Frequently asked questions

Here we try to answer all the questions you may have surrounding an appointment. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

FAQs

The role of a podiatrist is to maintain a patient’s mobility and independence. Podiatrists have a wide scope of practice to treat a complex range of conditions. We rely on robust assessments and use a variety of techniques to manage painful foot conditions.

There is no difference in what a chiropodist can do over a Podiatrist. Both are registered titles meaning we are the recognised health professional to treat conditions of the feet and hands. You can no longer train to be a chiropodist only a Podiatrist by completing a Bachelor in Science with Honours degree either full, part time degree programme or on a degree apprenticeship basis.

The frequency of your appointments will depend on your individual foot health needs. As a general guide, we recommend routine podiatry appointments every four, six or eight weeks, or an annual assessment to review your foot health and identify any changes.

Following your assessment, your podiatrist will recommend an appropriate interval between appointments. However, there is no obligation to follow this schedule, and you are free to book appointments as and when you feel they are needed.

As your foot health improves, we may suggest extending the time between appointments, ensuring your care remains appropriate to your individual needs.

We treat feet of all ages and feet of all ages, present with foot care needs. Whether it be due to underlying health conditions or a one off treatment, we advocate preventative foot care. Accessing Podiatric care will give you a better understanding of how to care for your feet.

We all see other health professionals regularly so why should our feet miss out on vital care and attention?

We operate a strict cancellation policy. We request that you notify us outside of 24hrs should you not be able to attend your appointment otherwise a full fee will be charged for any missed appointments.

Our sophisticated booking system will send you a text reminder 48hrs before your appointment and an email reminder 24hrs before.

What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation

Your first appointment allows us to gain a thorough understanding of your foot health, medical history and individual needs.

We will discuss your lifestyle, relevant medical and surgical history, current medications and any concerns you may have about your feet or lower limbs. This information helps your podiatrist identify any factors that may influence your foot health and recommend the most appropriate care.

As part of your initial consultation, your podiatrist will assess your feet and, where clinically indicated, undertake additional vascular and neurological screening.

These assessments may include:

  • Vascular assessment: Checking the circulation to your feet, which may include the use of a handheld Doppler ultrasound device where appropriate.
  • Neurological assessment: Checking sensation in your feet, which may include the use of a monofilament to assess protective sensation.

These assessments are non-invasive and generally painless. Not every patient will require all of these tests, and your podiatrist will determine which are appropriate based on your medical history, presenting concerns and clinical findings.

The information gathered during your consultation helps us establish a baseline of your foot health, identify any potential risks and develop an individualised treatment plan. This may include immediate treatment, preventative advice and recommendations for ongoing care.

We encourage you to tell us about any foot pain, skin or nail concerns, changes in sensation or other lower limb problems, even if they seem minor. This helps us ensure your assessment and treatment are tailored to your needs.

We ask that you wear comfortable clothing which can be rolled up above the ankle. If you are attending due to foot pain, we ask that you bring with you any footwear which you use on a daily basis for appraisal.

We respectfully request that any nail varnish is removed prior to your treatment. If you wear gel varnish this will not be removed by our Podiatrists as it can damage our equipment.

You are more than welcome to bring a chaperone with you to your appointment, if you do not wish for them to be in attendance during your treatment, we do have a comfortable waiting room for them until your treatment has concluded.

Your consultation shall last approximately 30 mins, follow up appointments shall be between 30-40 mins depending on your foot care needs.

If you require an MSK / Biomechanics Assessment please allow 45 minutes.

Should you require a longer than anticipated appointment, we shall discuss extending this time frame and pricing structure accordingly.

It is not uncommon for us to facilitate inter-professional referrals following assessment. We are quite used to communicating with GP’s, Podiatric Surgeons, Orthopaedic Consultants, Orthotists or and other HCPC regulated health care professionals: NHS or private practitioners. We are more than happy to support clients with this and will communicate with you if this is a necessary process at the time of your consultation. Depending on the nature of the referral a fee may able applicable for this service.

We do not actively work with specific insurance companies however we are a recognised health profession by many insurance companies.

Once you have paid for your treatment, a receipt will be generated for the services provide via email from Cliniko. If you require an alternative receipt, please let us know during your treatment.

Just double check with your provider that they will cover the costs of your Podiatry treatment as payment shall be required from yourself immediately upon completion of your treatment. It will be your responsibility to recoup costs from your insurance provider.

We encourage all patients to attend the clinic, where possible. We often rely upon tools and equipment which can not transported easily. We also practice from a sterile environment which mitigates the risk of infection.

Our clinic is accessible by all means of transport and on the level land so we don’t have any steps for those who may be present with mobility challenges. We are a dementia friendly clinic and offer an inclusive environment.

We do offer some home visits however these are awarded on a first come first served basis and upon application. We currently operate a waiting list. If you or someone you know requires this type of care, please get in touch with our receptionist to discuss this further.

If your symptoms are serious and you require medical attention please either call 111 for minor conditions or 999 if you are suffering with a life threatening condition.

If an emergency call out is required from South Devon Foot Clinic within practice hours, a routine fee will be charged. Should this be required out of hours, our fees will be a double routine fee.