Question 1

What areas do you serve for In-Home visits?

Accepted Answer

We provide mobile foot care services in private residences, retirement homes, hospitals, LTC facilities and community clinics within the Ottawa region. We service areas such as downtown Ottawa, Beacon Hill, Orleans, Navan, Barrhaven, Nepean, Kanata, Manotick and Richmond. Give us a call to find out more.

Question 2

How do you clean your tools? Are they sterilized?

Accepted Answer

We are committed to your safety through strict adherence to the infection control protocols established by Public Health Ontario and IPAC Canada. Our comprehensive disinfection and sterilization process for all reusable tools (nippers, files, curettes, and rotary bits) is as follows:
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- Disinfection: Used tools are first placed in an ultrasonic cleaner with an enzymatic solution.
- Packaging: They are then sealed in sterilization pouches.
- Sterilization: The final step is placement in an autoclave for complete sterilization.
 
Our reusable equipment is maintained as sterile until the exact point of use—when the pouch is opened directly in front of you. Our knowledgeable foot care nurses are always available to answer any questions you may have about our practices.

Question 3

What is the difference between a pedicure and foot care?

Accepted Answer

Foot care provided by a nurse is a specialized medical practice. It requires advanced education and training in lower limb pathology, diabetic complications, and specialized nail and skin care to prevent infection. As regulated health professionals, nurses must adhere to the practice standards and guidelines set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) for all skills performed, including foot care. Our treatments do not include foot soaking and cutting cuticles as this poses a risk for infection. We cut the nails straight across to promote healthy growth.
 
In contrast, typical pedicures offered at salons by nail technicians are primarily for aesthetic purposes. While they may trim or file nails and reduce calluses, these individuals are not registered health professionals. Therefore, they are not authorized to monitor, assess, or treat underlying foot conditions.

Question 4

What's the difference between a Foot Care Nurse, Chiropodist and Podiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Nurses (N.P's, R.N's, and R.P.N's) are within their scope of practice to provide foot care, but must complete additional training to ensure competence in these specialized skills. Our practice focuses on safe maintenance of nails and plantar skin health, patient education for foot wellness, and appropriate referrals to other healthcare professionals. Nurses with advanced knowledge in foot care are equipped to assess, prevent, and treat various foot and leg issues, particularly those related to diabetes, poor circulation, and pressure injuries. We adhere to best practice guidelines established by the College of Nurses of Ontario, The Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses, and IPAC Canada.
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Chiropodists are medical professionals who are regulated in the province of Ontario. They are authorized to diagnose, assess, and treat complex conditions of the foot. Their scope of practice includes performing lower foot surgeries and prescribing or administering drugs and substances, all in accordance with provincial regulations.
 
Podiatrists, as doctors of podiatric medicine, are regulated in the province of Ontario to diagnose, assess, and treat complex conditions of the foot. Their scope of practice includes the ability to perform foot surgeries, including bone surgeries of the foot, and to prescribe and administer drugs and other substances in accordance with provincial regulations.

Question 5

I only need my toenails cut - What is the cost?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we do not offer discounted/partial services. Nurses are professionally regulated to adhere to a five-step nursing process for every skill performed: assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Incomplete performance of a skill compromises both patient health and our professional license. Pricing and details about our service is listed on our services page.

Question 6

Do nurses treat ingrown toenails, nail fungus and warts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is within a foot care nurses scope to treat ingrown nails with a non-invasive approach to relieve pain and pressure, but we are not licensed to preform surgeries, nail removals or administer local anesthetics. We can assess and identify signs of onychomycosis (fungal nail), but are not able to diagnose. We can debride thickened fungal nails and with a diagnoses from a doctor, we can offer non-invasive treatments for toe nail fungus including the ToeFX system. Warts are a virus that we can identify, but they must be treated with caution to reduce the chance of spreading - we can assess and advise options for at home treatment, but it is always best to have this addressed by a Podiatrist, Chiropodist, or your doctor.

Question 7

How often should I get foot care?

Accepted Answer

Your nurse will advise the best treatment regimen based on your care plan, but we typically recommend care every 6-8 weeks.

Question 8

Do I need a referral to receive foot care treatment?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with a need for foot care can book an appointment with us without a doctor’s referral. Please note that you may require a doctor prescription for foot care in order to submit to your private medical insurance - check with your provider.

Question 9

Is foot care covered under private medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

If your private medical insurance covers in-home foot care by a nurse, be prepared to submit a letter from your family doctor detailing:

1. the medical reason(s) for needing foot care
2. Why this service is needed in-home

Some insurance providers may also offer coverage for claims submitted for foot care in a clinic or community nursing station. It is always best to call and verify your plan with your insurance provider first before submitting receipts.

Question 10

Are veterans covered for foot care?

Accepted Answer

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for coverage through blue cross. Please check with Veterans Affairs to be certain that your benefits include medical foot care services. We are a Blue Cross approved provider and can submit these claims directly. Give us a call if you need assistance – we are happy to help!

Question 11

Is foot care covered by OHIP or ODSP?

Accepted Answer

No, foot care by a nurse is not covered by ODSP. It is best to contact your case worker or local office if you have questions related to your funding.
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No, OHIP does not cover foot care by a nurse. According to the Government of Ontario:
 
(What OHIP Covers, 2025, sec. Podiatry (foot-health services) OHIP covers between $7-16 of each visit to a registered podiatrist up to $135 per patient per year, plus $30 for x-rays. You will need to pay for the remainder of the cost of each visit.  Surgeries performed by podiatrists are not covered by OHIP.)
​https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers(https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers)