Frequently Asked Questions

A Chiropodist (pronounced : ‘ker-ro-po-dist’) is a primary health care provider regulated in Ontario. Chiropodists will assess and provide treatment including management of acute and chronic conditions pertaining to the feet. They provide a variety of medical services ranging from nail and skin care to orthotics and in-office surgeries. They also play a role in the prevention of injury and disability and in promoting foot health and wellbeing.

Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only recognized and regulated foot specialists in Ontario. Moreover, Chiropodists and Podiatrists are the only regulated health professionals in Ontario whose legislated scope of practice includes the provision of orthotics. The main difference between the two is where they were trained and educated.

Chiropodists represent the largest number of foot specialists in Ontario. Currently, there are 600 Chiropodists and 60 Podiatrists in Ontario. Practitioners in the US, or those who came to Ontario before 1993, are referred to as Podiatrists while those who came after 1993 or are educated in Ontario are called Chiropodists.

In Ontario, Chiropodists do not bill OHIP for the services they provide. Chiropody services are covered by most third party insurance providers, extended health care plans, and/or can be used for income tax health deduction purposes.

Every health care plan is different. While some offer a dollar amount per year, others will be a percentage and some will be a maximum per visit. Please contact your insurance plan to learn the specifics of your policy. If you do not have any health coverage for chiropody services, you can always use the receipt under income tax health deduction purposes.

No, a doctor’s referral is not required to make an appointment with a chiropodist. Chiropodists are primary health care providers so just like a dentist would be your first choice for dental health, a Chiropodist is your first stop for foot care.