When should I see a podiatrist?
Any time you experience sore feet or pain, you should consider seeing a podiatrist.
Do I need a referral from my family physician to see a podiatrist?
No. Although many patients are referred by their physician, a referral is not necessary. You can simply contact our office directly and make an appointment at your convenience.
Why is an office fee charged to the patient?
Podiatric medicine does not fall under the Canada Health Act, therefore podiatrists receive limited or no provincial health plan coverage. As a result, podiatrists charge a fee for their services.
Are visits covered by insurance?
Many private insurance companies include podiatric services in their coverage. Please check with your individual insurance company to find out if you are covered.
What type of training and qualifications do podiatrists have?
Most podiatrists have taken eight years of university level education before beginning to practice as a podiatrist. Most students entering a College of Podiatric Medicine today, have a Bachelor of Science or higher degree in science. In addition, they must achieve the required results in the medical school entrance exam known as Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) designed for medical doctors. The podiatry course takes four years at an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine in the United States. Students study courses in all the basic medical sciences with the emphasis, in the final two years, on disorders affecting the feet and various types of treatment. These courses are coordinated with clinical training in universities and hospitals and, upon completion, graduates obtain a degree of "Doctor of Podiatric Medicine" (D.P.M.). Comprehensive Board exams as well as provincial licensing exams must then be passed before being licensed to practice.
Internship for residency, performed at both hospitals and private clinics, are chosen by many podiatrists for advanced post-graduate training in orthopedics and surgery. In addition, continuing education courses keep podiatrists up to date regarding new developments in podiatric medicine and foot surgery.