What happens during my first appointment and why is it called an initial assessment?
An initial assessment is required so we can gather details about your lifestyle, medical and surgical history and make note of any current medication. This information will help to inform the treatment options which are most appropriate to you.
During each initial consultation we shall undertake a ‘foot health screening’ during which a vascular and neurological observations shall be noted. The vascular assessment is undertaken using an 8Mhz Doppler and the neurological assessment, using a monofilament. These are non-invasive, painless procedures.
The information from these assessments shall inform short and long term treatments plans for you. It also provides the Podiatrist with baseline information about your neurovascular status.
It is during this initial consultation where we ask you to inform us of any problems, foot pain, skin care issues or lower limb conditions which you are suffering from and would like support from our qualified Podiatrist for.
Duration of Appointment
Your initial consultation appointment shall last approximately 45 mins, follow up appointments shall be between 30-20 mins.
Should you require a longer than anticipated appointment, we shall discuss extending this time frame and pricing structure accordingly.
What will you need ‘me’ to do?
We ask that you wear comfortable clothing which can be rolled up above the ankle to enable a successful assessment and treatment. 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. You are more than welcome to bring a chaperone with you to your appointment, if you do not wish for them to be attendance during your treatment, we do have a comfortable waiting room for them until your treatment has concluded.
Do you help with referrals?
It is not uncommon for us to facilitate inter-professional referrals as a result of our findings during consultation. We are quite used to communicating with GP’s, Orthopaedic Consultants, Orthotists or and other NHS health care professionals. 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.
Can I claim back the cost of my treatments from my Health Insurance?
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.
Do you offer emergency call outs?
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.