1. What does a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist is a medically professional registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of all conditions related to feet, ankles and lower limbs. Podiatrists use a wide range of technique and modalities to treat a variety of lower limb and foot pathologies. Click here to discover how we can help you.
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2. Why do you need to see a podiatrist for any foot conditions?
It is true that only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. But it is also true that around 40 percent of Australians will experience foot problems at one instant or another in their lifetime. Little did we aware that most of the foot problems begin with small, seemingly insignificant symptoms. It is these seemingly inconsequential signs and symptoms that can inevitably and predictably derail your foot health and lead to serious long-term foot problems and cause of inability to stand or walk.
"Foot fact: Your feet consist of ¼ of all the bones in the human body. When your feet bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of your body. The 7000 nerves and the 26 bones in our feet reflex point acts as a mirror that corresponds to a particular organ in our body."
As a foot specialist, we treat feet as important as any part of our vital organ. We are foot specialized because we aware how your feet health can significantly determine the well-being of your whole body. Check out our fields of specialization here.
Do not drag your foot conditions any further, do not think minor foot pain is harmless and hope that your symptoms will just go away one day. The harm could be worse as days pass. We as foot specialists are here to help you to ease your concerns. Contact us today if you are having any discomfort with your feet right now.
Many feet and lower limb problems, if identified early can be prevented, so take the right step before your foot condition become long-term problem. You can visit Passion Podiatry today for advice on your foot, ankle and leg pain.
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3. Do I need a referral from my GP to see a podiatrist?
No GP referral is required to see a podiatrist; however we do accept referrals from any health care provider. A doctor’s referral is required in some circumstances. If you hold a Department of Veterans Affairs card and Medicare Care Plans and EPC’s, you will need referrals from your GP.
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4. Do I get a rebate from Medicare?
Medicare rebates are only applicable if you have been referred to us by your GP as part of a team care arrangement (TCA) through the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program. This program can give you up to a combined of five visits a year to different allied health professionals. The number of appointments allocated for podiatry under the TCA which will receive a Medicare rebate is determined your GP.
A referral must be obtained from your Doctor prior to your consultation. If you are not sure about your eligibility, please check with your doctor.
Passion Podiatry do accept the EPC referrals however there will now be a small out of pocket expense of $15.
In the past we have bulk billed however due to absorbing rising costs for a number of years we are unable to continue in this way.
We are currently only bulk bill DVA card holders who have a valid DVA referral.
5. Do you accept private health funds?
Yes, we have HICAPS facility available onsite so you can claim directly from your private health fund at the time of your appointment. Please check with your private health fund for your level of cover and all related podiatry rebates that you are eligible for.
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6. How long will the appointment take?
Your consultation will usually take about 20-30 minutes for us to understand your concerns and make an initial assessment and treatment. If you have a few issues to discuss and need a longer appointment, please notify us during your booking.
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7. What should I bring to the first appointment?
It is advisable that you bring with you any referral you have (if any), a list of your medication or medical history, all relevant medical imaging, few of your current footwear and your current or previous orthotics.
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8. I have been seeing another allied health professional and it isn’t helping much, is it still worth coming in?
Yes, feet are complex and unique. Your feet consist of ¼ of all the bones in the human body. Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons all holding the foot together and allowing it to move in a variety of ways. Each reflex point on our feet acts as a mirror that corresponds to a particular organ in our body. When your feet bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of your body.
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Podiatrists are specially trained in this field to have complete understanding on human feet conditions and treatment. At Passion Podiatry, our podiatrists are also trained and skilled at alternative treatment options such as dry needling, mobilisation techniques and soft tissue release techniques that may be able to assist in restoring your foot health. Check out our fields of specialization here.
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We hope the above questions are helpful to you. Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on this page or message us via Facebook Page.