Do You Need a Referral to See a Chiropodist in Ontario?

In Ontario, you do not need a referral from a family doctor to see a chiropodist. Chiropody is a self-referral profession, which means you can book an appointment directly with a registered chiropodist whenever you have a foot concern you would like assessed.

This is different from some medical specialties, where your family physician must first send a referral before you can be seen. For foot care with a chiropodist, you are welcome to contact the clinic and arrange an assessment on your own.

That said, referrals still come up in two situations: some private insurance plans ask for one before they reimburse a claim, and sometimes another healthcare provider will suggest you see a chiropodist. We look at both below.

A chiropodist is a regulated foot care professional in Ontario, registered with and governed by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. Chiropodists complete post-secondary training focused on the assessment and management of foot and lower limb conditions.

Because the title is regulated, only individuals registered with the College may call themselves a chiropodist in Ontario. This regulation is one way patients can have confidence that the professional they are seeing has met defined standards of education and practice.

If you are trying to understand how a chiropodist compares with a podiatrist, another regulated Ontario title. Our article on the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist explains it in more detail.

Even though a referral is not required to book, there are a couple of circumstances where one may be relevant:

• Insurance reimbursement: Some extended health insurance plans ask for a physician’s referral before they will reimburse chiropody visits or orthotics. This is a requirement of the insurer, not of the clinic.
• Coordinated care: If you are already seeing a family doctor or another provider for a related issue, they may suggest a chiropody assessment as part of your overall care.

A referral is never a barrier to being seen. It is simply paperwork that certain insurance plans prefer. If you are unsure whether your plan needs one, it is worth checking before your appointment.

Chiropody is not covered by OHIP for most adults. However, many extended health insurance plans include coverage for chiropody visits and for custom orthotics, often up to an annual maximum.

A few general points that people find helpful:

• Coverage amounts and rules vary between plans, so reviewing your specific policy is the best way to know what applies to you.
• Some plans require a doctor’s referral or a prescription for orthotics before reimbursing a claim.
• Many clinics, including ours, offer direct billing to a range of insurers, which can reduce out-of-pocket paperwork.

For a fuller explanation of public and private coverage, see our article on whether OHIP covers chiropody in Ontario.

Booking a chiropody appointment without a referral is straightforward. When you arrange a first visit, an assessment generally involves a discussion of your concern and history, a look at your feet and how you move, and a conversation about appropriate options.

It helps to bring a list of any questions, the footwear you wear most often, and details of any insurance plan you intend to use. If you would like to know more about a first visit in general terms, our guide on what to expect at your first chiropody visit walks through the process.

Every person’s situation is different, and an assessment is the appropriate way to discuss what may be suitable for you.

If you would like a foot assessment, you can book directly with a registered chiropodist, no referral required. Foot Forward Clinic is a registered chiropody clinic located in Vaughan, serving patients across York Region, including Maple, Woodbridge, and Thornhill.

You can contact our clinic with any questions about coverage or booking, or book an appointment online at a time that suits you.