FAQ

• What does a Podiatrist do?
• Do I need a referral?
• Will my private health insurance cover Podiatry?
• Am I covered under Medicare?
• What are orthotics?
• Who wears orthotic devices?
• When are orthoses used?
• Is it important to have my child’s feet assessed?

What does a Podiatrist do?

Podiatry is the health profession dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of medical and surgical conditions of the foot and lower limb. In Queensland Podiatrists must be registered with the Podiatrists Registration Board. To be eligible for registration you must have completed a four year degree in Podiatry at the Queensland University of Technology or equivalent.

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Do I need a referral?

No. Anyone can visit a podiatrist although many of our patients have been referred by their general practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or other allied health care practitioner. However, if you are under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), Workcover or Enhanced Primary Care programme (EPC) you will need a referral from your Doctor.

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Will my private health insurance cover Podiatry?

Many private health funds under “Extras” cover services provided by a Podiatrist. However this will depend on the level of cover you have chosen. Please check with your specific health fund.

Coorparoo Podiatry Centre has a HICAPS machine which enables you to receive an instant refund leaving you only the Gap to pay at the time of consultation.

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Am I covered under Medicare?

Yes, but only if you are referred by your Doctor under the Enhanced Primary Care Programme (EPC). In July 2004 the Federal government introduced the Enhanced Primary Care Programme (EPC) to provide limited cover for patients with long term chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and the like. The programme allows up to five visits per calender year to allied health care professionals, including podiatrists, for eligible patients.

If you think you are eligible for this programme you should speak with your doctor. If you are eligible, your doctor will need to complete the new combined GP management plan / team care arrangement plans (MBS items 721 and 723) and register your plan with Medicare Australia. Your GP can then refer you to our clinic using the 'Referral form for Allied Health Services under Medicare' form.

Once you are accepted under the Enhanced Primary Care Programme, you can visit our clinic for treatment. You can then take your receipt to a Medicare office and claim back a rebate of $46.80. We will provide you with a high level of care and we will furnish your doctor with detailed reports regarding your treatment and progress.

If you are a general practitioner and would like more information regarding our participation in the Enhanced Primary Care Programme, then please contact us.

For those of you who are not eligible for the Enhanced Primary Care Programme, we can process your private health fund rebates through our HICAPS system.

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What are orthotics?

Foot orthoses are inserts for the shoes that are designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They are also commonly referred to as orthotics. Orthoses fit comfortably inside your shoes. There are many different kinds of orthotic devices. The orthoses we recommend are prescription devices, custom-made to suit your individual needs and the way your body moves. These may be made from a variety of materials but are always prescribed for your individual needs. Orthotic devices are used as one part of your overall treatment plan for the management of your foot problem.

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Who wears orthotic devices?

People of all ages with a variety of problems of the feet or lower leg wear orthoses. Sports people are often prescribed orthotic devices by their Podiatrist to help maximise their performance and to help their recovery from injury. Anyone suffering from a chronic foot condition such as Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain or lower limb condition which is limiting their mobility or independence, may benefit from wearing orthotic devices.

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When are orthoses used?

Our podiatrists may prescribe orthoses for your particular foot problem after a comprehensive assessment. They will consider the way your body moves (your biomechanics), your footwear, and your occupational and lifestyle environment. Orthoses provide long-term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, calluses and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body's weight on the feet. Orthoses also help with the rehabilitation of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendinosis, recurrent ankle sprains and stress fractures, by providing consistent postural control. Children may benefit from orthotic devices to help maintain their foot alignment during growth and development.

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Is it important to have my child’s feet assessed?

Yes, especially if your child trips over a lot, complains of sore feet, knee pain or leg pain after sport, or complains that their shoes hurt. These are all signs that something is not right and the child should be professionally assessed by a podiatrist before the problem becomes worse.

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