At Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic, we get asked a variety of questions by new and old patients alike. Many people have inquiries and concerns about their foot health and about the healthcare practitioners that can help.
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked at Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic Hamilton. Have more of your own? Send us a message or call us!
Q: What does a chiropodist do?
A chiropodist is a primary health care provider focusing on foot care. They provide a variety of medical services including nail and skin care, plus custom orthotics and in-office surgeries. They represent the largest number of foot specialists in Ontario. They focus on preventing, assessing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle.
Q: What training is required for a chiropodist in Ontario?
A: A chiropodist completes at least seven years of post-secondary education before starting their career. Beginning with an undergraduate degree in sciences at an accredited university, they then must complete an additional three year program approved by the College of Chiropodists. This may be a diploma, an advanced diploma, or a doctorate depending on the program.
Q: What is the difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist?
A: A podiatrist and chiropodist largely refer to the same type of health practitioner. The only difference is where they were educated. ‘Podiatrist’ is a more outdated term, used to describe practitioners in the United States or who came to Ontario before 1993. Anyone who became certified in the field after 1993 in Ontario is known as a chiropodist.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A: A doctor’s referral is not necessary for making a chiropodist appointment in Ontario. You can simply call and book an appointment!
Q: What can I expect at my initial visit?
A: Your initial chiropodist appointment is the perfect time to get to know your practitioner, explain any health concerns you have, and learn about some general options for your foot health. You should bring any relevant medical records that you have, as well as any products you’re currently using on your feet and shoes that you often wear. This will help the chiropodist determine a good course of action to address your foot concerns!
Don’t be nervous at your first appointment. Your chiropodist is here to alleviate your concerns and help you treat your foot conditions.
Q: Are chiropodist visits covered by OHIP?
While there are some publicly funded chiropody clinics available in Ontario through community health centres, they are typically in private practices and not covered by OHIP.
Most third-party insurance coverage will cover chiropodist visits.
Q: Do chiropodists perform surgery?
A: Chiropodists perform some types of foot surgery. Typically, these involve nail and skin procedures or soft tissue surgeries that can be performed in the clinic.
Q: Do chiropodists prescribe medication?
A: Chiropodists can prescribe topical, oral, and injectable medications to treat foot conditions. These could include antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-inflammatories, coritsones, and anaesthetics. Chiropodists are able to prescribe medication and assistive devices that will help in correcting foot conditions in both the short and long term.
Contact Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic in Hamilton Today!
If you have more questions about chiropody in Ontario, contact Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic. We can answer your questions and any concerns you have about booking a chiropodist appointment. Let us help you take control of your foot health!
Contact Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic today to book your Hamilton chiropody appointment!