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 |  | Brace: $10-$2,000+ |  | Surgery: $20,000-$100,000+ |
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Flat feet are fairly common in children, and the problem often corrects itself as the child grows. In adults, flat feet can occur due to injury or degenerative changes. Flat feet typically do not require treatment unless they cause pain. In severe cases, surgery might be required.
Typical costs: | - For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for flat feet treatment consists of doctor visit copays and coinsurance of 10%-50% for procedures. Flat feet treatment is excluded by some health insurance plans. For example, Aetna plans[1] cover flat feet treatment only for children.
- For patients not covered by health insurance, flat feet treatment typically costs less than $200 for off-the-shelf orthotics or brace. Or, it can cost from $200-$2,000 for custom orthotics or a custom brace. If surgery is required, costs can reach $100,000 in severe cases. If imaging is required for diagnosis, that can add hundreds to $2,000 or more to the total cost.
- For example, for diagnosis, an X-ray can cost $100 -$1,000 or more, but the average cost of a foot X-ray[2] is $170, according to NewChoiceHealth.com. An MRI costs about $1,000-$5,000, and the average cost for an MRI of the foot[3] is about $1,500, and the average cost for a CT scan of the foot[4] is $1,100, according to NewChoiceHealth.com.
- Orthotics cost about $10 -$80 for off-the-shelf inserts or about $200-$800 for custom-made models.
- A brace can cost about $10 -$60 for an over-the-counter model -- or from $500-$2,000 or more for a custom-made brace. For example, FootSmart.com charges about $10-$60 for over-the-counter braces and supports[5] for flat feet. MMAR Medical Group charges about $500 for a custom-made Richie Brace[6] . Patients on a forum[7] at HealthBoards.com report costs of $1,000-$2,000 for a custom made Arizona Brace[8] .
- Surgery can cost about $20,000-$100,000 or more, depending on the severity of the condition and the specific procedure(s) required. For example, at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, in Nebraska, surgery[9] to correct flat feet costs more than $21,500, not including doctor fee, which can add several thousand dollars to the final bill. And Baptist Memorial Health Care[10] , in Memphis, charges about $22,200 on average for orthopedic surgery on the feet, without complications, not including doctor fee. Patients on a discussion forum[11] at HealthBoards.com report totals of up to $100,000 for both feet in severe cases that require major reconstruction.
Related articles: X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, Physical Therapy
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What should be included: | - A doctor will perform a physical exam and, in some cases, will order an MRI, CT Scan or X-ray to view the tendons and/or bones and determine the cause of the problem.
- A doctor may prescribe pain relievers, orthotics or a brace and therapeutic shoes to help relieve pain from flat feet. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers an overview of flat feet[12] .
- In severe cases with pain that does not respond to other treatments, surgery might be required. The type of surgery depends on the individual case. According to a Podiatry Network overview of surgical treatment for flat feet[13] , these can include tendon repair, bone grafts, cutting and repositioning bones, and fusion of bones with screws, pins or other hardware.
Additional costs: | - Crutches typically cost $15-$100.
- After surgery, physical therapy, which typically costs $50-$350 per session, might be required.
Discounts: | - Some websites that sell over-the-counter orthotics or pads offer discounts. For example, FootSmart.com offers discounts[14] such as free shipping or $15 off plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
- Many hospitals and doctors give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[15] in California offers a 35% discount.
Shopping for flat feet treatment: | - A podiatrist -- or, if surgery is required, a podiatric surgeon or orthopedic surgeon -- typically treats flat feet. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a podiatrist locator[16] . It is important to make sure the podiatrist is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery[17] , depending on their area of specialty. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society offers a locator for orthopedic surgeons[18] who specialize in conditions of the foot and ankle.
- An orthotist, a certified health professional who specializes in braces and other orthotics, can evaluate and fit the patient for a brace. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics offers an orthotist locator[19] by state.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/400_499/0451.html
- newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/108/Foot%20X-Ray
- newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/46/MRI%20Foot,%20Ankle,%20Leg,%20Hip%20(Lo...
- newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/13/Foot%20CT%20Scan
- www.footsmart.com/arch-supports-for-flat-feet-s.aspx?NavCmd=Ntk%3aAll%7c%5e*%5earc...
- www.mmarmedical.com/Custom_AFO_Richie_Brace_p/klrichie.htm
- www.healthboards.com/boards/foot-problems/55270-arizona-brace-post-tib-tendonitis....
- www.arizonaafo.com/default/index.cfm/side-bar/product-line/
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- bolapps.bmhcc.org/estimator/
- www.healthboards.com/boards/foot-problems/480350-flat-feet-reconstructive-surgery....
- orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00173
- www.podiatrynetwork.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=228
- www.footsmart.com/MarketingPage.aspx?pageId=36
- www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
- www.apma.org/Directory/FindAPodiatrist.cfm
- www.abps.org/content/resources/FindADoctor.aspx
- mmax.aofas.org/scripts/4disapi.dll/4DCGI/directory/person.html?Action=AOFAS&AOFAS_...
- www.abcop.org/Pages/Directory.aspx?searchtype=Facility
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