FAQ
What is routine footcare?
Routine footcare includes cutting and trimming of toenails, removal of corns and calluses, inspection of the feet, preventative maintenance, and caring for dry and cracked feet. Some patients may qualify for routine footcare services by a podiatrist if they have qualifying conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy, vascular problems, pain or other diagnoses.
Why not a pedicure?
Many people enjoy the pedicure experience that focuses on the beauty aspect of their feet. For younger, healthier people, a pedicure at the salon may be a reasonable option. However, for older adults, there are certain risk factors that make them more susceptible to infection, fungus, non-healing wounds and problems with circulation. Trained registered nurses are experts in recognizing these issues. Our focus is on health, safety, comfort, function and prevention. We also have a strong focus on infection prevention and cleaning/sanitizing of our instruments.
How does routine footcare by nurses compare to a Podiatrist?
There are some similarities and differences between the care from a Registered Nurse and a Podiatrist. Footcare nurses are specially trained in the care of feet. This includes routine footcare services. Podiatrists are medical doctors and are also highly skilled in routine footcare and other procedures. Podiatrists are able to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. They are also able to provide surgical services, injections, procedures and order orthotics. We embrace the team approach to footcare and mobile footcare nurses serve a role in caring for senior patients who may have trouble getting to the Podiatrist.
Do you take insurance and how to I pay for services?
We do not accept insurance as registered nurses are not billing providers. We accept cash, check, and credit cards at the time of services and may be able to invoice you in special circumstances such as when payment is being made by a family member for a loved that resides in a facility. Our rates are meant to be reasonable and affordable for the convenience and privacy of our services. Some routine footcare services may be covered at a podiatry office, and you should check with your provider to see if you qualify.
Group Discounts:
We offer discounts for multi-client households and group/facility care.
What can I expect during a visit?
The initial visit will consist of a brief health history and assessment of your foot health and identification of any risk factors that may exist. We expect that the initial visit may take 45 to 60 minutes. Follow up visits are somewhat shorter and are approximately 30 minutes. Most clients will be visited every two to three months for routine maintenance. Once we get to know you a little bit better, we will then provide assessment and treatment:
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Inspection of the feet and lower extremities
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Shoe evaluation
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Assessment of your walking ability
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Conduct neuropathy screening
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Trimming of toenails, corns and calluses
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Providing overall education
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Suggest products or aids that may benefit you
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Provide a gentle foot massage
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Suggest follow up or referral to a Podiatrist or other specialist if needed
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I'm a little bit nervous about someone coming to my home. How do I know that this is safe?
This is an excellent question, and we want to ensure that you are comfortable with our services provided to you in your home. Our practitioner has over 25 years of nursing experience serving seniors conducting home palliative care and hospice visits for our most vulnerable seniors. We welcome an initial phone interview and having a family member or friend with you at the time of your visit. Criminal background check information is also available upon request. Nurses have been voted the #1 most trusted and ethical profession for the past 20 years. We are proud of this distinction and want to ensure that our patients have complete trust in our providers.
What are your infection control practices and approach to COVID precautions?
We take infection control very seriously. Our instruments and supplies are disinfected and sanitized between patient visits. Our practitioner will wear a mask and practice hand hygiene standards. We are also fully immunized against COVID.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry general business liability and professional liability insurance for our practice.
What happens if you encounter a problem with my feet?
When we recognize a problem that may need more attention or medical care, we will discuss this with you and make the appropriate recommendation. Common problems include infections, gout, seriously ingrown toenails, swelling, wounds and other orthopedic issues. These problems may require additional care provided by a Podiatist or medical doctor. We may make these referrals when your condition falls outside of routine footcare and the scope of our nursing practice.
What communities do you serve?
Metro Pittsburgh
Eastern Allegheny Co. suburbs:
Monroeville, Plum, Penn Hills, North Versailles, McKeesport, East McKeesport, White Oak, Turtle Creek, Pitcairn, Churchill, Edgewood, Forest HIlls, Wilmerding, Wall, West Mifflin, Fox Chapel, Oakmont and other surrounding communities.
Western Westmoreland Co. ( West of Greensburg):
Trafford, Penn Township, Irwin, Murrysville, Delmont, Export, Hempfield, Greensburg, Jeannette, Washington Township, Burrell, New Kensington, Vandergrift, and surrounding communities.
Locations greater than 15 miles from Monroeville will incur a $15 travel fee.
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