Denied Custom Orthotics

[buntatog]

Hello. I am an anesthesiology resident who has flat feet. After starting my residency in anethesiology where working longgggg hours in the OR has finally made me not able to cope with my feet pain.

I posted this in the anesthesiology forum. I was hoping that you guys could help me, or give me some direction. Thanks again.

My previous post:

So after years of dealing with my flat feet, using OTC orthotics, I finally went to a good podiatrist to get fitted for custom orthotics. X-rays were done, which showed severe flat feet on both my feet with degenerative changes on my left foot. 3 weeks later, I get a letter in the mail from my health insurance company denying my claim for no proof of at least 3 months medical treatment for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis/heel pain syndrome. I mean the imaging says it all, i have flat feet and medical management won't cut it. I've been working in the OR rigorously since July, so now the pain is really hitting me. It's really sad that a resident who works crazy hours for patients in need can't even get the due treatment to continue working without pain. It just doesn't make any sense, and I have really lost faith in this health care system. I can appeal, but I foresee this as a long and arduous process. Any advice? Thanks!

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[krabmas]

Hello. I am an anesthesiology resident who has flat feet. After starting my residency in anethesiology where working longgggg hours in the OR has finally made me not able to cope with my feet pain.

I posted this in the anesthesiology forum. I was hoping that you guys could help me, or give me some direction. Thanks again.

My previous post:

So after years of dealing with my flat feet, using OTC orthotics, I finally went to a good podiatrist to get fitted for custom orthotics. X-rays were done, which showed severe flat feet on both my feet with degenerative changes on my left foot. 3 weeks later, I get a letter in the mail from my health insurance company denying my claim for no proof of at least 3 months medical treatment for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis/heel pain syndrome. I mean the imaging says it all, i have flat feet and medical management won't cut it. I've been working in the OR rigorously since July, so now the pain is really hitting me. It's really sad that a resident who works crazy hours for patients in need can't even get the due treatment to continue working without pain. It just doesn't make any sense, and I have really lost faith in this health care system. I can appeal, but I foresee this as a long and arduous process. Any advice? Thanks!

I would certainly start the appeals process just to get the ball rolling. It might take less than the 3 months needed to wait for "treatment".

What kind of shoes are you wearing? a rigid soled shoe with a built in arch support like dansko's may help.

What type of OTC orthotics were you using previously?

This is not a place to ask for medical advice, so this may be crossing the line a bit.

 

[347932]

Unfortunately, due to many past doctors' abuse of prescribing custom orthotics for just about anything that walked through their doors, most insurance companies do not cover these needed devices.

If you read your insurance coverage book, it may even specify that they don't cover "flat feet" and usually there is a specific line in the document referring to orthotics as preventative treatment, therefore not covered.

You will most likely have to get them as an out of pocket expense. IN the state I practice in, only 2 insurances cover them which represents only 0.1% of the population.

Sadly, one generation's abuse means the rest of you get left out.