FAQ
What do Podiatrists do?
Podiatrists are health professionals, qualified to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies, as well as neurological and circulatory diseases. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses and ingrowing toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
To become a podiatrist a practitioner must complete a Bachelor‘s Degree and be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Podiatrists also give expert advice on footwear, so it is a good idea to bring your shoes with you when you book in.
Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist at Trevor Lane Podiatry?
No you don’t, anyone with a lower limb complaint can come and see a Podiatrist.. However, if you are having your costs covered by Workcover, the Department of Veteran affairs or through the Enhanced Primary Care Program you will need to be referred to our Clinic by your General Practitioner.
Please call us at the clinic to make a booking directly. Phone (07) 3207 4736 or book online.
Is Podiatry covered under Medicare?
Is Podiatry covered under Medicare? Not generally.
The exception may be where you have a chronic condition such as Diabetes and have been referred by your G.P. under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC). Please see your G.P. if you think you might qualify for this service.
What is the Enhanced Primary Care Program (E.P.C.) and what fees apply?
The National Enhanced Primary Care Program (E.P.C.) is for Patients with complex or long term chronic conditions. Your General Practitioner will advise you if you are eligible to access this program.
We DO NOT Bulk Bill Patients under this program.
Our standard consultation fees are applicable per eligible visit where a Medicare rebate is payable to you.
Full payment is required at the time of your consultation. This includes your consultation fee and any additional charges for additional services or products if applicable.
The Medicare rebate of $60.35 is only applied to your consultation fee. Any additional treatment – for example a digital gait analysis or any products purchased are not eligible for a rebate under this program.
We provide a convenient ‘on-the-spot’ Medicare rebate service. We confirm your Medicare card details and submit the claim for the rebate directly to Medicare on your behalf and you will be issued with a confirmation receipt showing the rebate that you will receive into your nominated bank account listed with Medicare.
Should you have any questions relating to this program, a member of our friendly team will be happy to answer them.
Is Podiatry covered by Private Health Insurance?
Yes, however, you must make sure you have Podiatry selected in your cover. If you haven’t, you can call your private health provider and make the change. Be sure to take note of any waiting periods that may apply before you are able to make your first claim.
Always check with your private health provider about your level of cover. For more information go to the government’s search engine, PrivateHealth.gov.au, which lists every health provider.
Do you have private health fund claiming facilities?
Yes we use Tyro HealthPoint. Tyro is an electronic health claims and payments system, which offers members of participating health funds, the convenience of automatic claims processing, on the spot in the practice.
The real benefit to patients is convenience. No more queuing at health fund branches and filling in claim forms.
What health funds can be used to make private health claims on the Tyro terminal?
Visit this Tyro website to view the list of approved health funds. Scroll down the list to view the health funds approved for podiatrists.
I am a newly diagnosed diabetic, why do I need to see a Podiatrist?
If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes and your Doctor has suggested that you see a Podiatrist it is because you need to look after your feet. What we do is teach you how to cut your toe nails and care for your feet to minimise injury. Poorly controlled diabetes may lead to significant lower limb complications, such as ulcers, due to neurovascular changes. Our goal as a practice is to prevent amputations.
You can find out more in this helpful article about podiatry and diabetes.
Should I have my child’s feet assessed?
Children’s feet differ from adults as they are still developing. During growth, each child will develop differently and some may walk with their feet turned in, turned out or even on their toes. Arch heights will change as they grow as well.
We recommend that if you notice any changes with your child’s foot shape, uneven shoe wear, tripping/falling, or complaints about pain or tiredness, that you book your child in for an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists.