Blog posts about orhotics, orthotic appointments, design, etc.
The Referral: Why You Need One
It all starts with the referral, or at least it should. The referral from your Doctor, Physiotherapist, or other qualified health professional sets the tone for things to come. There a few reasons as to why the referral is so important, here are the keys ones in our opinion.
- An independent referral means that at least two health professionals have agreed that trying orthotic therapy may be a good idea for you (the Doctor and the provider). This addresses the number one fear that most people have, being sold something they don’t need.
- The referral allows your orthotic device to be considered “medical” and eligible for zero rated tax (in some jurisdictions), to be claimed as a medical expense (again in some jurisdictions).
- Any kind of reimbursement through your health insurance plan will require the referral as part of the submission process. Some insurance plans can be particular about who they define as a Referring Professional.
- Your provider should require the referral to even make the orthotics for you. Be wary of any clinic that will give you “custom” orthotics without requiring a referral.
Sometimes this process works from both ends, and there times where that makes sense. You may be receiving a referral and recommendation to pursue orthotic therapy when it was something that you hadn’t previously considered. Or you may already know about orthotics from a friend or personal experience and you are the one asking your Referring Medical Professional for a referral if they think it is a good idea for you.
Either way you are getting the advice of that Professional on you way to meeting with at least another. The next step will be getting to know a little bit more about your Referring Professional.
Series: All About Orthotics
This post serves as an introduction of sorts to a series of posts that we are dedicating specifically to the subject of foot orthotics. Our goal in this series is to discuss the creation and use of orthotics in the most honest language possible. This will include everything from the initial Doctor’s referral, to choosing a clinic, and how orthotics are made. By the end you will be well equipped to choose the clinic you want to go to and have a good set of expectations as to what to expect, and what you deserve.
Just a few bits of disclosure before we get started. First, all of the authors of this blog are Canadian Certified Pedorthists. We intend to give the most neutral advice possible, but thought you should all know our point of view. Second, we are based in Canada, so a lot of the advise will be slanted that way, especially as it relates to Referrals and Insurance plans. Whenever possible we will try to include research from other countries.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Orthotics
