Question 1

How much does your service cost?

Accepted Answer

My service is “in-home” and prices will vary depending on travel distance and the time it takes to get to you. Therefore, the best thing to do is call or email me and I can give you an exact quote for your “base” fee. (You will need to provide the exact address for the person receiving my service and let me know if it is a single-family home, apartment/condo complex, assisted living facility or nursing home, etc.) There is an additional fee of $1.00 per minute over the allotted 55-minute appointment session that will be added to your base fee. Base fee begins at $120.00.

Question 2

Do you accept credit cards for payment?

Accepted Answer

I only accept cash, check or Zelle (due at time of service).

Question 3

Do you accept payment from my insurance carrier?

Accepted Answer

I do not. Because “routine foot care” is not considered a “medical necessity”, I am not considered a medical provider and therefore, cannot bill your insurance.

Question 4

Do I need a referral/permission from my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some people have a medical diagnosis that makes it unsafe for them to have their toenails/calluses trimmed by someone other than a doctor, therefore, a referral is necessary to ensure the person is getting the appropriate care for their situation. You simply need to ask your treating doctor/nurse if it is safe to use someone other than a doctor to trim your toenails/calluses. For my records I will need the name of your treating doctor/nurse, which department they work in and the name of your healthcare provider.

Question 5

I’m scheduling these appointments for my family member/friend, but I live out of town; how do I get their payment to you?  "

Accepted Answer

You have the option to mail the payment directly to me* and payment needs to be received no later than 4 days before the appointment date. Or, you may mail it to the client directly, as long as they have it by the day of the appointment.
* Once an appointment has been scheduled I will provide a mailing address.

Question 6

What is the best way to schedule an appointment with you?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to contact me by phone. It makes it easier to have a conversation. Emailing is also acceptable, though not as efficient.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations / reschedules made within 1 day of scheduled appointments will be charged the full amount of the appointment. Cancellations / reschedules made 2-3 days before the appointment will be subject to a partial charge. To avoid paying anything for an appointment you cannot keep, please cancel or reschedule at least 4 days in advance of your appointment date.

Question 8

Do you have an office we can come to?

Accepted Answer

I do not. This is an “in-home” service. This means I come to the client wherever they reside: personal residence, residential care/board-and-care facility, assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or hospital.

Question 9

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the tasks are very simple:
Be ready at least 15 minutes prior to the appointment start time. (When “traffic” is good, I am sometimes running early.)
I require very good lighting. If the area you plan to have me provide the service in is not well lit, plan-ahead to bring extra lighting in to that space, e.g. floor lamps.
I need to set up where there is plenty of space and within close proximity to a large enough sink to fill the foot soaking bucket. Typically, in a kitchen or a room adjacent to the kitchen.

Question 10

How often should I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

The length of time between appointments is completely up to the client. Most people use me every 2-3 months.
It depends on three things:
How quickly your toenails and/or calluses grow back.
How often you can afford to have the service.
What my schedule allows. I always try to get clients scheduled at the interval they request, but it is not always possible.

Question 11

I’m making an appointment for my family member/friend; do I need to be present for the appointment?

Accepted Answer

No, however the family member/friend/caregiver’s presence for the initial visit is preferred. I completely understand that this is not always possible due to work schedules, living distances, etc., but please make every effort to be there. It is very important for the person receiving treatment the first time to feel comfortable.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the person receiving treatment has any form of dimentia, or cognitive impairment, it is required that you be present for all appointments.

Question 12

What sort of training did you go through?

Accepted Answer

My initial training was as an Orthopedic Technologist. I learned about “routine foot care” while working for a podiatrist. In addition, I obtained the title of Certified Foot Care Specialist in November 2018. (See Professional History for more information)

Question 13

Do you have a business license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the City of San Jose.

Question 14

My dad is bed-ridden, can you still provide service for him?"

Accepted Answer

No. For several reasons, clients must be able to be in a sitting position (chair, couch, recliner, or wheelchair) for me to provide service. In addition, they need to be able to tolerate this position for about an hour.

Question 15

My grandfather has diabetes; can he still schedule with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Diabetes alone does not preclude someone from using my services, but they will need a referral/permission from their treating physician.

Question 16

My parents live an assisted living facility. Do you go to these places?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have many clients who live in assisted living situations. Due to the size of most of these facilities and parking restrictions, there is a high likelihood their “base” fee will have an “extra time” fee added due to additional time needed for parking, signing in, accessing their room, signing out and returning to vehicle. For example, if the additional time it takes adds up to 10 minutes, their “base” fee will go up by $10. However, if I am seeing a husband and wife at the same visit, for example, then the additional fee would only be charged to one of them for that visit.

Question 17

We live on the 8th floor of an apartment building; will you see us here?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, some important factors include:
There must be a working elevator due to the size of the equipment I bring. If I arrive for your appointment and the elevator is not "in service," I cannot get to you. You will still be responsible for payment of the appointment.
“Extra time” fee will likely be added to your “base” fee as it usually takes several additional minutes to travel to and from your apartment. For example, if it takes me 10 extra minutes, your “base” fee will reflect an additional $10 charge.

Question 18

If there is no free public parking, will you still see me?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, however, the cost of the parking will be aded to your service fee.

CMG Routine Foot Care

FAQ

Frequently asked questions