Podiatry is the study of, diagnosis, treatment and management of foot and lower limb conditions. Podiatrists complete a Bachelor of Applied Science (Podiatry) or Bachelor of Podiatry. To practice in Australia, every Podiatrist must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have current Senior First Aid certificates. At Footology, we are all members of The Australi
an Podiatry Association (NSW) and Australasian Podiatry Council. We also have a Professional Member of Diabetes Australia and a Professional Member of Sports Medicine Australia. What will happen at Footology? An appointment is required for a consultation, where a thorough medical and social history will be taken. This ensures adequate management of your condition that suits your health and lifestyle. Your problem will be treated and a long term management plan designed for you. How do I make an appointment? Please call for an appointment on 9712 2006 or email fivedock@footology.com.au. Do I need a referral? No referral is required to see a podiatrist if you are a private patient. However, if you have been referred to us by another health practitioner and have been given a referral, please bring it with you. A referral is required if you are a Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), Workers Compensation or a Medicare patient. Do you see Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) patients? A referral is required from your Doctor (called a D904 referral form) every year if you have a gold card. For a white card, we need permission from DVA and a referral from your Doctor to see you. Footology Podiatrists are all qualified to refer you for footwear where clinically necessary. Can I claim for Podiatry through my private health fund? If you are covered for podiatry through your private health fund policy you're able to claim the treatment. Please bring your Health Fund membership card with you. We are members of HICAPS and can claim your rebate for you on the spot. If you're not sure what your policy covers you for, it's best to contact your Health Fund to see what they will cover you for. Can I claim for Podiatry through Medicare? As of June 2004, Medicare developed the "Enhanced Primary Care Program". This is a great program that allows up to 5 allied health consultations per year be be rebated through Medicare. It reduces the strain on the public health system by allowing access to health services of private practitioners and promotes prevention of illness. To be eligible for this program, your regular GP must agree that you have a "complex and chronic condition". If you do and are eligible, your GP will complete a referral and care plan which they lodge with Medicare to register you for the program. When you come to see us, please bring your referral and care plan with you so we have all your relevant history. The information on this referral is required on your receipt for Medicare to enable you to make a claim. To claim, we can do it electronically for you, however Medicare will only allow this to be done with an EFTPOS card. If you're paying cash, credit card or cheque, we will give the receipt and you are able to claim this at a Medicare office. How often will I need to see you? This varies from person to person. At your initial consultation, a management plan will be discussed and outlined for you. As a general rule:
- Nails, corns and callouses - every 6-8 weeks
- Diabetes checks - every 12 months
- Orthotic checks - every 2 years
What is a Chiropodist? Chiropody was the old term for Podiatry. Chiropodists would just treat nails, corns and callouses. The name changed in the late 1970s because of a change of scope of practice and because people were confusing with Chiropractic and Chiropody.
