You do not need a referral to visit a podiatrist. A visit to your podiatrist can be claimed from your private health insurance. To find a podiatrist in your area, visit The Australian Podiatry Council (external site).
Before going to a podiatrist
You don't usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, if you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for Medicare to cover some or all podiatry services under your Chronic disease management plan. Ask your doctor for more details.
If you are self-funding you do not require a referral from anyone. You can contact us direct to make an appointment that suits you. If you have private health insurance then you sometimes require a referral from your GP, Orthopaedic surgeon or other allied health professional.
Does Medicare cover Podiatry? Yes, BUT only to those eligible and referred by a G.P. Medicare implemented a scheme in 2004 for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, long term arthritis and vascular disease.
Medicare Part B covers podiatry services for medically necessary treatment of foot injuries, diseases, or other medical conditions affecting the foot, ankle, or lower leg.
It'll ask you questions about your current foot problems, medical conditions, medications taken, and any previous surgeries. You'll be asked about your habits related to your feet, and the questionnaire will include questions about your family medical history.
Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
Medicare considers routine foot care to be the removal of calluses and corns; cutting, trimming or removing nails; and hygienic or preventive maintenance, such as cleaning or soaking your feet. It won't cover these services but will cover some medically necessary foot treatments that a doctor prescribes.
See a GP if:
you have pain in the bottom of your foot that is severe or stopping you doing normal activities. the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back. the pain has not improved after treating it yourself for 2 weeks. you have any tingling or loss of feeling in your foot.
Self-referral: You are able to self-refer directly into the podiatry service, you do not need to visit your GP. Please click the following link and complete the Online Podiatry Referral Form. If you require a paper copy of this form, or the form in a larger font or alternative language, please contact the service.
Many reasons point to going to see a podiatrist, however, it is only necessary if you have problems with your feet. Podiatry care is free with the NHS but, if you decide to use private medical care, then you will have to pay.
As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it's best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it's best to see an orthopedic physician.
Podiatrists complete four years of higher education at a school of podiatry to receive their medical certification. They follow their podiatry education with two to three years of residency. Foot and ankle specialists receive additional advanced training to treat traumatic injuries of the lower leg, ankle, and foot.
A podiatrist is an expert on every part of the foot. See a podiatrist if you have foot pain or injury. Get urgent medical care if you have any of these symptoms for more than one or two days: severe pain.
“Walking is always a good exercise for [foot] osteoarthritis,” says Bennell. But even a short stroll might feel excruciating to someone with severe foot pain, so starting with short easy walks is recommended. Running is also an excellent activity for foot pain, especially if you already are a runner, Bennell says.
You should make a doctor's appointment after a foot injury if: you feel pain in your foot for most of the day and it's been a few weeks since your injury. your pain worsens over time. you have swelling that isn't getting better two to five days after your injury.
Schedule an office visit if you:
Have persistent swelling that doesn't improve at all after two to five days of home treatment. Have persistent pain that doesn't improve after several weeks. Have burning pain, numbness or tingling, particularly involving most or all of the bottom of your foot.
Costs of Nail Trimming
For a special treatment that includes exfoliation, nail and cuticle trimming, fungus prevention, and maybe even a foot massage, the average cost across the country is about $35.00 to $40.00.
In most cases, yes; they regularly assist patients with toenail care. While cutting toenails may seem like a simple matter of grooming, there are actually many patients who have problems with their toenails or feet that prevent them from cutting them without professional help.
Medicare will cover treatments for treatment for an ingrown toenail as long as your doctor deems it medically necessary. A podiatrist will remove the section of your toenail that has become ingrown and is causing you pain. They may prescribe you antibiotics to treat any underlying infection.
Toenails grow about two millimeters per month, so your loved one may need a trim every six to eight weeks. Alternatively, some people are comfortable with cutting the nails of their loved one (especially if there are no nail problems that make cutting more difficult) but choose to visit Dr.
Routine foot care includes: Cutting or removing corns and calluses. Trimming, cutting, or clipping nails. Hygienic or other preventive maintenance, like cleaning and soaking your feet.
Visit a Podiatrist
Visiting a podiatrist regularly allows them to assess your overall foot health and share proper toenail trimming techniques. If you can't trim your own toenails, a podiatrist can do that during your visit.