FAQ

No.

This is one of the most frequent questions.

In Ontario, no referral is required to see a chiropodist or podiatrist.

Patients often ask whether they need to see their family doctor first.

Routine chiropody and podiatry services are not covered by OHIP. Many private insurance plans cover assessments, treatments, and custom orthotics.

Chiropodists and podiatrists are both regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario to practice foot care in Ontario. The difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist in Ontario is determined by the country the chiropody or podiatry degree was awarded. If the chiropodist or podiatrist graduated from a podiatry school in  the United States before July 1993 then they are allowed to use the title podiatrist to practice in Ontario. US trained podiatrists licensed before July 1993 have an expanded scope of practice that includes forefoot bone surgery to surgically treat problems such as bunions and hammer toes.

Chiropodists or podiatrists trained in a podiatry school in Ontario or a commonwealth country can only use the title chiropodist. A podiatrist trained in the US after July 1993  can only use the title chiropodist. Ontario is the only jurisdiction differentiating use of title based on country of training. Historically all podiatrists were chiropodists. In the USA, the profession changed the name in 1960 from chiropodist to podiatrist because of the title chiropodist was being mistaken for chiropractor. In commonwealth countries,  the name changed from chiropodist to podiatrist in  1990. Unfortunately, in Ontario, this name change has not occurred.

Across Canada provincial regulations differ from province to province.

• British Columbia only allows US trained podiatrists to practice
• Alberta appears only to allow US trained podiatrists to practice
• Saskatchewan allows  Canadian, commonwealth and US trained podiatrists to use title podiatrist
• Quebec allows Quebec trained and US trained podiatrists to use title podiatrist
• New Brunswick allows  Canadian, commonwealth and US trained podiatrists to use title podiatrist
• NS, PEI and NFLD allows both Canadian, commonwealth and US trained podiatrists to use title podiatrist

Yes. Chiropodists and podiatrists are the primary prescribers of custom foot orthotics in Ontario. These are made from a 3D impression and a biomechanical assessment.

Yes. Regular diabetic foot assessments help prevent complications. We monitor circulation, sensation, skin integrity, and pressure points to keep your feet healthy and safe.

Yes. We offer both conservative care and minor surgical procedures performed under local anesthesia. Most patients feel relief immediately

Absolutely. Heel pain is one of the most common issues we treat. We look at the root cause — tissue overload, footwear, biomechanics, training volume — and build a plan that may include stretching, manual therapy, taping, laser therapy, or orthotics.

Yes. Treatment is safe and painless. We also address the underlying cause so the problem doesn’t keep coming back.

Yes. We assess flat feet, toe walking, in‑toeing/out‑toeing, growing pains, and gait concerns. Early guidance helps support healthy development.

Most first appointments are 30–45 minutes. Some issues resolve quickly; others improve over a short treatment plan. We’ll outline what to expect at your first visit.

an. We’ll outline what to expect at your first visit.

Book an appointment[/button] If you’re dealing with pain, changes in the way you walk, skin or nail concerns, or something that just doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help.

We do not bill insurance companies directly.

For this reason, please make sure that you have extended health benefits for any of the services we provide before you decide to go ahead with your treatment or order your custom foot orthotic.

We can provide you with a predetermination or quote for our more costly services such as nail surgery or custom foot orthotics.

Payment for your custom orthotics is made at the time that you are casted, and we provide all the documentation you need to submit your claim for insurance reimbursement.

Coverage for custom orthotics varies widely between insurance companies and employer benefit plans. Some plans require a prescription from your family doctor, while others accept prescriptions from a chiropodist or podiatrist. Some Insurers will require a Proof of Manufacture provided by the Orthotic Lab which accompanies  the orthotic devices when received by the chiropodist. Because every plan is different, we always recommend reviewing your benefits booklet or contacting your employer’s benefits department or your insurer before your appointment.

Understanding Extended Health Plans in Ontario

Extended health plans in Ontario come in many forms, but employer-sponsored plans are usually funded in one of two ways:

1. Fully Insured Plans

• Your employer pays premiums to an insurance company.
• The insurance company pays the claims.
• Coverage levels depend on the policy your employer purchased.

2. Self‑Funded (ASO – Administrative Services Only) Plans

• Your employer pays for employees’ claims directly.
• The insurance company only administers the plan.
• These plans may have stricter limits or lower reimbursement amounts.

These funding models affect how claims are approved and reimbursed, which is why two people with the same insurance provider can have very different coverage.