To any and all footcare nurse business owners

Nurses Entrepreneurs

Published

Hi there,

Gosh I am so excited to be done with my footcare course that I attended in San Diego through Shelly Taylor! The course was awesome and I learned alot. Now just passing the test. I have formed my LLC and am thinking of ways to get my business going. I would just like a few clients-my goal is 30 a month as I am also a staff RN at the local hospital here. I would like to hear about success stories from other footcare nurses and the services you offer and a price range? I am thinking along the lines of $45-$60 per home visit. Anyways, I got discouraged talking to another nurse who said the podiatrists in town were going to not like the idea, and that it would be difficult getting fee for service being unable to bill medicare. I almost didn't go to my course actually because it really bugged me. I am thinking that if I will pay 40 for a pedicure and have to drive there, why wouldn't someone pay for their mom or their selves to have footcare in the home? So, I am thinking that I might do some probono stuff at the alf/snf and checkout the diabetes clinic here in town. maybe the free drs clinic as well. I'm feeling that refferals is going to be a large part of my business as well so rounding up a team of who I know. Please tell me about your footcare biz and if you have struggled getting it going? the good, thebad, the ugly please! thanks

As it turned out, all I needed was a business license and nursing license (I added business insurance). The biz license does not need to be renewed every year according to my State Department.

I'm curious why you would need a business license. Are services taxable in your state or will you be selling products? Normally, a business license is for collecting sales taxes and shouldn't be needed otherwise as far as I know.

I have been working to start a foot care business as well. I have been a hospice nurse for 6 years, and it is nearly impossible to get someone to go to a home to peform foot care for a bed/homebound patient. I have discussed this with a local podiatrist. I think the key is your approach. We talked about a type of partnership. I would refer patients to him that had problems I wasn't able to handle, I could call him for advise or orders (ex. wound care) if needed, and he would refer homebound patients to me. He is way to busy to go see these patients, and said it seemed like a win-win situation to him. He also allowed me to come in to the office and observe.

Also, on a marketing outlook, you might try marketing to local hospices. Most of these nurses don't have any foot care training beyond basic nursing school education, and the majority of nurses I know have an adversion to feet. The nurses can tell a patient that they know a foot care nurse that might be able to help them. As long as the patient and hospice know that the service is not included in their hospice or medicare benefit, and that they will be paying out of pocket it should be fine.

Hope this helps

Dear 1stronglady,

congratulations on being able to work with a podiatrist. YOu are very fortunate and must have excellant communication skills. good job!

bizi

the last post on this thread is over a month old by now,

but, maybe someone will see this.

In reading this thread,

you are being able to cut toenails on a diabetic, or no? Or, does this vary from one state's BON to another? I always thought cutting a diabetic's toenails was outside scope of RN.

and all your foot care is private pay, is that right? You are not billing to medicaid or insurance, etc?

Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

RN's are definately allowed to do diabetic foot care! The hospitals just deny us the ability because of the risk associated with it.

As an RN, I am not able to bill medicaid/care or insurance in this state.

RN's are definately allowed to do diabetic foot care! The hospitals just deny us the ability because of the risk associated with it.

As an RN, I am not able to bill medicaid/care or insurance in this state.

Thanks, Woogy!

so you can actually cut or trim the diabetic's toenails in their homes? I wonder if this might vary from one state BON to another?

Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

Most BON's will state that you are remaining in your scope if you have been taught the skill in your nursing program or have received additional training in the area of expertise. Some states require you to have a physicians order to provide the care as an independent care provider. My state does not. I believe RN's are allowed nationwide to provide diabetic foot care but I highly recommend this care is provided by an RN that has had additional training in this area. What state are you in?

WOOGY, i SO appreciate your help!!

I am moving to Florida soon, so I guess I am now discussing Florida rules. If i were to just be self-employed, would i require doctor order, if i am NOT billing medicaid or insurance? Do you know? Thanks if you do.

After reading this thread, i am interested in this as an extra way to pay bills!!

I paid $1300. in advertising...none of it panned out.I give up.

bizi

word of mouth seems to be the best advertising and the ad on my vehicle.

I have been busier than usual. Am glad for the work!

bizi

Specializes in Emergency.

what an interesting topic

found this article interesting too

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/16/the-clipper-makes-her-rounds/?_r=1

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