Podiatrists

What podiatrists treat

Common reasons to see a podiatrist include ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, heel and arch pain, gait and biomechanical issues affecting the knees or back, custom orthotics, and diabetic foot checks — people with diabetes are often advised to have their feet checked regularly since reduced sensation can mask developing problems. Some podiatrists also perform minor nail surgery in-clinic.

Referral and Medicare

You can book a podiatrist directly and pay privately with no referral at all. A Medicare rebate is only available through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, and — as with all allied health under that plan — the rebate draws from a shared cap of 5 individual visits per calendar year across every allied health provider you see, not 5 per provider. People with diabetes are commonly referred this way for ongoing foot checks as part of broader diabetes management.

Cost

Podiatry fees vary by service — a general consultation costs less than custom orthotics, which involve assessment, casting and manufacturing and are one of the larger single costs in podiatry. Many private health funds cover podiatry and orthotics under extras cover; check your remaining annual limit before committing to custom orthotics, since the cost is usually well above the Medicare rebate on its own.

What to bring

Bring the shoes you wear most often — a podiatrist will often look at wear patterns on the sole. If you have diabetes or a circulatory condition, mention it even if the visit is for something unrelated, since it changes what the podiatrist checks for. Bring any existing orthotics you use.

Questions worth asking

• Do I actually need custom orthotics, or would a simpler option help first?
• What is the full cost of orthotics, and what does my health fund cover?
• How often should foot checks happen given my specific condition?
• Should I also see a physiotherapist for this?
• What footwear changes would help day to day?