Many patients ask the question why my insurance doesn’t cover this. This can be anything from surgery, orthotics or x-rays. What is even more confusing is that you may know someone who has the same insurance as you and they had that particular benefit covered.

The benefits that are covered under a particular medical plan are most often determined by the employer who is offering the medical plan. Your employer carves out a plan that they feel suits the needs of both the company and the employee. There are many factors that determine the benefits and riders the employer chooses including but not limited to the line of work and the cost of the benefits. 

1st Essential :FOOT SIZE. Your foot size changes throughout your life and an improper fit can often lead to discomfort. Aetrex footwear comes in multiple widths and offers unique features that help provide a comfortable, customized fit.

2nd Essential:Arch type-Low, Medium, or High. Identifying your arch type is as important as your foot size.  Aetrex shoes and orthotics can be integrated to provide optimal comfort for your specific arch type.

3rd Essential: Pressure Points. Customized comfort requires a pressure free environment in your shoes. With Aetrex orthotics and Mozaic Customization, specific pressure points can be quickly relieved to help ensure maximum comfort.

Schedule an appointment today with our Certified Pedorthist and receive a FREE digital scan of your feet and be on your way to customized comfort!

Imagine calling a doctor’s office for the first time and being greeted with an enthusiastic voice from a smiling, happy receptionist.  It happens every day at Family Foot & Ankle Specialist. In a world where customer service seems to be deteriorating along with the economy and consumer expectations, one podiatry practice sees this as an opportunity to stand apart from the rest and set new standards in healthcare customer service.

 “I have never been to an office where the staff is so happy and efficient.”  This is a phrase that is commonly heard in the office even on the busiest of days.  Each member of the staff is expertly trained in their respective area, as well as cross-trained to maintain a smooth flow and a stress free environment for each and every patient. They work seamlessly with the doctors to ensure the patient has a pleasant experience as well as receives the best medical care possible.  From cleaning the snow off of your car, to explaining how your insurance plan works, Family Foot & Ankle Specialists will go above and beyond to make you feel special and that you are ALL that matters during your visit.

When going through your benefits paper work you may come upon terms such as Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account and be unsure exactly what these terms mean or the difference between them.

A Flexible Spending Account or FSA is an option provided by some employers that allows you to set money aside for medical expenses and reduces your amount of taxable income.

You would choose an amount of pre-tax dollars to be set aside from your paycheck each pay period; this may be a set dollar amount or a percentage of your paycheck. You then may use this money for health related expenses through out the year, such as co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions etc. Some employers offer a FSA card that acts as a credit card. Others may require you save your receipts and submit them to your benefits administrator or the third party administrator handling your account.

It is important to note that with an FSA you will have a year to utilize these funds. This may be a plan year or a calendar year. Some employers have grace periods of 30, 60 or 90 days after the end of the year of which you can utilize these funds. However, once the year has passed and your grace period is over, any funds remaining in the account will be forfeited. This is why it is important to select an amount of holdings that will meet your needs. Also, the IRS does not allow medical expenses paid with your FSA to be claimed as a tax deduction.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) were enacted by the Medicare bill signed by President Bush in 2003. This allows individuals with approved high deductibles health plans (HDHP) to save for medical expenses on a tax free basis. There are minimum deductible requirements and maximum contributions limits. If you are eligible, you can use these savings to pay for your medical expenses or those of your spouse or dependents. You can find out more information about FSA’s and HSA’s on the IRS. The Department of the Treasury also has a direct link to information about HSAs on its web site.

By: Sarah Avilleira

http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf

A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. As the bump gets bigger, it causes the big toe to turn in toward the second toe. The tissues around the joint may be swollen and tender.
You may get bunions if:
 The way your foot is shaped puts too much pressure on your big toe joint. Because bunions can run in families, some experts believe that the inherited shape of the foot makes some people more likely to get them.
 Your foot rolls inward too much when you walk.
 You have flat feet.
 You often wear shoes that are too tight.
All of these may put pressure on the big toe joint. Over time, the constant pressure forces the big toe out of alignment, bending it toward the other toes.

To help our patients get relief from bunion pain we would most likely recommend, wearing wider shoes, orthotics, foot pads, oral anti-Inflammatories, and injections. Our doctors are all qualified to perform same day procedures, which will have our patients comfortable in just a few weeks.

Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification and fit of footwear, including orthoses, to alleviate problems caused by disease, congenital condition, overuse, or injury. Through pedorthics, shoes and foot orthoses can become therapeutic tools addressing a variety of common or complex foot problems in a conservative, non-surgical way.

Orthotics and Corrective Shoes can help to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, diabetes feet, ankle pain, and much more.  The results from implementing orthotics or corrective shoes into someone's life is incredible.