Can I access a podiatrist privately? 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).
Does Medicare cover Podiatry? Yes, BUT only to those eligible and referred by a G.P.
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.
Generally, podiatry services are not covered by Medicare. However, if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes or osteoarthritis you may be eligible to access podiatry services under a Medicare enhanced primary care plan. In order to access the scheme a general practitioner referral is required.
Some of the medical conditions podiatrists treat include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.
The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.
Corns and calluses are some of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist. These areas of built-up skin can be painful if they get too thick. A podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections to reduce the pain. Another option your doctor has is to reduce their size using a surgical blade.
Podiatrists have the same rights to prescribing, administering, and dispensing medication that all licensed physicians do. However, podiatrists are limited to prescribing medications that treat their patients' foot conditions.
See a GP if:
the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back. the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks. you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot. you have diabetes and have heel pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes.
There is no significant difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody is defined as the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of foot diseases and disorders. On the other hand, podiatrists are trained foot health practitioners registered and regulated under the Australian Chiropodists Act.
Find out what the average Podiatrist salary is
The average podiatrist salary in Australia is $93,393 per year or $47.89 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $80,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $115,467 per year.
Podiatrists can help treat sprains, strains, and broken bones in the foot or the ankle, as they can diagnose your injury and suggest treatment. Swelling, trouble walking, redness, and increasing pain following an injury are all reasons to see a podiatrist.
Medicare Part B will cover "medically necessary" services, including doctor visits and care in an outpatient setting for toenail fungus diagnosis and treatment.
A Doctor of Podiatry/ Podiatric Physician (or medical health professional specialising with feet) has studied and obtained a minimum four-year university degree in podiatry. Australian podiatrists can use the courtesy title of Doctor (Dr) if they so wish, providing they make it clear that they are a podiatrist.
Are podiatrists doctors? No, podiatrists are not medical doctors. However, they receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. In some cases, podiatrists may refer patients to a medical doctor for further treatment.
Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.
When you meet with your podiatrist, he or she will take your vital signs, including your blood pressure, in addition to thoroughly examining your feet for signs of circulation problems.
Before touching your toenail, your podiatrist will gently administer enough local anaesthetic into your toe to make it completely numb. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but you won't experience any pain.
Diagnostic Imaging
An X-ray can help your podiatrist identify problems involving your bone or joints. However, if an in-depth evaluation of the inner structures in your feet is required, your podiatrist may recommend an MRI scan.
Your podiatrist will safely cut and shape the nail to ease the problem and even remove it altogether if necessary.