Custom orthotics in Ottawa: what the 3D scan and fitting actually involves

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made from a scan of your own feet, rather than picked off a shelf. At Sandy Hill Wellness the foot exam and the scan happen here in the clinic, and the orthotics themselves are made by a lab. Here is the whole process, including the one insurance detail that catches people out.

When people ask about them

Usually when their feet are part of what is bothering them. Recurring foot or heel discomfort with walking or standing. Tired feet after long days at work, commuting or on campus. Pressure or overloaded areas inside their shoes. Or movement and alignment concerns as part of a broader care plan.

Not everyone needs orthotics. They are recommended case by case, only when the assessment shows they are appropriate.

Check your insurance first, and watch the dates

This is the part worth doing before you book.

There are two separate pieces, usually covered under two different parts of your plan. The assessment is a chiropractic examination with Dr. Roy, billed as chiropractic. If your plan covers chiropractic care, it usually covers this, and you do not need a referral or a prescription to see a chiropractor. The orthotics are billed separately under orthotics, which most plans treat as its own category with its own limit.

Three questions to ask your insurer: does my plan require a prescription for custom orthotics, who can prescribe and dispense them under my plan, and is pre approval required.

If you do need a prescription, get it from your family doctor before your visit. It has to include a diagnosis, not just a symptom, and it has to be dated before your scan. Insurers will not cover orthotics if the scan was done before the prescription date. That is the detail that costs people their claim, and it cannot be fixed afterwards.

International students, UHIP generally covers medical services only, so check your student union health plan for orthotic coverage.

Three visits

Assessment and scan, 45 minutes

History, foot and lower limb exam, gait and posture analysis and, when appropriate, a 3D scan. Your orthotics are then ordered from the lab.

Fitting, about 2 to 3 weeks later

Your orthotics are delivered, the fit is checked, and you get wear and break in instructions.

Follow up, 4 to 6 weeks later

Included, along with any adjustments within 60 days of your fitting.

What to bring to the first visit

Your prescription if your insurance requires one. The shoes you wear most often. Any previous orthotics. Shorts.

What it costs

The assessment is $110 and custom orthotics are $475 per pair.

You pay $310 at your first visit, which includes the assessment, and $275 at your fitting.

At your fitting you receive an itemized receipt plus the documents insurers usually ask for: assessment summary, scan method and lab invoice. You submit those to your plan yourself.

Booking

Orthotic assessments are booked online, or call the clinic at 613 714 5288. We are at 323 Chapel St. in Sandy Hill, main floor, steps from the University of Ottawa.