Questions and Answers for Members of the Public regarding care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
We will continue to add to and amend these questions and answers as matters change.
**Please refer to the most current COVID advisory at the link below **
Click here for the most current public health measures and advice
Procedures for Visiting your Chiropodist & Podiatrist during COVID-19
I have a foot problem; can I see my chiropodist/podiatrist for foot care?
If you have concerns with your foot health and would like to see your chiropodist/podiatrist, you should contact them at their office. There are specific directives in place from the Government, and chiropodists/podiatrists may be restricted in the care they are able to offer due to these directives.
What precautions are my Chiropodist/Podiatrist taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Some Chiropodists/Podiatrists have made the difficult decision to close their offices completely in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Other offices are equipped to provide care to patients. Chiropodists/Podiatrists have directions from the Government and College of Chiropodists of Ontario as to the protective measures they should be implementing at this moment in time to treat patients in a safe environment. You can reasonably expect phone screening, locked doors, guidelines for entry and exit and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by practitioners and staff.
Please call the office before attending. The office staff will guide you through the steps that need to be taken and what you need to know before attending.
What if I have an urgent foot health emergency?
If you have an urgent foot health condition, you should contact your Chiropodist/Podiatrist and they will direct you accordingly. It is best if you contact your Chiropodist/Podiatrist in the manner they have suggested (phone, email, etc.) and they will do their best to guide you with their advice.
What is an Urgent foot health problem?
An urgent foot health problem may include but is not limited to sudden onset of pain, increasing signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, pain), and diabetic foot changes. We do not expect patients to determine for themselves whether they have an urgent foot health problem. Therefore, if you have a concern that you feel is of an urgent nature to your foot health, you should contact your Chiropodist/Podiatrist for advice.
Do I have to take special precautions to see my Chiropodist/Podiatrist? Do I need to wear a mask?
Prior to attending your appointment, please wash your hands thoroughly before you leave your home. You will be required to wear a mask at all times in the chiropodist/podiatrist’s clinical setting, including during treatment.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, prior to your appointment or at the time you make your appointment, please discuss with the chiropodist/podiatrist sufficient details of the medical condition that impacts your ability to wear a mask. The chiropodist/podiatrist will consult with you to determine what reasonable accommodation is appropriate in the circumstances.
If you do not have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask and there are no other valid grounds for refusing to wear a mask, you are required to wear a mask. If you refuse reasonable accommodation or refuse to provide sufficient details of the medical condition such that accommodation can be provided to you, it is expected that the chiropodist/podiatrist will exercise their clinical expertise and judgement to assess your needs, including the severity of the medical condition for which treatment is being sought.
If you require immediate treatment in the opinion of the chiropodist/podiatrist, the College expects that all reasonable measures to safely provide treatment in a timely manner will be undertaken.
What if I am in some pain but don’t think my problem is urgent right now, although I fear it might be one if I don’t see my Chiropodist/Podiatrist?
We can understand that you may be experiencing fear about your foot health concerns and what it may look like in a few days or weeks. We would strongly encourage you to reach out to your practitioner. Give them a call. Most Chiropodists/Podiatrists can consult with you over the phone and assist you in assessing your current situation.
I need a new prescription or a prescription refilled. Can my Chiropodist/Podiatrist help me?
Yes, most likely. Please contact your practitioner. Chiropodists/Podiatrists may call a prescription into a pharmacy, if they deem it appropriate in the situation. Please have your pharmacy’s name and phone number ready so your practitioner may contact your Pharmacy with your prescription details.
I am waiting to receive orthotics from my Chiropodist/Podiatrist. Can't I just pick them up outside the door or have them shipped to me?
Custom made foot orthoses (orthotics) are a medical device. As such, Chiropodists/Podiatrists must follow certain standards of practice with regards to those devices. This includes the necessity to fit the devices directly to your feet and into your shoes. Depending on the directives and restrictions from the Government, Chiropodists/Podiatrists may or may not be able to see you and dispense your orthotics. For more information, you should contact your Chiropodist/Podiatrist directly.