You do not need a referral for a private assessment. However, generally you will need a referral from a healthcare professional for the device to be covered by a funder. Check with your insurance provider and see what your particular plan requires. Most often, a physician referral will be required for most devices, however, for some plans (e.g. Blue Cross), a referral from one of our physiotherapists is accepted as well.
Bracing And Foot Orthotics FAQ
Have questions about our services? Find the answers here.
Bracing and Foot Orthotics Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a referral for orthotics or bracing?
- Will Worksafe cover my brace or orthotics?
We have prescribed and fabricated hundreds of devices (orthotics, bracing, other medical equipment) for Worksafe. We can do all of the pre-approval paperwork for you. It is generally best to have a referral from your doctor, physiotherapist, or other health care provider and to have discussed the possibility with your WorkSafe claim manager.
- Can you bill my extended health insurance directly for bracing or orthotics?
Unfortunately, no. Extended health insurers do not allow direct billing for medical equipment of this sort. We do provide you with all the paperwork necessary to get your reimbursement as soon as possible.
- My orthotics coverage says I need all this stuff (biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, confirmation of casting, method, etc). Do you provide this?
Yes absolutely!! We take pride in helping you navigate systems, including insurance. We are familiar with most plans, however, insurance changes frequently. It is always best to contact your provider to get the most up to date information on what is required to make sure you get your coverage. We can help you from there.
- What kind of conditions benefit from orthotics?
A great number of conditions can benefit from proper control of the foot arch and other mechanics These include plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, metatarsalgia, bunions, degenerative great toe arthritis, shin splints, patellofemoral knee pain and more.
- My insurance says I need a brace made of ``metal or rigid plastic`` to be eligible for coverage. Will my brace have this?
All custom braces are made of metal or rigid plastic, so yes, absolutely.
If we are arranging for a prefabricated brace, it depends on the brace. For example, ligament stability and osteoarthritis braces almost always have plastic or metal. Kneecap control braces sometimes do. And compressive and proprioceptive braces have other properties (such as medical grade compression) that are sometimes covered by extended benefits. It can also depend on the insurance companies particular definition of these properties.
The best thing to do is to contact us to help you determine the appropriate brace for your condition. We can then look at your coverage and decide if the recommendation is likely to fit the criteria. We can also complete a predetermination letter and submit to your insurance so that you know for sure the brace will be covered before you make your decision.
- Can I get two pairs of foot orthotics? This would be a lot easier than switching from shoe to shoe.
Yes, and at a discount. Please contact us for current pricing.
- Do you use a cast to make orthotics?
Yes, every pair is casted from either a foam or plaster cast depending on what is indicated by your specific condition and foot type. We believe the best device is made with a full, 360 degree assessment so we do supplement the casting information with an extensive analysis of your symptom history, a clinical biomechanical exam, imaging review, and computerized / video gait analysis as needed.
- How long will my bracing or orthotics appointment take?
If this is your first time with us, typically the assessment will take 45 minutes.
- How long will it take to have my brace / orthotics made.
Most custom knee braces are made within 7-10 days. Orthotics are typically made within 14 days.
