Alberta Blue Cross will continue to reimburse eligible custom foot orthotics and custom orthopedic shoes according to the provisions of the patient’s existing plan. If patients want to confirm their coverage they should contact customer services at 780-498-8000 (Edmonton) or toll free at 1-800-661-6995.
How do I claim my orthotics Alberta Blue Cross?
If you’re a health service provider, please contact Health Provider Services at 780-498-8083 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-588-1195 (toll free). You can submit your claim and upload your supporting documentation online.
Are orthotics covered by Alberta Health Care?
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
Alberta Residents with valid AB Healthcare under the age of 65: AADL will cover 75% of the cost of the orthosis. The patient portion is 25% to a maximum of $500/year.
Who can prescribe orthotics in Alberta?
Most private insurance policies cover functional orthotics prescribed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or a Medical Doctor. The amount of coverage from your insurance company will vary from policy to policy.
Are orthotics covered?
Most insurance companies cover some, if not all of the cost of orthotics when they are deemed medically necessary. Some plans may also cover Orthopaedic shoes, bracing, and compression garments, as needed. It is best to call you insurance company or check their website to note the coverage that is available to you.
Why aren’t orthotics covered by insurance?
Currently Medicare interprets custom orthotics as a preventive service and therefore does not cover the custom item, unless it is an integral part of a brace. Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts annually, but only if the patient meets strict requirements.
Do you need a prescription for orthotics?
As with shoes, you’ll need to get a prescription from a medical doctor stating the specific diagnosis. It’s best if they give a reason other than “foot pain,” as this may not be enough to ensure coverage.
How much do custom orthotics cost in Alberta?
Functional orthotics cost in the range of $595 — $649. Fees received for the orthotics cover the scanning (casting) process, the biomechanical exam, laboratory fees, shipping and handling, etc. Your custom scanned (molded) orthotics will be sent from the Laboratory to your Doctor in approximately 2 – 3 weeks time.
Is a podiatrist covered in Alberta?
Podiatry (foot care)
Some podiatry services are covered under the AHCIP, but not outside Alberta: partial coverage for some podiatry services under the basic podiatry program, to a maximum of $250 per benefit year (July 1 to June 30) podiatrists can charge additional fees for these services.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist in Alberta?
Do I need a referral from my family physician to see a podiatrist? No. Although many patients are referred by their physician, a referral is not necessary. You can simply contact a podiatrist’s office directly and make an appointment at your convenience.
How much should I pay for custom orthotics?
$200 to $800
Custom orthotics run anywhere from $200 to $800, but you’ll also need to factor in other costs. This includes the associated office visits required to fabricate your orthotics as well as the cost to replace the top surfaces when they wear out. Resurfacing a pair of orthotic inserts can cost $50 to $100.
What are the 3 types of orthotics?
There are three common types of orthotics known as soft, rigid, and semi-rigid. Soft orthotics are made to provide extra cushioning while the foot is planted on the ground. Semi-rigid orthotics, which are often used on flat feet, are designed to provide both cushioning and stability.
Are foot orthotics covered by insurance?
For short-term use, over-the-counter orthotics are considered medically required. Customized orthotics, on the other hand, are not covered by insurance, even if they are for a long period, insurance sometimes cover the 10 to 50% of the cost. Custom orthotics are the best for many conditions.
How do I get orthotics covered?
Must go to a podiatrist, chiropodist, pedorthist, chiropractor, or orthotist Required Claim Documentation General Claim Submission Form Prescription from an authorized health care professional. Does the prescription include the medical diagnosis for which you were prescribed the custom orthotic?
Do podiatrists recommend orthotics?
Orthotics are used for correcting foot deformities, providing ankle support, and promoting better foot or ankle function, among other important purposes. Although orthotics can be purchased in stores, podiatrists (foot doctors) highly recommend custom orthotics, as these are designed to fit your feet perfectly.
What are the disadvantages of orthotics?
5 Common Concerns About Orthotics Explained
- ORTHOTICS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE. The range of numbers that people pluck out of the air is incredible.
- ORTHOTICS DON’T WORK.
- I DON’T WANT TO USE ORTHOTICS FOREVER.
- I DON’T WANT MY FEET TO BECOME WEAK.
- I LIKE MY SHOES AND DON’T WANT TO CHANGE THEM.
How much do orthotics cost without insurance?
How Much Do Custom Orthotics Cost? The cost of custom orthotics typically ranges between $300 and $600. Tip: Check with your medical insurance provider to see how much, if any, coverage they provide for custom orthotics.
Are custom orthotics really worth it?
Custom orthotics are an investment that pay your body back exponentially over time and helps save you money long-term. Non-custom orthotics, while cheaper, are often made with unreliable and lower quality material, are not designed to fix your specific issues, forcing you to spend more money to find relief.
Is there an alternative to orthotics?
An inexpensive alternative to orthotics that does not risk weakening the arch is to prescribe varus and valgus posts that do not support the arch in any way.
Can orthotics do more harm than good?
Choosing the wrong insole can also redistribute the bodyweight so while your foot pain may be alleviated, suddenly you can’t bend your feet with ease, or your ankles have started to hurt. The wrong insoles can create new injuries because of the impact of OTC insoles on the function of your ankles and feet.
Why do orthotics cost so much?
Unlike over-the-counter insoles, which are generic and can be easily purchased by walking into a store, different types of custom orthotics are specially designed to fit a particular foot and address specific foot conditions. Because of this, they tend to be more expensive compared to over-the-counter orthotics.