Get in Step with Pedorthics!

What is Pedorthics?
Pedorthics (peh-DOR-thiks) is the management and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities where there is a requirement for fitting, fabricating, and adjusting of pedorthic devices.
What is a Certified Pedorthist?

 A Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped, BOCPD or C.Ped (C)) is a trained healthcare professional who assesses and treats individuals with conditions related to the foot and lower limb. Pedorthists can help treat these problems conservatively (non-surgically) by providing orthotics, and/or orthopedic footwear and footwear modifications as part of an overall treatment regimen as prescribed by your doctor.

Certified Pedorthist:

a) complete in-depth training and must successfully complete a certification exam

b) are held accountable to a code of ethics

c) operate within the standards of practice

d) require on-going educational training

Pedorthists who are not certified do not practice under such regulations.

How can a Certified Pedorthist help me?
  • Alleviating painful or debilitating conditions of the lower limb;
  • Accommodation of foot deformities;
  • Re-alignment of anatomical structures;
  • Redistribution of external and internal forces;
  • Improvement of balance;
  • Control of biomechanical function;
  • Accommodation of circulatory special requirements; and,
  • Enhancement of the actions or limbs compromised as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.
Do I need an appointment to see a Certified Pedorthist?
Yes, you will need an appointment, however, you are required to see your physician first. Should your physician prescribe orthotics for you, the next step would be to book an appointment with a certified pedorthist. The first appointment will take approximately 45- 60 minutes. During this hour the pedorthist will perform a biomechanical gait analysis, assess your current footwear and take a 3D impression of your feet.  Custom made orthotics will generally take 1-2 weeks to fabricate.

 

Are Pedorthic services covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans will provide coverage for custom made orthotics, orthopedic footwear and footwear modification. It is best to contact your insurance company directly in advance to inquire about your individual plan as coverage varies from provider to provider.
My insurance company provides coverage for custom made orthotics. What information do I need to send them to have my claim paid?
Each insurance company will operate under their own set of rules and guidelines so it is best to contact your insurance provider directly to obtain their specific claim requirements for reimbursement. However, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association  has a reference documents available to the public.

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Understanding Claims for Footwear and Orthotics

Receipt – Best Practices

Quality Care

 A pedorthic prescription, like a prescription for medicine or eyeglasses, is a matter of your personal health.

Pedorthics because it is conservative can be truly cost-effective. Relying on the doctor’s diagnosis, credentialed pedorthists have the ability to provide, fit and maintain the appropriate pedorthic devices designed for an individuals needs. Pedorthics can make a profound difference in the quality of an individual’s daily life.

When you give a prescription to a certified pedorthist, you can rest assured that you’re working with a qualified professional.