Frequently Asked Questions

RNscrub Foot Care provides mobile, non-invasive routine foot and nail care delivered by licensed Registered Nurses. Our visits include toenail trimming and filing, reduction of thickened nails, callus and corn care, dry skin care, and lower-extremity assessment within RN scope of practice. Care is preventative and supportive in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.

Yes. All of our nurses hold active California Registered Nurse (RN) licenses, and our practice carries full general and professional liability insurance in the state of California. Several members of our team also hold Certified Foot Care Specialist (CFCS) credentials and additional advanced nursing certifications.

Yes. Our foot care nurses are experienced healthcare professionals trained to provide safe, routine care. We begin every first visit with a brief health history review and assessment, and we adapt our care to your individual needs.

A salon pedicure is a cosmetic service. RNscrub Foot Care is a clinical, nurse-led service designed for clients with diabetes, vascular conditions, thickened or discolored nails, or limited mobility. Our focus is on single-use supplies and professional infection control standards, with care centered on foot health rather than cosmetic results. We do not offer polish, soaks, or massages.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat medical conditions and perform procedures. RNscrub Foot Care provides routine, preventative foot and nail care that supports overall foot health between podiatry visits. Our service is complementary — when we identify something requiring medical treatment, we refer you to a podiatrist or physician.

Our services are designed for routine foot care and do not replace the need for a podiatrist or your primary healthcare provider. If we identify a condition beyond our scope during your visit, we will recommend you consult with a podiatrist or physician.

No. Treating ingrown toenails is outside the scope of registered nursing and requires evaluation by a podiatrist or physician. We can carefully trim and file nails to support comfort, but truly ingrown or infected nails require medical evaluation. If we identify an ingrown nail during your visit, we will provide a referral to a local podiatrist.

Diagnosing and treating fungal nail infections is outside the scope of registered nursing and requires a podiatrist or physician. We provide routine care for thickened or discolored nails, including mechanical reduction with professional-grade tools, and we refer clients to a podiatrist when medical treatment is appropriate.

Yes. Our nurses use professional-grade e-files and single-use instruments to safely reduce nail volume and thickness. This supports comfort and makes routine maintenance easier. We take additional precautions for clients with sensitive skin, diabetes, or compromised circulation.

Yes. Many of our clients live with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other cognitive conditions, and our nurses are experienced in providing calm, respectful care in those situations. We work closely with family members and caregivers to make each visit as comfortable as possible. For clients who may need additional support during the visit, we recommend that a familiar caregiver or family member be present.

Our services are designed to be safe for most clients. During your initial assessment we review your health history to ensure routine foot care is appropriate for you. If we identify any concerns that require specialized care, we will recommend you consult your primary care provider or a podiatrist.

Your visit begins with a brief review of your health history and an informed consent process, followed by a discussion of your foot care concerns and goals. Most sessions are completed within 45 minutes. Initial visits may take slightly longer to accommodate the intake. A typical visit includes nail trimming, filing, and reduction of thickened nails, and may include callus and corn care, dry skin care, and lower-extremity assessment as needed.

Please ensure your feet are washed and clean before your visit. We do not offer pedicure-style services such as soaks, polishing, or massages, so no preparation beyond basic hygiene is required.

Absolutely. Family members and caregivers are welcome during the visit. For clients who may benefit from additional support — such as those with dementia, anxiety, or limited mobility — we encourage having a trusted caregiver present. With your permission, we are also happy to share general recommendations and observations with the caregiver at the end of the visit.

For routine maintenance, we generally recommend every 4 to 6 weeks. The ideal frequency depends on your foot health, nail growth rate, and individual needs. Our team will provide guidance during your visit.

Yes. Many of our clients book recurring appointments at 4-, 6-, or 8-week intervals so they don't have to remember to schedule each time. Recurring appointments can be set up at the end of any visit or by contacting us directly.

Yes, fingernail trimming is available as an add-on service. Please mention your interest when booking.

No. We provide clinical nursing-led foot care focused on nail trimming and filing, callus and corn care, and dry skin care. We do not offer massages, nail polish, foot soaks, or any cosmetic spa-style services.

At the end of each visit, we share general recommendations for foot care and comfort between appointments. We do not provide written aftercare protocols, but we are happy to answer questions and refer to a podiatrist or physician if a concern requires medical attention.

If you notice any unusual discomfort, signs of infection, or other concerns following your visit, please contact us promptly. We can provide guidance and determine whether a follow-up visit or referral to a physician or podiatrist is appropriate.

A standard mobile foot care visit is $175. Pricing for facility group visits and additional surrounding service areas may vary. Please contact us for facility partnerships or extended-area travel inquiries.

We are a private-pay practice and do not bill insurance or Medicare. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover routine foot care unless specific medical criteria are met. Payment is due at the time of service. We accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash.

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This helps us manage our schedule and accommodate other clients. Full cancellation and rescheduling details are outlined in our Terms and Conditions. Please contact us as soon as possible if a change is needed.

We provide mobile foot care across Santa Clara County — including San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Palo Alto — and across San Diego County, including La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, and surrounding cities. Additional surrounding areas may be available for an added travel fee. Contact us if you're not sure whether your area is covered.

We follow a single-use protocol for our critical instruments. New, sterile nippers and burrs are used at every appointment and disposed of in a certified biohazard sharps container immediately after your visit. Non-disposable equipment is disinfected with hospital-grade, EPA-registered germicidal wipes between every client.

We take your privacy seriously. All personal and health information is handled in compliance with HIPAA and applicable privacy regulations. We maintain Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with our communication providers, including SMS messaging and email, supporting the secure handling of protected health information across our practice.

While we strive to complete every scheduled visit, safety is our non-negotiable priority. To maintain this standard:

• Right of refusal: We reserve the right to cancel an appointment or end a session if we determine that the environment or circumstances pose a risk to anyone involved.
• On-site safety: If our nurse feels unsafe at any point during a visit, they are authorized to end the session.
• Proactive adjustments: If we foresee safety concerns prior to an appointment — such as extreme weather or hazardous site conditions — we will contact you immediately to reschedule.

We appreciate your understanding in helping us keep our team and our clients safe.

Yes. We offer on-site mobile foot care services at assisted living communities, board and care homes, nursing homes, residential care homes, hospice settings, and senior community centers throughout Santa Clara County and San Diego County.

We work directly with your designated contact, such as the Activities Director, Director of Nursing, or facility administrator, to schedule and coordinate visits efficiently for residents and staff.

No. We bring all necessary materials and supplies. We ask that the facility designate a well-lit and ventilated area for us to set up and provide services efficiently.