FAQ
What is a Podiatrist?
A Podiatrist is an allied health professional who has been specifically educated to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist has a larger role to play than just cutting toenails.
What is the difference between a chiropodist and a Podiatrist?
Chiropodists are not a recognised profession in Australia anymore. Chiropodists were workers who cut toenails and cleared callus, that was the extent of their treatment options A Podiatrist is a university trained medical profession, who has a scope of practice that allows for toe nail cutting and callus management, but we also perform surgeries, management biomechanical conditions ( plantar fasciitis, heel pain, knee pain, shin splints etc), childrens’ development issues, wound management, pre/post surgery recovery, just to name a few things within our scope of practice.
What conditions does a Podiatrist treat?
As mentioned above, a Podiatrist treats many conditions that affect the foot and lower limbs. Some conditions commonly treated include:
- Corns/ Callus/ Cracked Heels
- Warts (Verruca or papilloma)
- Athlete’s Foot (Tinea)
- Fungal nail infections
- Ingrown toenails and ingrown toenail surgeries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Shin Splints
- Toe deformities including bunions, hammer and curled toes
- Diabetes foot assessment
- Neuromas
- Blisters
- Ankle Sprains
- Foot Problems in Children
What do I need to bring to appointment?
It is advised that you bring the shoes you wear everyday. Your shoes provide us with insights on your biomechanical problems.
Our podiatrists can advise and recommend shoes that will assist with your treatment plan.
Also bring an up to date list of any medications you take, as well as a list of any medical problems you may have.
Do I need a referral?
You don’t need a referral to see any allied health professional. However, a referral is required if you wish to access a funding program.
Medicare rebates are possible, but only if your GP has provided you with an Enhanced Primary Care Plan and have registered your details with Medicare.
People who hold a gold (or White care in certain circumstances) with Department of Veterans affairs will have their consult fees fully covered
Do you accept private health insurance?
We utilise Medipass ( a mobile version of HiCaps) to process our private health claims. We are able to process claims for approximately 16 major health funds on site.