Hollow feet, flat feet, Achilles tendinitis or even foot pain are pathologies that wearing orthopedic insoles can relieve. Made by an orthopedist-orthotist or by a podiatrist after molding the foot, until now they could only be prescribed by a doctor. But a law from May 2023 changed the prescription methods. Find out which healthcare professionals can now prescribe orthopedic insoles.
1. When should orthopedic insoles be prescribed?
Orthopedic insoles are custom-made plantar orthoses, after molding the foot. They are made by a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon. Their prescription responds to a need to correct the support of the foot in the event of an imbalance observed. These supports can be unbalanced due to flat feet, hollow feet, tendinitis of the Achilles tendon, moderate inequality in the length of the lower limbs, claw toes or even hallux valgus for example. Wearing orthopedic insoles makes it possible to correct mild or moderate problems in the ankle and foot. It is a non-invasive solution, unlike surgery, and relatively simple to implement. On the other hand, orthopedic insoles alone are not enough in cases of severe plantar disorders. Anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, or even surgery may then be necessary.
2. The new legislation on orthopedic insole prescribers
Until May 19, 2023, you had to go through your doctor to be prescribed a pair of orthopedic insoles. The doctor was in fact the only professional authorized to write you a prescription for foot orthotics. The Rist law of May 19, 2023 has shaken up the situation, informs the Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity. Indeed, the Rist law, or law no. 2023-379 of May 19, 2023 improving access to care through trust in health professionals, modifies the list of potential prescribers of orthopedic insoles, specifies Légifrance. The idea of this law is to facilitate the care pathway given the shortage of doctors in certain regions of France.
Promulgated on May 19, 2023 and published in the Official Journal on May 20, 2023, the Rist law now allows you to make an appointment directly with a podiatrist if you suffer from a foot problem. Not only will the podiatrist carry out a podiatric assessment, but if he deems it necessary, he is now authorized to issue you a prescription for the creation of orthopedic insoles by him. It is important to note that the prescription for orthopedic insoles gives the same right to reimbursement, whether it is written by your doctor or your podiatrist.
Sources
- Law No. 2023-379 of May 19, 2023 improving access to care through trust in health professionals, Légifrance
- Law of May 19, 2023 improving access to care through trust in health professionals, Public life, May 22, 2023
- What is the cost of a consultation?, National Order of Chiropodists-Chiropodists