Sections 38.2-3408 and 38.2-4221 of the Code of Virginia require insurers regulated by the state to reimburse directly podiatrists and chiropodists who provide covered services within the scope of their licensure. The statutes do not extend coverage to additional services offered by podiatrists or chiropodists, but only require direct reimbursement of such providers for services already covered under the existing contract.

Chapter 69 of the 1970 Acts of Assembly amended Title 54 of the Code of Virginia to change references to the provider category of "chiropodist" to "podiatrist." As a result, the Department of Health Professions has reported that the Board of Medicine no longer issues licenses to "chiropodists." Individuals previously licensed under this professional title are now referred to as "podiatrists."

The Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission) reviewed the podiatrist and chiropodist mandates as part of its review of Virginia's existing mandated benefit and provider requirements pursuant to §§ 9-298 and 9-299 of the Code of Virginia. The Advisory Commission held a public hearing on June 7, 1993 to receive comments on both mandated provider categories.