To use the critical referral matrix, check out the medical risk level and podiatric need level to determine the possible outcome of getting treatment from the service.
Medical risk
Minimal or none medical risk
- No condition specified.
Medium or low medical risk
- Osteo-arthritis.
- Visual problems.
- Physical problems.
- Mental disability.
- Learning disabilities.
- Diabetes (NICE clinical guideline 10 at low risk).
- Warfarin (stable INR).
High medical risk
- Neuropathic and ischaemic limb conditions.
- Scleroderma, rheumatoid or related inflammatory arthropathies.
- Diabetes (NICE clinical guideline 10 as at increased risk).
- Poor tissue viability.
- Neurological disorders.
- Chemotherapy.
- Immunosuppressed.
- Warfarin (unstable INR).
Podiatric need
Low podiatric need
- Non-symptomatic callus.
- Verrucae.
- Skin and self-care advise (filing of normal or slightly thickened nails, rough or hard skin).
Moderate podiatric need
- Symptomatic corns.
- Symptomatic moderate to heavy callus.
- Non-complex biomechanics.
- Symptomatic nail and skin conditions.
High podiatric need
- Ulcerations.
- Infections.
- Complex biomechanical problems.
Referral criteria
| Minimal or none medical risk | Moderate or low medical risk | Increased or high medical risk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low need | Does not meet criteria for care with Doncaster NHS podiatry services. Any referrals received will be rejected. | Does not meet criteria for care with Doncaster NHS podiatry services. Any referrals received will be rejected. | Referral and intervention required to include self-care education and awareness leading to discharge. |
| Moderate need | Does not meet criteria for care with Doncaster NHS podiatry services. Any referrals received will be rejected. | Does not meet criteria for care with Doncaster NHS podiatry services. Any referrals received will be rejected. | Manage to resolution. Referral and intervention required to include self-care education and awareness leading to discharge. |
| High need | Referral and intervention required to include self-care education and awareness leading to discharge. | Referral and intervention required to include self-care education and awareness leading to discharge. | Manage to resolution. Referral and intervention required to include self-care education and awareness leading to discharge. |
Page last reviewed: May 02, 2025
Next review due: May 02, 2026
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