Orthotics FAQs

A. Often you will have to go up one shoe size from your usual size to accommodate the brace. They have been designed to accommodate braces. We can offer you a selection of shoes or you can fit at a local store like Saxons, Nordstrom’s or Red Wing. Many New Balance shoes have removable inserts that will accommodate the in the shoe brace.
A. Many variables come into play with regard to a device’s useful life. Factors such as patient weight, activity level and the style of foot orthotic must be considered. Generally, the more rigid the device the longer it will last. A rigid plastic device may last 2-3 years although the top-cover material may not. A soft device, such as one made for a diabetic patient, may last less than one year.
A. Yes, your body needs time to adapt to the new device and the corrections they are imposing on your feet. You are breaking in your feet to the orthotics, not the orthotics to your feet. Not following the break in schedule or overuse may aggravate your current symptoms or cause new aches or pains.
A. Your Physician determines the medical necessity of the device they are prescribing. Our role is to fit you with the appropriate device based on your diagnosis and the doctor’s prescription. Your Physician will prescribe a device to treat your condition: for protection, immobilization, support, increase comfort and/or to promote healing.
A. You must have a prescription from a physician in order to get an Orthosis, foot orthotics, or repairs to an existing device. Most physicians need to have seen you in the past 6 months before they will write a prescription. We are able to work with you and your physician to request a prescription if you have seen them recently.
A. No. All of our devices are for made or fit to you as a one-time use. We encourage you to donate or your gently used devices to Physicians for Peace or other charitable organization. Or, you may dispose of it as you like.

 

Diabetic Shoes & Inserts /Medicare Therapeutic Shoes

A. While any doctor write a prescription for diabetic shoes & inserts ONLY your Physician who is treating you for your Diabetes can complete the certificate of medical necessity for the therapeutic shoes and document the need in your medical records. The shoes and inserts must be prescribed by a podiatrist or other qualified doctor and provided by a Certified Podiatrist, Orthotist, or Pedorthist.
A. Medicare will cover ONE of the following per calendar year based on your medical necessity: 
One pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts OR
One pair of custom molded shoes (including inserts) and two additional pairs of inserts. This option is only available if you cannot wear depth-inlay shoes due to a foot deformity.

In certain cases, Medicare may also cover separate inserts or shoe modifications instead of inserts.
Medicare will not cover deluxe features: A deluxe feature is one that does not contribute to the shoe's therapeutic function - for example, a custom style, color or custom material.

A.

1. Need to have one of the following condition along with Diabetes

    a. Previous amputation of the other foot, or part of either foot, or
    b. History of previous foot ulceration of either foot, or
    c. History of pre-ulcerative calluses of either foot, or
    d. Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation of either foot, or
    e. Foot deformity of either foot, or
    f. Poor circulation in either foot

2. You need to see one of the following doctors to get a prescription within the last 6 months:

    a. Endocrinologist
    b. Podiatrist
    c. Or a doctor that is treating both Diabetes and the patients’ feet

3. Prescription is done

4. Call for appointment 804-649-9043

5. One of Powell’s Orthotist will come to the site to do the initial evaluation

6. Once we have all documentation we will schedule delivery appointment at Powell facility

Process for Diabetic Shoes (PDF)