Custom Orthotics Cost

Custom orthotics cost anywhere from $200-$800 depending a number of factors, including materials used, your location, type of custom orthotics, among others. 

Types of Orthotics and Their Cost

There are wide varieties of orthotics, each with its own cost. For example, orthotics can be categorized into prefabricated (typically mass-produced) custom-made (orthotics made for specific foot and ankle conditions), and semi-custom (orthotics with prefabricated bases). The cost of these orthotics then depends on their function and capacity.

Prefabricated/Over-the-counter (OTC) Orthotics

Price: $30-$100

Prefabricated orthotics are typically mass-produced and can be found in drug stores, pharmacies, sports stores, and retail outlets. They offer basic support, and you do not need a doctor's prescription to buy them. Because they do not require customization, they are usually cheaper. You can find a prefabricated orthotic for as low as $30, but some can be as high as $100 or more – depending on the quality of the material used.

In-person podiatrist Custom-Made Orthotics

Price: $300-$1000

Custom-made orthotics differ from prefabricated ones because of the molding process. First, a medical professional assesses your condition — typically focusing on your foot and ankle, but can address your neck, hip, knees, and back, and then prescribes the orthotics.

Then, an image of your foot is captured. There are several ways to do this: casting, foam box, or 3D capturing. The casting method involves using plaster to take a mold of your feet or ankle. The foam box method involves inserting your foot into a soft foam box. The 3D imagery involves using a machine to capture several images of your foot from different angles and then combining them into a single image.

Because you need to go into a podiatrist office to get this impression done, the doctor has a lot of fixed costs such as office space, receptionists, electricity bill, etc. That ends up getting passed on to you, which is why if you live in a expensive part of town, you can often pay upwards of $1200. 

Online Podiatrist Made Orthotics

Price: $150-$300

These orthotics are often the exact same product that you would get at the podiatrist office, just without the price tag. The orthotics them selves are still made at top clinics and prescribed by podiatrists, just without the expensive overhead a doctors office may have. For example, Stride Soles sells custom orthotics made in Germany by award winning podiatrists at just $199. 

Factors Influencing the Cost of Orthotics

Several factors influence the cost of orthotics. They are:

1. Orthotic Types: Prefabricated orthotics are typically less expensive than custom-made orthotics. This is because prefabricated devices are mass-produced, more accessible, and can be gotten without a medical prescription. Custom orthotics are more expensive because they require customisation, ensuring that the device fits better with the foot or ankle condition.

2. Quality: Orthotics made from high-quality materials like medical-grade plastic and EVA foam are typically more expensive than orthotics made from low-quality materials. Even prefabricated orthotics can be pricy if made from high-grade materials.

3. Professional Fees: Beyond the orthotic molding process, patients have to contend with consultation, diagnosis, measurement, fitting, adjustment, and modification costs. Even if an orthotic device is cheap, patients may pay considerable out-of-pocket costs, especially if they do not use an insurance provider.

4. Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage impacts out-of-pocket payment for orthotics, helping patients afford rather expensive devices while paying as little as possible. Insurance companies like Medicare cover the cost of orthotics, but only under specific conditions. Beyond Medicare, many other insurance companies cover orthotics costs if the applicant and conditions qualify for coverage. Typically, insurance coverage for orthotics comes under specific conditions:

• A healthcare provider must prescribe the orthotic for specific medical conditions.

• The insurer should approve the healthcare provider and orthotic manufacturer and agree to the insurer’s billing conditions.

Note: Each insurer has an elaborate set of rules for orthotics coverage. Contact yours to find out if you are eligible for it.

Conclusion

The cost of orthotics varies widely, depending on the type, the material used, the customization process, consultation, fitting, and even replacement. Before buying an orthotic device, you should visit a medical professional to ascertain your condition and diagnose the deformity or issue. After diagnosis, you will be informed if an orthotic will help with the condition or not, and what type of orthotics to get.

Beyond the price, you must ensure that you purchase orthotics that are durable, long-lasting, and will truly help your condition.