What Does It Mean to Be an HCPC Registered Podiatrist?
When choosing a podiatrist, you may have seen the words “HCPC Registered” and wondered what they actually mean.
Podiatrists are regulated healthcare professionals in the UK, and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulates podiatrists and maintains a register of professionals who meet its required standards.
Choosing an HCPC Registered Podiatrist means you are choosing a professional who is subject to professional and regulatory standards.
What Is the HCPC?
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a UK regulator for a range of healthcare and allied health professions.
The HCPC maintains a register of professionals who are legally entitled to use protected professional titles, including “podiatrist” and “chiropodist.”
The purpose of regulation is to help protect the public by ensuring registered professionals meet the required standards of education, conduct, performance and professional practice.
What Is an HCPC Registered Podiatrist?
An HCPC Registered Podiatrist is a podiatrist who is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Registered podiatrists must meet the HCPC's Standards of Proficiency and Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
They are also required to keep their knowledge and skills up to date and practise within their professional scope.
HCPC registration therefore provides an important reassurance when choosing a podiatrist for your foot care.
Why Is HCPC Registration Important?
When receiving healthcare, it is important to know that the person treating you is appropriately qualified and regulated.
HCPC regulation helps provide safeguards for patients and the public.
A registered podiatrist is accountable to the HCPC's professional standards and can be subject to its regulatory processes if concerns about their professional practice arise.
For patients, checking HCPC registration is therefore an important step when choosing a podiatrist.
What Can a Podiatrist Treat?
Podiatrists can assess and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.
Depending on the individual practitioner and their scope of practice, podiatry can include treatment and management of problems such as:
Corns and calluses
Thickened or problematic toenails
Ingrown toenails
Verrucae
Foot and heel pain
Sports-related foot problems
Biomechanical problems
Musculoskeletal foot and lower-limb conditions
Skin and nail problems
General foot care
A podiatrist can assess your individual problem and advise you on appropriate treatment or whether further assessment is required.
Podiatrist or Chiropodist – Does It Matter?
You may come across both podiatrist and chiropodist when looking for professional foot care in the UK.
Both terms are used within the profession, and “podiatrist” and “chiropodist” are protected titles regulated by the HCPC.
This means that when searching for a podiatrist or chiropodist, it is important to check that the practitioner is appropriately registered.
How Can I Check If a Podiatrist Is HCPC Registered?
The HCPC provides an online Register of Practitioners which allows members of the public to check whether a professional is registered.
You can search for a practitioner by name or registration details.
Checking the register can give you reassurance that the person providing your podiatry treatment is registered with the UK's professional regulator.
HCPC Registered Podiatrists at Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry
At Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry, our podiatrists are HCPC Registered and provide professional podiatry and chiropody services.
We provide foot care from our Hexham clinic and home visit podiatry and chiropody services across Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and surrounding areas of Tyne and Wear.
Whether you require routine foot care, treatment for a specific foot problem or professional advice, our HCPC Registered Podiatrists can assess your needs and provide appropriate care.
Professional Podiatry & Chiropody
Choosing a properly regulated healthcare professional is an important part of looking after your feet.
If you are looking for an HCPC Registered Podiatrist in Hexham, Gateshead, Newcastle or surrounding areas, contact Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry to arrange an appointment or home visit.
Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry HCPC Registered Podiatrists | Est. 1990 | 07899615458
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