Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?
Short answer - Podiatrists can do bone surgery. Chiropodists cannot do bone surgery and are limited to soft tissue surgery.
Long answer - Currently in Ontario, there are no podiatry licenses being issued. There are Podiatrists in Ontario but if you find one, they studied outside of Ontario and have been practicing in Ontario since before 1993. In 1993, the Ontario government decided to no longer issue podiatry licences and made the shift to chiropody licenses only. If a person studies in the USA to become a Podiatrist and then they come to Ontario, they become licensed as a Chiropodist, unless they came to Canada before 1993. The two professions are very similar but a Podiatrist can cut into bone and a Chiropodist cannot. Both professionals are regulated health professionals in Ontario.
My insurance has strict criteria for custom foot orthotics. What paperwork do you provide?
If custom orthotics are prescribed by the chiropodist, you are provided with all the necessary documentation at your fitting appointment, at which you pick up your orthotics. The following is included in the paperwork:
- date of examination
- date of dispensing/pick-up
- date paid
- medical diagnosis
- materials used to make the orthotics
- casting technique
- gait analysis & biomechanical examination
- name and address of the lab that fabricated the orthotics - lab invoice
Do you do direct billing?
Bowmanville Foot & Orthotic Clinic does not do direct billing. You are required to pay upfront for your appointments and submit to your insurance provider.
Are services covered by OHIP?
No. Bowmanville Foot & Orthotic Clinic is a private practice and there is no funding through OHIP for the service provided here.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to make an appointment. Most insurance companies will cover the appointment without a referral. Keep in mind every insurance policy is different and there are some policies that require a referral. The best place to inquire is with your insurance provider to be sure.
Will my insurance cover the treatment?
Every insurance policy is different. If you have coverage for other paramedical services such as chiropractic and massage then you likely have some coverage for chiropody services. Again, the best place to inquire is your insurance provider.
Does a chiropodist do pedicures?
Pedicures are considered a cosmetic service. Chiropodists provide medical treatment of nail and skin concerns, including nail care, corns and calluses to promote healthy, pain-free feet. Seeing a chiropodist for your nail and skin care gives you confidence that your overall foot health will be addressed in a safe and clean environment using the highest level of infection control standards. It could be called a medical pedicure but don't expect a foot soak and a foot rub!