What do orthotics cost?
The set of orthotics costs may vary due to supply chain costs and insurance rate changes, but averages $550-$600 for self-pay orthotics. Many times these are a covered benefit of your insurance. However, they may be subject to your deductible.
What is the process to get these covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover orthotics. However, they may be based on your diagnosis codes, foot and ankle problems, and if you have met your deductible. The doctor makes custom molds for your feet to create your orthotics. We collect the full cost amount up front before sending these to the orthotic lab to have them custom-made for you. We then submit the orthotic codes, along with your diagnosis codes, to your insurance company for coverage. If these are covered and once we are reimbursed by your insurance, we will then issue the patient the appropriate refund.
How long will they last?
A custom set of orthotics may last for many years. However, it is recommended to replace your orthotics after 5-7 years, as your feet often change and the materials may begin to wear out and break down with time.
Is there a warranty for the custom orthotics?
For patients under the age of 18, the orthotic company does offer an outgrowth policy. For all patients, we do request patients come in for an orthotic follow-up appointment within 2 months of getting orthotics dispensed. If there are any problems with the orthotics, the doctor and patient can discuss any issues and get the appropriate changes made. Some changes can be done in the office, but others require the orthotics to be sent back to the orthotic lab for more permanent changes.
Can previous orthotics be refurbished?
Yes. We can send orthotics made from various companies back to have them refurbished. This typically includes a new top cover and bottom cover if one is present.
How are custom orthotics different from over-the-counter inserts?
Custom orthotics are made by the physician after a medical diagnosis is made and the foot type is identified. There are various ways to make custom orthotics, but are clinic uses the plaster-molding technique. The foot is held in the neutral position, which is your foot's ideal position it does not necessarily stay in when you are weight-bearing, which is why we make them when you are seated. Following this, the molds are sent to the orthotic lab and recreated into a digital image. The materials used to create the orthotic are custom selected off on your foot shape and body weight, allowing them to be the most durable for you. Special accommodations can also be made to the orthotic to help your specific problem, such as taking pressure off of any area, adding specialized cushioning to areas of your foot, and also to address any limb length differences.
Inserts such as Good Feet inserts and inserts from local running stores are not truly custom but are considered semi-custom. These are much different than custom orthotics.
What conditions are commonly treated with custom orthotics?
Most foot and ankle conditions can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics are often not a stand-alone treatment, but rather they are part of a treatment plan. Common conditions that are treated with orthotics include: plantar fasciitis, flatfoot deformity, high-arched foot types, lack of fat pad at the ball of the foot, neuromas, Achilles tendonitis, foot and ankle arthritis.
Do custom orthotics fit in all shoes?
As they are custom, the doctor can customize these inserts based on your needs and types of shoes. We can make them for athletic shoes, dress shoes or a combination of both.
