FOOT CARE FAQ
What is Nursing Foot Care?
Nursing Foot Care includes basic and advanced foot care administered in-home or community care settings by a foot care nurse. Basic Foot Care provide assessments, patient teachings and non-invasive interventions like the trimming of nails. It is mainly performed on clients with normal nails without infection; no impaired sensations, swellings or deformities. Advanced Foot Care is performed on high risk clients who either have diabetes, who are immuno-compromised, or have structural deformities.
What can Foot Care Nurses do?
Help trim, file nails, assess for potential issues in a low risk (no diabetes, no vascular issues) client.
Help reduce calluses, corns, and trim deformed or thickened nails (moderate risk clients, like with diabetic clients; some vascular issues).
Assess feet for circulation, sensation, edema (swelling), and assess for the potential risk of ulcer development.
Offer patient / Client / Family / Staff education and teaching of prevention of foot complications.
Refer to other health care professionals for additional treatments such as shoe modification / orthotics, and further clinical evaluation (x-rays, MRI, surgery etc.)
Fill the gap where podiatrists / chiropodists are unable to make home visits for ill patients.
What is the role of Foot Care Nurses?
A Foot Care Nurse work along with a team of health care professionals such as family doctors, podiatrists, chiropodists, physiotherapist, front line staff and family members.
The goal of the Foot Care Nurse is to help keep a person mobile and decrease their risk of developing foot ulcers which can lead to amputation.
Who monitors Foot Care Nurses?
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) monitors nurses (RPNs and RNs) in Ontario.
Where can I find a nurse to verify who they say they are?
You can visit the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) website at, https://registry.cno.org, check the disclaimer, and start searching the person by name.
Can Foot Care Nurses be self-employed?
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) defines nurses in independent practice as those who are:
self-employed for the purpose of providing nursing services, and/or
operating their own nursing business. CNO recognizes that nurses in independent practice provide a wide range of services, including, but not limited to, direct nursing care, care coordination, consulting services and education.
How much does Nursing Foot Care cost?
At Supreme Foot Care, our formula is simple. Our fees are charged at a base rate, plus tools, plus taxes. We remit the GST/HST to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and therefore, we charge the GST/HST on each purchase of foot care services.
What happens during a Consultation?
During a basic foot care consultation, your feet are being assessed using a systematic approach. Demographic information is collected and documented for accuracy. General health information and foot care concerns are documented, including a detailed foot assessment and medical history. You will be assessed at either a basic, or advanced level of care, and your base rate will be calculated. Tools required to complete your foot care will be determined and added to your base rate to get your net pricing. A Diabetic Foot Screen for advanced foot care, which includes a sensory and risk assessment is implemented. Appropriate interventions and referrals are also made.
How often should I get Nursing Foot Care?
Every client is different. Routine foot care for some clients could be every 4, 6 or 8 weeks depending on their advanced foot care needs or health status.
Is Nursing Foot Care covered by my Health Card?
Foot Care, or Podiatry services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Other private insurance plans may provide a dollar amount for this service, or patients may be treated by a Foot Care nurse, pay out-of-pocket, and claim it as a medical expense on their personal income tax at the end of each tax year.