Frequently asked questions – faq
1. Do I need referral from my family doctor?
No, referrals are not required to be seen at our clinic. You can make an appointment directly by calling us at Canadian Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre Phone Number 905-346-0222. Optionally, you may ask your family physician to write a referral to effectively communicate their recommendations. Doctor Referral Forms are available to local doctors by request or by printing directly from our website.
2. Are your services covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately no. We operate on a fee-for-service basis. Our services may be covered by your extended health insurance provided by your employer’s plan or spouse’s plan. Podiatrists who entered practice prior to 1993 can “balance bill” OHIP, however this is a fee they charge to OHIP over-and-above your fee so this really represents no savings to you, and in fact makes it more difficult for you to receive coverage from plans that may require that you exhaust your OHIP podiatry coverage before they will pay. Fortunately, Michael Mesic DPM entered practice in Ontario after 1993 and does not balance bill OHIP, making coverage by your extended benefits provider more likely and less complicated.
3. Can I assume your services are covered by my Extended Health Insurance?
No. All plans differ in coverage and we urge you to check your benefits booklet under Paramedical services or by calling your extended insurance provider to determine eligibility for our services. Custom orthotics may be under a separate category such as Orthopedic Supplies or Medical Equipment. It is important to determine the amount of coverage, yearly maximum coverage and frequency of coverage for items such as custom orthotics and orthopedic shoes, surgery and routine foot care.
4. Are shoes (orthopedic footwear) covered? Do you provide “free shoes” with your custom orthotics?
You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they cover custom orthopedic footwear or modified orthopedic footwear which differs greatly in price and construction. Custom footwear is made from an impression of your foot and are costly, typically reserved for only those with severe foot deformities. Orthopedic footwear typically has specific features for your foot condition such as a deeper toe box with fewer seams and can accommodate custom orthotics. Orthopedic footwear is not custom made and is ordered based on your foot measurements with many styles to choose from. We do not partake in enticements occasionally seen from some orthotic providers such as “free shoes” with your custom orthotic purchase and feel this is an unethical practice. We strive to provide you with what is needed for your foot condition.
5. What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, Debit, Visa and Mastercard.
6. Is your office wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately no. Our clinic is located within an old modified century home. There are only two steps up to our clinic. Code does not allow us to place a wheelchair ramp on premises.
We do offer limited free parking in a lot behind our clinic. Roadside parking is also available nearby if our lot is full.
We operate by appointment only and prefer that you call our office directly at Canadian Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre Phone Number 905-346-0222 to book. We value your time and strive to run an efficiently run practice where your wait time is minimal to none. To expedite your visit, please print out our New Patient Form and fill it in completely prior to your first visit.
9. What can I expect on my first visit?
After completing our New Patient Form, your medical history and foot complaint are reviewed by our foot specialist. We urge you to bring in any x-rays (films or CD) that may have previously been taken of your feet as well as any reports. Your foot and ankle will be examined and a gait analysis and shoe evaluation may be performed if warranted. After assessing your foot problem, various treatment options will be presented and tailored to your individual needs. We will try to answer any questions you may have during the course of treatment. We feel the patient is the captain of their own foot health and we are here to help steer you in the right direction based on our training and expertise.
10. How do you clean your instruments?
Our instruments are individually wrapped and sterilized on-site in a steam sterilizer (called an autoclave) to kill infectious organisms to ensure patient safety. Hard surfaces are wiped down using disinfectants. Each treatment room is cleaned thoroughly between patients and each patient is provided with a disposable foot towel. We abide by the Infection Control Standards of Practice which include daily and weekly testing of equipment to ensure sterility. Your safety and comfort are a priority.
11. What is a Podiatrist or Chiropodist?
Michael Mesic DPM was educated as a podiatrist in the United States but Ontario has not registered podiatrists since 1993 due to the Ontario Podiatry Cap, thus he is registered as a chiropodist and practises under the Ontario Chiropody Act. Although trained to do so, he does not currently perform bone surgery in Ontario.
These terms are not interchangeable. Both are foot specialists trained to different levels. Chiropody education is obtained through a 3 year diploma level course taught at the Michener Institute in Toronto which currently requires a baccalaureate degree for admission . Podiatrists are educated in the United States at the doctorate level, often including surgical training through a hospital based residency program, totaling 8 to 12 years. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is a highly trained specialist in care of the feet. Podiatrists are one of six primary care professions, authorized by Ontario Law to communicate their diagnosis to patients. Podiatrists are concerned with the examination, diagnosis and prevention of foot disorders by mechanical, surgical and other means of treatment. After 1993, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine entering Ontario have been required to register as chiropodists and practice according to the Ontario Chiropody Act of 1991. Podiatrists are often called upon by physicians and other health care professionals for consultation and treatment of foot problems which can be experienced by everyone from children to seniors. A referral from your family physician, however, is not required to see a Podiatrist.
12. What training do those educated as podiatrists undergo?
Most podiatrists have taken at least eight years of university level education before beginning to practice as a podiatrist. Most students entering a College of Podiatric Medicine today, have a Bachelor of Science or higher degree in science. In addition, they must achieve the required results in the medical school entrance exam known as Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) designed for medical doctors. The podiatry course takes four years at an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine in the United States. Students study courses in all the basic medical sciences with the emphasis, in the final two years, on disorders affecting the feet and various types of treatment. These courses are coordinated with clinical training in universities and hospitals and, upon completion, graduates obtain a degree of “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine” (D.P.M.). Comprehensive Board exams as well as provincial licensing exams must then be passed before being licensed to practise. Internship for residency, performed at both hospitals and private clinics, are chosen by many podiatrists for advanced post-graduate training in orthopedics and surgery. Some podiatrists have taken anywhere from 1 to 3 years of additional training in foot surgery. In addition, continuing education courses keep podiatrists up to date regarding new developments in podiatric medicine and foot surgery.