Frequently Asked Questions

No. In most cases you do not require a referral to see one of our podiatrists. Simply make an online booking or phone the clinic. number} to make an appointment. Of course, if a GP or Allied Health professional has given you a referral letter, please bring this along to your appointment.

The only circumstances where a referral is mandatory is as follows:

• if you wish to claim a medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP). Eligibility under a CDMP is solely at the discretion of your GP and you will need to meet certain criteria, so consult with your GP first.
• If you are eligible to claim podiatry services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Orthotics are custom-made foot supports made exactly for you by first taking a 3D image of your feet. Orthotics are individually designed by your podiatrist to treat your specific foot problem and include features which change function, forces and pressure to get you feeling better, all day every day. The orthotics we prescribe are 3D printed to exacting specifications using PA-11 a nylon-based polymer derived from renewable resources (castor/vegetable oils) meaning much less environmental impact compared with tradition subtractive orthotic manufacturing processes. 

Consultations vary anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the type of appointment (first appointment being 30-40 min for eg.), and the complexity of your problem. Our online booking portal will provide different appointment options and information, as will our friendly receptionists if you call to make an appointment. 

Podiatrists treat many conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs and appointment times and fees vary accordingly. If you have extras cover on your private health insurance policy you should be able to claim on your appointment at the time of your visit. If you require more information on fees and health fund item numbers please call our friendly receptionists for more information.

Yes, podiatrists can refer patients for x-ray and ultrasound which are both covered under Medicare. In most cases there will be no out of pocket expense for x-ray (check with your radiology practice before arriving).

Yes. In most cases, if you have extras cover on your private health insurance policy you will be covered for custom-made orthotics and the associated appointment required prior to your podiatrist ordering the devices. There are many different insurers and many different levels of cover, so if you are unsure contact your private health insurer first for more information. 

In some cases. Medicare rebates for podiatry services are only covered if you have a valid referral from your GP under a Chronic Disease Management Plan. If you think you may be eligible for a Medicare subsidised referral to see a podiatrist, please speak to your GP before making an appointment. 

No, we are not a Medicare bulk billing practice. If you are eligible for rebates through Medicare or your private health insurer please bring your swipe card and we can process your rebate at the time of your appointment through HICAPS. In most cases there will be an out-of-pocket gap payment which can be processed through the eftpos/credit card facility. 

We know that life sometimes gets in the way and unexpected things happen. While we don’t have a cancellation fee, please provide plenty of notice if you cannot make your appointment. With the requisite notice we can often use the time slot to book in an urgent case who really needs the appointment. 

As a general rule please bring your medical history and medications list, including any referrals, any old scans – x-ray, CT, ultrasound which relate to your foot or lower limb problem. Please also bring your normal footwear including running shoes, and if your are booked in for a biomechanical assessment (ie. if you have pain in your foot, leg, knee, lower back) please dress in active/sportswear as you may be asked to perform exercises and walk on a treadmill. 

Yes. In most cases, if you have extras cover on your private health insurance policy you will be covered for podiatry services. There are many different insurers and many different levels of cover so if you are unsure, contact your private health insurer first for more information. 

Yes. We have HICAPS terminals in both our Sandy Bay and Kingston Beach practices for on-the-spot claiming through your private health insurer, and for eftpos and credit card transactions.