to you and walk you through the preventive measures you can take. Possible measures may include having you or a caregiver look at your feet or walking less for a couple of days until the inflammation clears up. If signs of inflammation persist, your doctor may want to see you in the clinic.

What exactly does it do?

The SmartMat™ reads the temperature on the bottom of your feet. By doing this, it helps identify areas that are more likely to have a potential complication develop. The SmartMat™ is not a diagnostic device; it just measures temperature. These temperature scans are evaluated and monitored by our patient support team to detect signs of inflammation, which may be due to complications like blisters and calluses. When caught early, these complications can be treated before they become serious issues.

Will someone help me set it up?

Yes. A patient support team member will phone you to complete your SmartMat™ training. You’ll take your first scan during the call, and the nurse will answer any questions you have.

Can I use the SmartMat™ if I already have one foot amputated?

Yes. The SmartMat™ can monitor a single foot.

How long can (or should) I use the mat?

The SmartMat™ is covered under a one-year prescription. The timeline is determined by your doctor and health insurance provider.

How do I know if a scan was successful?

After you take a scan, the SmartMat™ will tell you “Scan Saved” if it was successful. If we do not receive scans for more than four days, then our patient support team will contact you to make sure everything is okay.

Will the mat tell me if there’s a problem with my feet?

The mat does not give you immediate feedback or make any diagnoses. The scans are sent directly to our patient support team. If there are any apparent causes for concern, a member of our patient support services team will personally reach out to you by phone.

Is there a way for me to see my scans?

Once a month, you will get a report in the mail covering that month’s scans. If you wish, you can request to also review your scans with your provider.

SmartMat™ Scanning Questions

How do I know if a scan was successful?

Will the mat tell me if there’s a problem with my feet?

Is there a way for me to see my scans?

Once a month, you will get a report in the mail covering that month’s scans. If you wish, you can request to also review your scans with your provider.

How does the SmartMat™ work?

Think of the mat as something like a big thermometer that can measure temperatures, which are then analyzed to determine whether they are affecting you. Instead of detecting a fever, Podimetrics uses data from the SmartMat™ to identify temperature changes on the soles of your feet to detect signs of inflammation.

What happens if I already have a wound?

Please do not step on the mat with a foot that has an open wound. If one foot has a wound, you can use the mat with your foot that does not have a wound. Do not step on the SmartMat with bandages or dressings. As soon as the wound heals, you can start stepping on the mat with both feet again. If you have issues with balance, you can use the mat sitting down.

Traveling Questions

What if I go on vacation?

Your SmartMat™ can travel with you! If your vacation is going to last less than one week, you can leave the SmartMat™ at home and resume using it when you get back. If you are going to be gone more than one week and have the ability to pack the mat, Podimetrics recommends you take it with you. The care team can continue to monitor you while you’re on vacation.

Can I carry my SmartMat™ on a plane?

Your SmartMat™ measures 16×23 inches. It can fit in some larger carry-on bags, or in a checked bag. Be sure to turn off the device prior to flying. You cannot travel with the mat in its original packaging. It needs to be in a luggage bag.

Can I take my SmartMat™ out of the country?

You can take your SmartMat™ out of the country, but there’s no guarantee that your scans will transmit from your destination. If transmission is not available, the device does store up to 30 scans.

Troubleshooting

What if I live in an area with spotty cell phone service?

The SmartMat™ requires limited bars to connect. Once your SmartMat™ arrives in the mail, Podimetrics can work with you directly to determine if cell phone coverage in your area is adequate.

What if my SmartMat™ isn’t working?

It could be a number of things. Does your SmartMat™ need to be recharged? Is your charge below 10%? Is your mat turned off? Is it plugged into a wall electrical outlet? (Your SmartMat™ will not work if it’s plugged into an electrical outlet.)

Nothing happens when I push the power button.

Have you recently charged your SmartMat™? If so, try pushing the button. You don’t have to hold it down, just one quick push. Or, you may need to press it twice because it may have been on before. If this does not resolve the issue, please contact us at (833) 203-3777.

Nothing happens when I stand on my SmartMat™.

Please make sure your SmartMat™ is turned on. The SmartMat™ also won’t work if it is plugged into the wall electrical outlet; for safety reasons, it will not let you take a scan while plugged in. Try stepping off, then back on the mat. Sometimes the mat won’t take a scan if you don’t apply enough pressure. If not resolved, please contact us at (833) 203-3777.

The check marks are on the wrong days of the week.

Sometimes the SmartMat™ doesn’t correctly sync with the cell tower. If the days are not correct, please restart your SmartMat™. Push the power button once to turn it off, wait a moment and push it again to turn the mat back on. If not resolved, please contact us at (833) 203-3777.

My SmartMat™ won’t charge and/or nothing happens when I plug it in.

This could be the result of an outlet that doesn’t work, a damaged charger, a damaged charger port or a problem with the SmartMat™. This may be difficult to diagnose on your own. Please contact us immediately at (833) 203-3777.

I’m getting a red cell signal light.

You might need to try syncing your SmartMat™ in another room of your house. We often find that trying another room on the other side of the house can work well.

My scan won’t finish.

First, make sure you’re placing your feet in the recommended area. If you’re scanning with one foot, try placing it on one side of the SmartMat™ and pushing down on your knee to apply force to the mat. Scanning while seated can be difficult and requires a minimum force on the mat the whole time. Foot placement can help, and so can a caregiver such as a spouse, family member or a visiting nurse.

Need more information?

For Members:

Veterans: 1 (833) 203-3777
Health Plan Members: 1-800-468-5980
Email: patients@podimetrics.com
Website: www.podimetrics.com/for-patients

For Providers:

Phone: 1 (800) 468-5980