nurse@starlynfootcare.com
(925) 633-4407 Call or Text
Frequently Asked Questions
For Clients
What to expect...
We will review a brief medical history, obtain an informed consent and discuss your foot care concerns and goals. Followed by a 30 minute session includes cutting, filing, thinning of the toenails. We will reduce any corn and calluses you may have. We will provide a foot and skin assessment. At the conclusion of your visit, we will make any recommendations we see necessary.
Does it hurt?
Absolutely not! We are experienced with working with seniors and take a gentle approach to our work.
Will I bleed?
Our bleed rate is less than 1%. We want you to come back after all.
I have neglected my feet for years & I am embarrassed?
There is nothing to be ashamed of. This is what we are here for. We are here to help get you back to feeling good and walking without discomfort.
Do you provide care to diabetic patients?
Yes, we do, all of the time. Individuals with a history of diabetes should most definitely seek a qualified foot care provider for regular visits to prevent the risk of infections.
Can you work on fungal and thick nails?
Yes, we can thin these down. This often gives patients immediate relief.
Can you tell me if my nails are fungal?
As nurses we cannot diagnose fungal nails.
Do you sterilize tools?
All supplies are disposable one time use or sterilized. We carry enough tools to provide each client with their own set of tools per each service.
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes, we are a licensed business, carrying extensive liability insurance.
How much does your standard service cost?
Please contact us for current pricing and availability in your area.
Do you accept insurance or Medicare?
No, we do not. Our self-pay policy allows us to keep cost down for everyone. Some insurances pay for routine foot care services. We are generally less expensive than most deductibles plus we give you a 30 minute, attentive service. If you would like to compare our costs with a podiatry visit, please contact your local podiatrist and insurance provider.
How do I make an appointment for myself, my parent or grandparent?
Please contact us to find a nearest location to schedule an appointment.
What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?
Please call us as soon as you know & we will help accommodate you. We have a 24 hour no show/late cancellation policy. Late cancellations or no shows may incur fees.
Can you trim fingernails?
We will be glad to. Please inform us at the time of booking your appointment that you would like to add this service on.
Do I need to soak my feet before my service?
No, you do not.
Do you have an office?
We do not. All services are provided at various senior centers, senior living facilities, pharmacies and physician offices.
Do I need to be a member of the senior center to get an appointment?
This varies by senior center. Please contact us to discuss which centers require a membership.
How are you different than a podiatrist?
Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot & ankle. Some podiatrists will perform routine foot care services such as nail trimming. This may be billed through insurance, or it may be billed to you directly. Please discuss this with your local podiatrist. We are here as an option for your foot care services. We will make recommendations for further medical attention if we encounter anything that is beyond our scope of practice.
What does the podiatry industry think of foot care nurse industry?
As with any new industry some will embrace it & some will not. We are simply an option for you - the patient, to choose who provides your foot care. We believe this is your right as a patient to decide. You can go to a podiatrist AND utilize our services. It’s not in our nature to choose for you. Well-established podiatry groups embrace our services for taking the routine foot care burden off of them.
Do you make orthotics?
No, we do not.
I get a pedicure at the nail salon. Is this safe?
We understand the relaxation a good pedicure can provide. Nail technicians are trained to relax and beautify. Some nail technicians have received extra training to provide services to the high risk client such as the seniors. Pedicures can be risky for the senior demographic. Thinning skin changes, medical conditions such as diabetes and poor circulation can put seniors at an increased risk of infection. We encourage you to do your own research into the salon you choose.
Do you polish nails?
No, we do not. As a nurse based company, our focus is on the health & wellness of the feet. Nail polish can conceal and harbor bacteria.
I have polish on my toenails, will you remove this?
Yes, we will remove all non-gel polish. We want to see your nail plate to examine the health of the nail.
I have gel polish on, can you provide a service to me?
We ask that before coming to us for any service, please visit a salon for removal of gel polish. We can cut your nails, but we will not be able to file your nails with our E-file as the gel polish ruins the burrs we use. In addition, it takes too long for the removal of gel in our clinic settings for us to perform this service.
For Facilities
Why should we offer foot care clinics at our facility?
Our records of growth show that our services have brought people into senior centers, independent living and assisted livings that otherwise may not have come in. It’s a great opportunity to get foot traffic (pun intended) into your facility. Our retention rate is over 84%
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes, we operate as a licensed business with extensive liability insurance.
If we have a foot clinic on site at our facility how is that managed?
We work with the activities directors, nursing directors and/or facility directors of the facilities to set up the clinics. Once a clinic is set up, we will manage all aspects of the clinic.
What do you need from a facility to hold a clinic on site?
We require a small space is all. We bring everything to the facility to perform clinics on site.
How much does your standard service cost?
Please contact us for current pricing and availability in your area.
Do you accept insurance or Medicare?
No, we do not. Our self-pay policy allows us to keep cost down for everyone. Some insurances pay for routine foot care services. We are generally less expensive than most deductibles and we give you a 30 minute, attentive service. If you would like to compare our costs with a podiatry visit, please contact your insurance provider.
Do you sterilize tools?
All supplies used are disposable one time use or sterilized. Tools are chemically sterilized at the end of each day. They are then repackaged for the next day’s clinic. We carry enough tools to provide each client with their own set of tools per each service.
Do you go to memory care units?
Yes, we do. Depending on the patient's acuity, we may ask that a family member be present - especially for the first service. This is so the family can assist with the patient’s history and give consent for the service on behalf of the patient. We understand anything new to a memory care patient can be overwhelming and we want to make this a pleasant service for the patient.
I am a director, how can I bring nursing foot care services to our facility?
Give us a call to discuss bringing foot care clinic to your facility.
Do I need approval from our corporate level decision makers to provide this service?
That depends on your corporate policies and structure. We are happy to execute formal agreements with private corporations to provide services within their senior living communities. We feel very comfortable with developing written agreements as a professional courtesy and to help hold each party accountable for the general welfare of our patients. As healthcare moves towards accepting 3rd party providers, senior facility members and residences are requesting services like ours.
We would like to offer foot clinics to our seniors. Now what?
To establish a foot care clinic, we will want to visit with you and your facility to best determine your expectations as well as introduce you to our offerings. We will discuss the logistics of holding a foot care clinic in your facility. Our standard clinic process takes the burden off of you.