Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't foot pain normal at My Age?
How long do assessments take?
Do You Direct Bill Like a Doctor?
Orthotics covered by insurance?
is a pedorthist different than a podiatrist?
How long do I have to wait for custom orthotics?
If I don't need custom orthotics, will you tell me?
Do I always need a prescription to see you?
Isn't foot pain normal at my age?
If our feet or particular areas on the feet hurt too much or too often, these are symptoms.
Something is happening that shouldn't, often after many years of - literally - wear & tear.
Experiencing pain and being hurt are different, medically.
"Pain" is protective signaling, typically involving central nervous system (brain) & peripheral (body) neurons to let us know that something is hurting us and makes us move away from the source.
"Hurt" refers to injury from, for example, pathomechanics causing system-wide "wear & tear", specific tissue trauma like a torn ligament, a wound like a cut or an assault such as a stubbed toe or worse, pressure bruising, a burn, etc.
Thankfully, we usually feel foot pain if things are getting hurt from muscle strains, too much pressure or even a pebble in the shoe unless they have peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, for example. For more information see our blog “Foot Falls”…
How long do pedorthic assessments take?
Assessments at Our clinic typically take ~45-60 minutes. Time depends on the complexity of issues presented & questions/Issues Presented.
With pressure wounds, significant underlying health issues, deformity, custom shoe assessments or recent injury, Expect more time needed.
Am I covered by insurance for custom orthotics?
Insurance/benefits plans often provide coverage, usually $300 every two years.
Plans may have discretionary spending. Partner's or parents plan may also apply.
Please see your plan. Podiatry & orthotics are often both covered, but separately.
Is a pedorthist different than a podiatrist?
When it comes to Bio-mechanical, lower extremity R.O.M. and gait assessment training and protocols, we're not very different at all! While a podiatrist is a doctor who can prescribe certain treatments and provide wound care, no podiatrists in Saskatchewan presently have their own labs to actually create orthotics. They send data/modelling off to out-of-province central fabrication facilities.
With our on-site lab, your insurance-eligible devices are ready in days, not weeks.
Of course, that also means less cost passed on to you.As qualified, certified health care professionals, our work (your orthotics) are covered.
Pedorthist are usually the people making orthotics at off-site facilities for podiatrists.
Do you Direct bill, like a doctor?
At Ashfield Orthotics we Have Applied for “Approved Provider” status to direct bill for people within certain groups: RCMP, Veterans, First Nations with Treaty, people on Social Assistance with Supplemental Health, plus certain sponsored immigrants. That means We Bill Directly & we take care of the paperwork!
If you are Like Most people, you can still Most likely use workplace or private health care coverage with your own plan or that of your spouse. In that case, you will pay here and then get reimbursed by your benefits plan. It is always best to Check your Plan.
In either case, you will always need a prescription, either before or shortly after your assessment with Ashfield Orthotics. It is the “key” to unlock benefits plans. It also allows you to save taxes since we can “zero-rate” your orthotics as medical devices. (people Who choose not to use a prescription Are charged taxes.)
How long do I have to wait for custom orthotics?
Ashfield Orthotics has our own efficient on-site lab with new equipment and a wide range of medical-grade materials so you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
We don't sell shoes or do too much Else. We're ready when you are, in days, not weeks.
We Don’t see Too Many people per day so Can take Our time being careful & still seem "fast."
If I don't need custom orthotics, will you tell me?
Yes! At Ashfield Orthotics we want you to begin enjoying your feet the right way.
Since we are a clinic & not a store, we want the best for your feet, not An inventory.
“Custom orthotics Are like a set of prescription lenses for feet”™ Not everyone needs them!
If feet only need good "reading glasses", we have podiatrist-designed Powerstep inserts.
Do I always need a prescription to see you?
Yes. And No...
With a prescription from any medical clinic, you can claim your custom orthotics on eligible insurance.
With a prescription, we also take taxes off orthotics As a medical device.
Without a prescription, you pay GST/PST. Non-prescribed devices are likely not claimable by insurance unless your plan is "gold-plated" &/or you've claimed orthotics under the same plan before with an original prescription on file.
Not everyone has the same benefits. Since additional pairs, within 2 years, cost less than originals, you still save.
Do I need an appointment? Or can i just walk in?
Our online booking app is awesome, with booking buttons throughout the site.
We have walk in hours only When On Site for Assessing or Dispensing.
Note:
Our Booking software Closes Online Appointment Spots if we're 'full' that day, Along with Manufacturing.
You Can try a "walk-in” But since we also Provide off-site Mobile Clinics, we may not be available...
Best to book online