Frequently Asked Footcare Questions in Edmonton
At the Associated Foot Clinic, we have received many frequently asked questions after our years of serving patients throughout the Edmonton area. We have collected some helpful answers and additional information that comes straight from our knowledgeable podiatrists.
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Are You Covered Under Alberta Health Care?
General Podiatry consultation has only partial coverage under Alberta Health Care. A co-pay will be charged upon your initial consultation. Any additional fees for future treatments will be discussed with your doctor. A surgical consultation, if accompanied by a referral to Dr. Richard Bochinski, is fully covered by Alberta Health Care.
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Is a Referral Required for an Appointment?
A referral is not required for a general podiatry consultation. You may contact the office directly at 780-452-1444 for an appointment. Patients seeking consultation for surgery to be performed in a hospital setting are required to have a referral from either their general practitioner, specialist or another podiatric physician.
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What Is the Fee for a Consultation?
The initial visit fee is $60.00 for a general podiatry consultation. Fees for any future visits or treatments will be discussed during the initial consultation.
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What Kind of Treatments Are Provided?
All medical, surgical and biomechanical treatments of the foot and ankle are provided. The doctors at the Associated Foot Clinic keep up to date on the latest treatments available for all conditions of the foot and ankle. The treatment which best suits the patient and their pathology will be presented during the initial consultation.
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Where Are You Located?
We are located directly north of West Edmonton Mall, across the street (90th Ave) in Westgate Medical Center. Enter at the Servus Credit Union Entrance and follow down the hall.
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Do You Make Orthotics?
The need for orthotics will be assessed by our doctors. If indicated, orthotics will be prescribed and highly accurate laser scan impressions will be performed. Fabrication of orthotics will take place in professional laboratories accredited by PFOLA (Prescription Foot Orthotics Laboratory Association).
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How Much Do Orthotics Cost?
The fee for custom made orthotics is $475.00 and is often covered by secondary insurance. Coverage may vary from one plan to another.
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Do You Do Surgery for Bunions?
Yes. Doctors at the Associated Foot Clinic have performed thousands of bunion correction surgeries ranging from the simple removal to complicated osteotomies (bone cuts) for advanced deformities. Surgery to correct bunions (hallux valgus) is often a part of a treatment plan which may include conservative measures such as foot orthotics and accommodative footwear. We are able to perform this either in our own accredited surgical facility or in a hospital setting.
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What Is the Cost for Surgery?
The cost for surgery performed in our surgical facility varies greatly depending upon the nature of the foot condition. Fees for surgery performed at the Associated Foot Clinic will be discussed at your initial consultation. Procedures performed in a hospital setting are covered fully by Alberta Health Care.
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Can You Bill My Private Insurance?
No. Direct billing by Podiatric Medical clinics is not permitted in the Province of Alberta. You will be provided with a receipt after payment, which can be used to submit for reimbursement from your insurance.
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Is There a Long Wait Time to Get an Appointment?
Wait time for a consultation varies from doctor to doctor and the time of the year. This may be from several days to several months.
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What Is Done on the Initial Consultation?
This varies depending upon the condition you are suffering from. Simple problems can be diagnosed and treated all on the initial consult. Other more complicated problems require further investigation which may include ordering of diagnostic studies. Follow-up visits may be recommended. Doctors at the Associated Foot Clinic strive to provide their patients with the speediest path to recovery from their foot and ankle condition.
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Is It Normal to Have Pain in the Foot or Ankle?
No, pain or discomfort is normal. It signals a problem that needs to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a specialist who fully understands this part of the body.
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If I Go to a Podiatric Physician, Does That Mean My Problem Will Be Treated Surgically?
No. In fact, foot and ankle surgeons are trained to make all reasonable efforts to treat foot and ankle problems non-surgically, if at all possible. Surgery is recommended only if other options are not feasible or do not adequately relieve your problem.
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Why Would I Need to See a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and tendons – that’s a complicated network of tissues! And feet get quite a workout. They hold us up, plus absorb the shock of each step we take. The way your foot is structured, the way it works and the way it affects other body areas (such as your back) add to its complexity. A foot and ankle surgeon has the in-depth knowledge to diagnose and treat conditions of this complex part of the body and works with your overall healthcare team to ensure you are receiving the care possible for your foot and ankle conditions.
