Chiropodists/podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities of the foot and lower limb. Podiatry can significantly improve peoples’ quality of life by alleviating painful symptoms, and promoting and maintaining mobility.
The term 'podiatrist' is now replacing the term 'chiropodist'.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is not legally obliged to provide chiropody/podiatry services but where they do, services may be provided by the Local Health Office or by voluntary organisations on behalf of the HSE. Where the service is available, it is free to medical card holders and people with Hepatitis C who contracted the disease through the use of Human Immunoglobulin-Anti-D or from the receipt within Ireland of any blood product or a blood transfusion and who have a Health Amendment Act Card.
Non-medical card holders may be able to claim tax relief on chiropody services if you are required to attend as part of medical treatment. (That is, you have a significant disability or a serious illness, etc. and your doctor directs you attend chiropody services). You may also be able to claim tax relief on any doctors visits and prescription drugs associated with this care.
If you are making a claim for expenses, you should download and complete form Med 1 and send this along with your P60 from the relevant year to your local tax office in order to claim a refund. The time limit on claims for repayment of tax is four years.
Coru, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council has responsibility for the registration and regulation of chiropodists/podiatrists. Coru is currently putting in place the foundation for the establishment of the registers and the professional standards for groups covered by the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.
Read more about registration of social care professionals here.
There are currently 3 separate professional bodies representing chiropodists/podiatrists:
You can contact them if you want more information about chiropody or wish to check whether your practitioner is a registered member.
Chiropody services provided by the HSE vary but usually they give priority to the following groups:
The service is usually provided at health centres or HSE clinics. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to get a chiropody service at home.
Normally you are referred for chiropody services by your family doctor (GP) or public health nurse. You may also contact chiropodists/podiatrists directly, but you cannot claim tax relief unless the treatment is directed by a GP or hospital as part of your medical care.
Contact your family doctor (GP) or public health nurse for information on chiropody services in your area.
Contact your local tax office for claims for tax relief on medical expenses.