Fit to Walk
Clinic Phone/Fax: 519 843-7979
Text only (mobile): 519 830-3285
By Appointment, or walk in.
Patient Resources //
Fit to Walk is a service oriented company. Optimum service can be provided when the pedorthist who performs the evaluation, is also the individual who manufactures the orthotics and is capable of making adjustments on-site! Orthotic providers who use third party labs do not have that advantage, and therefore have to communicate the manufacturing requirements to the lab. The orthotic provider often does not know who is making orthotics for his patients. Not all pedorthists manufacture on-site, and ones who do make orthotics at a location away from the clinic, often
do not have the equipment at the clinic to make changes to the orthotics, or tweaks for better fitting in footwear. At Fit to Walk we do have the equipment and expertise to give you a guaranteed initial fit. Part of the process of making an orthotic comfortable to wear, while retaining functionality of the orthotic is the cast modification. Casts are often taken non or semi-weight bearing. A weight bearing foot will flatten and the soft tissues will splay out. This has to be partially compensated for through the cast modification. A modified cast, will often produce a better fitting orthotic and better wearing compliance. In a nutshell: The pedorthist at Fit to Walk will be involved in every step of the process to serve you better.
Commonly asked questions //
I have a prescription or a referral from a medical or allied health professional. What's next?
Just make an appointment for a bio-mechanical evaluation. We will review
your condition to make recommendations that will work for you.
What is a biomechanical evaluation?
We will review your primary condition, your history and life style. We will check your range of motion, alignment walking gait and take some measurements. A record of this will be created and used in reference to create an orthotic device, footwear modification or adjustment. A 3-d impression may be taken in preparation of producing a plaster cast.
What happens during an orthotic fitting appointment?
When you come in for your fitting, your custom-made foot orthotics will be fitted to your footwear. We will check if the fit is comfortable enough for long term use. The initial fit is guaranteed. Minor adjustments can be made on-site while you wait to tweak the fit. Following fitting there will be a follow up visit arranged for you to come in and give feedback on the results. There may be other follow-up visits if required. Follow- up and adjustments are included for a period of up to one year. Turn around time for orthotic fabrication is just a few days in our facility, since fabrication is on-site. On-site fabrication gives us a big advantage in that we can make adjustments to the orthotic fit while you wait. Orthotics with plastic shells can be refurbished, if they are still functional long term. Repeat orthotics can be made from the plaster cast that you receive during your fitting later on at a reduced cost.
What information do I need to send or keep on file for
my insurance company when I make a claim?
You will need to send your paid in full sales receipt, your prescription, a cover letter, the biomechanical evaluation/gait analysis and claim form. Your prescription will have to state what it is that you are being fitted with (e.g. custom-made orthotics) and a doctor's diagnosis. Most insurance companies only accept prescription's from medical doctors, chiropodists or podiatrists. Certified Canadian Pedorthists (C.Ped (C)) are approved providers (major insurance companies) of custom-made orthotics.
Check list for insurance claims //
- Insurance company claim form
-Sales receipt or a "PAID" invoice
-Presciption with a valid diagnosis. A valid diagnosis excludes a description of pain. A prescription that states "orthotics" only will likely be rejected.
-The date of the prescription should always precede the date of billing for your orthotic devices.
-A cover letter provided by the pedorthist which states what approved casting method was used, the materials used to manufacture the orthotics, and other important information.
- A copy of the biomechanical evaluation and gait analysis.
- Some insurance companies may require that your dispensing pedorthist is a registered provider which will have to indicated on the claim form.
-Some insurance companies may also require the pedorthist to provide additional information on the claim form.
-Always check with your insurance company what your coverage is. Inquire about your eligibility, the amount covered and period elapsed between repeats. Sometimes insurance companies will charge a deductible. Sometimes you are given a percentage of a maximum amount.
-Knowing what your insurance coverage and requirements are will avoid suprises. I you are billiing online, make sure you keep copies of everything in case you get audited.