Our answers to some of the most common questions about podiatry and our clinic.
Do I need a referral to come and see a podiatrist?
You don’t need a referral to see a podiatrist or claim rebates through your private health insurance.
If you’d like to claim a rebate through Medicare, Worksafe, TAC or the Department of Veteran Affairs, you’ll need a referral from your doctor.
What do I need to do to prepare for my first appointment?
We recommend that you wear loose comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement. It’s helpful if your lower legs are visible.
Bring along:
the shoes you wear most often
any test results or x-rays that relate to your condition
any letters or referrals from your doctor or other health professional.
Can I make a claim for my podiatry appointment through Medicare?
If you have a Chronic Disease Management plan (previously known as an Enhanced Care Plan) set up with your doctor, then you can make a claim for your podiatry appointment under Medicare. This care program is initiated by your doctor if you meet the criteria specified by Medicare. Your condition will usually need to last for more than six months (for example, diabetes). Your doctor will then organise referrals to the relevant health specialists.
Under the care plan, you may be able to access up to five consultations with a podiatrist each year. The podiatrists at Northside Podiatry are registered with Medicare and have the expertise necessary to work in the field of chronic disease management. Our services are not bulk-billed, but Medicare claims can be processed at the clinic at the time of payment.
Speak to your doctor to find out if you are eligible.
How long will it take for the podiatrist to fix my problem?
Your podiatrist at Northside Podiatry will complete a comprehensive assessment, to determine the underlying cause of your problem. If you have a specific foot pain you may require further testing such as radiology to obtain an accurate diagnosis for your condition(s).
Your podiatrist will then provide advice and strategies to help resolve your problem and prevent recurrence if possible. The length of the treatment program varies greatly between patient problems and needs. Sometimes your podiatrist will also refer you to other specialists to manage aspects of your condition. At your first appointment, your podiatrist will be able to give an indication of the length of your treatment program.
My GP is managing my health under a Chronic Disease Management program. Can you assist as part of my care team?
Yes, at Northside Podiatry, we have experience working with doctors and other health professionals to provide a holistic health care solution to patients. Frequent reports and letters will be provided to your doctor. Our podiatrists are registered with Medicare.
How do you work in collaboration with other health professionals?
We work to best-practice guidelines recommending multidisciplinary care to manage chronic health conditions. Effective communication and collaboration helps to ensure the best solution for the patient.
At Northside Podiatry, we have an in-depth of the relationships among health disciplines and the benefits that each can offer the patient. We welcome correspondence from other professionals in your care team.
How much does an appointment at Northside Podiatry cost?
Your initial consultation fee will be $90. Subsequent consultations are usually up to 30 minutes in length and cost $75.
Health fund rebates will vary depending on your fund and level of cover.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSWT) is a non-invasive solution for chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is clinically proven to increase new blood vessel formation, reverse chronic inflammation, reduce pain, stimulate stem cells, thereby accelerating the body’s natural healing process. ECSWT is very effective in management of Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and shin pain.
Whatever your foot complaint, you can be confident Northside Podiatry has the experience to offer the real solution you need.
