What is a Podiatrist?
Podiatry is a global term for medical practitioners of the feet and legs. Our official title with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) is Podiatrist/Chiropodist as there is no difference between the two professions.
My qualification from University of Westminster in 1991 was a degree in Podiatric Medicine.
Podiatry is the main professional term that has been used for the past few decades and we will normally refer to ourselves as Podiatrists.
We still carry out all the functions that you would associate with a Chiropodist and more. Having undergone extensive medical training we are able to treat a wide range of foot issues as well as being qualifies to administer local anesthetic and carry out minor surgery.
What happens on my first visit to the clinic?
During your appointment I will assess your foot health as well as how it relates to your general well being. When I carry out treatment on your feet we will use tools and instruments suitable for podiatry treatment. This includes scalpels and other sharp instruments.
Whilst every care is taken during your treatment there is a slight risk of puncture of the skin during your treatment. This risk can be increased by factors such as poor quality of skin or if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).
Treatment also carries a very slight risk of infection after treatment. Certain advanced treatments may have other risks or side effects which will be explained in full prior to being carried out. These treatments will normally have additional consent forms and procedures.
In the unlikely event that you experience a problem after your treatment please contact the clinic as soon as possible so that we can assess and rectify the issue.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please note that I require 24 hours notice of cancellation. I understand that illness and other problems can crop up unexpectedly that can prevent you from making your appointment time. Please let me know as soon as possible that you are unable to attend. Missed appointments will be charged at full price.
What Information do I need?
When you attend your first appointment I will ask you to complete a questionnaire with a variety of personal and medical questions. All the questions I ask are relevant to your treatment and if you have any queries please let us know. As we get online with our new software programme you will be asked to sign forms which will then be scanned and stored.
I am bound by the Data Protection Act (1998). Your data will only be used for the purposes of your medical records with me and I do not share this information with third parties. As with all health and medical professions I am bound by patient confidentiality.
I will ask you about aspects of your medical care such as conditions from which you are suffering, medications you take and operations you may have undergone. These details will help to form a picture of your health and well being which will help me decide what treatments to carry out. If you are not accurate in the answers that you provide I will be unable to give you accurate advice or carry out my treatments correctly.
Should there be any changes in your health, medications or personal details please advise meat your next appointment. I will always endeavor to ask about any changes when you attend.
DATA PROTECTION INFORMATION
Data is currently held on both paper and electronic records. We are currently updating the systems and procedures. Security of all patients details is paramount and complies with the new data protection act 2018. www.gov.uk/data-protection, www.cliniko.com/security. All files are confidential and no details are used for marketing purposes.
Your personal information will only be used for the purpose of your treatment, to give Karen Martin Podiatry the details we need to give you appropriate treatment and advice. As per professional regulator HCPC and the Podiatry regulatory body The College of Podiatry.
Your contact information will only be used for the purposes of contacting you if necessary. Appointment confirmation texts are automatically sent out when your appointment is arranged. You will also receive a reminder the day before. If you DO NOT wish to receive this please let Karen Martin Podiatry know at the time of booking. We may also need to contact you to follow up treatment or to re-arrange a scheduled appointment.
Your information will only be accessed by Karen Martin Podiatry staff and associates (professionals who may assist during certain procedures such as nail surgeries).
DESTROYING RECORDS – your records will be held for a period of 7 years following the final date of your treatment when they will be destroyed unless you instruct us otherwise.