FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What appointment type do I need?
NEW PATIENT APPOINTMENT - If you have never been treated at a Stepwise clinic before or have not attended the clinic for treatment in the last 12 months. During this appointment, whether it be with a Podiatrist, Chiropodist or Foot Health Professional (FHP) we will endeavour to treat your problem.
FOLLOW-UP or REVIEW APPOINTMENT - If you have been treated at a Stepwise clinic within the last 12 months or less.
DERMATOLOGY APPOINTMENT - If you have a specific skin complaint such as moles, skin tags, blotches which you wish to have treated or removed.
CHIROPODY / PODIATRY APPOINTMENT or FOOT HEALTH CARE APPOINTMENT (with an FHP) - If you need routine foot care such as nail cutting, reducing nail thickness, hard skin (callus) removal and corn removal. However, If you have not been seen by us before or within the last 12 months please book a 1st NEW PATIENT CHIROPODY / PODIATRY APPOINTMENT or 1st NEW PATIENT FOOT HEALTH CARE (FHP) APPOINTMENT
BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT - If you are suffering from a sports related injury or have bunion pain, heel pain, toe pain or joint pain (foot, ankle, knee, hip or back) and/or you think you need insoles or orthotics.
VERRUCAE TREATMENTS - If you suspect you may have a verrucae you must contact the clinic by telephone, email or via the online contact form for advice first. Please do not book your appointment online.
What is the difference between a Chiropodist, Podiatrist & Foot Health Professional?
There is no difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist, they are one and the same and the titles may be used synonymously. The change of title from Chiropodist to Podiatrist occurred in the late 1990s and Podiatrist is the preferred title for most practitioners. However, the title of Chiropodist has been retained because it is the title that most people understand and are familiar with. Both titles are protected by law and only health professionals who have completed the mandatory three year degree qualification and are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) may use them. A Foot Health Professional (FHP) is neither a Chiropodist or Podiatrist but is trained to provide routine foot treatments. Stepwise FHPs have been put through their paces at the UKs leading foot health college, The SMAE Institute and have undertaken many hours of supervised training within our clinics.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my first new patient appointment?
Yes. If you haven't be able to complete the 'Medical Questionnaire' which would have been emailed to you then please bring a list of your prescribed medication.
If you are attending your first Biomechanical or Sports Injury appointment then it is advisable you also bring along your existing insoles or orthotics (if any) and your foot wear such as running/sports trainers and/or your commonly used foot wear and/or your work boots/shoes... even your gardening shoes as it helps us build up a picture of what is going on with you and your feet. You may need to move around a bit to show us the range of motion in your joints and therefore it is advisable for you to wear loose/stretchy clothing (such as joggers or leggings or even shorts).
What do I wear to my appointment?
Biomechanical & Sports Injury appointments - You may need to move around a bit to show us the range of motion in your joints and therefore it is advisable for you to wear loose/stretchy clothing (such as joggers or leggings or even shorts).
All other appointments - Comfortable clothing you can relax in and you may be asked to roll up your trousers to the knee.
If you need assistance to remove or reapply compression stockings, socks and/or foot wear please ask as we are happy to help.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. If you are nervous, under the age of 16, have any communication difficulties or have been lumbered with the (well-behaved) grandchildren then they are welcome to attend. However, we only have room for one additional chair in the treatment room.
Can I claim back your fees through my private health insurance provider?
Please check with your insurer. All our Podiatrists (still known as Chiropodists by some insurers) are registered with the HCPC and most insurers will accept your claim as long as you provide a receipt displaying your allocated Podiatrists name and HCPC number (ie CH123456). Some health insurance providers accept claims for treatment provided by our Foot Health Professionals (FHP). However, It is your responsibility to check if your insurer will accept the claim if you are treated by either a HCPC registered Podiatrist or a Foot Health Professional prior to booking your appointment. Sadly, we will not be held responsible if you fail to do so and as a result are unable to claim back the cost of your treatment. Please note your insurance cover may not cover the full cost of treatment; leaving a shortfall which you will need to source from your own funds.
Do I need to remove my toe nail polish, varnish, shellac and/or false toe nails?
Yes. Nail polishes, shellacs and varnishes can damage our instruments and also prevents us from clearly viewing your nails. We would therefore be unable to diagnose any hidden nail condition. Please note if you do attend your appointment with polish, varnish, shellac or false toe nails attached then treatment specific to your nails may not be carried out and this is at the discretion of your Podiatrist or Foot Health Professional.
Do I need to soak my feet before my appointment?
No. It is not necessary to soak your feet before coming to see us. Although, we do appreciate if your feet are generally clean and free from debris.
Do you treat heel pain, foot pain or ankle pain in your Southampton Clinic?
Yes. For this type of service you will need to book an appointment with one of our Biomechanical & Sports Injury Specialists.
Is there any car parking available at either of your Southampton Podiatry Clinics?
Yes. At our Bitterne site we have 2 dedicated customer parking bays on the left as you drive onto the property. At our Woolston site there are several free 1 hour on-street parking spaces outside the clinic. If these are occupied then there are car parks nearby (less than 1 minute walk) at Oakbank Road (SO19 9BA) and Woodley Road (SO19 9DW) - both car parks charge 0.50p per hour.
Are your Podiatrists & Chiropodists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council?
Yes. We certainly are. All of our Podiatrists (also known as Chiropodists) are university trained and registered with the HCPC. Each clinicians registration number is shown on your invoice and can be provided upon request at any time.
Do you treat & remove ingrowing toe nails in your Bitterne & Woolston Clinics?
Yes. We can treat ingrowing toe nail at either clinic. We can often treat your ingrowing toe nail without the need for surgery depending on the severity of the condition. If ingrowing toe nail removal surgery is needed we can provide this usually within 1-4 weeks depending on availability. This is certainly far quicker than the current NHS waiting times and we do not need a GP referral. You can simply book an appointment with us online or by telephone for a New Patient Appointment.
Do you do ear wax removal treatments at either of your Southampton Bitterne or Woolston Clinics?
Yes. HCPC registered Podiatrist Sarah Drummond offers an ear wax removal treatment at Woolston, Southampton on Saturdays. She uses the gold standard technique which is micro suction but is also trained in water irrigation methods. Sarah is fully insured and trained to a high standard. The current price for ear wax removal is £60 for both ears. To book this service please call Sarah Drummond directly on 07793 764086.