Professional Fees The Podiatry Practice | Brisbane
Fees for podiatry services in Australia are usually covered under private health insurance ancillary cover. There is no need for a medical referral. Our practice uses the HICAPS system for 'on-the-spot' claiming.
To be covered under Medicare, DVA, and WorkCover, you will need a medical referral from your GP. Further information is below.
Patients funded under the NDIS are welcome to visit us for care if they are self-managed or under a provider managed plan. We have not chosen to be a registered NDIS provider at this time. A referral is not required.
We are also happy to see seniors who are under a Commonwealth Aged Care Package that includes podiatry care.
More details can be found below.
Referrals, Private Health Insurance and Fees
Private Health Insurance
A medical referral is not required for podiatry visits under private health insurance. We accept all private health funds, and consultations can be claimed immediately under the HICAPS system.
For HICAPS for on-the-spot claiming please bring your health fund card or app if you have private health insurance under an Extras package including podiatry. Please check with your fund for your particular coverage. There can be wide variability in rebates provided for podiatry services under private health insurance cover.
We are also Bupa Members First providers, and part of the HCF More for Feet Program . These programs provide substantial discounts and benefits for members of those health funds.
DVA, Medicare, and WorkCover
A valid GP referral is essential and necessary if seeking coverage under DVA, Medicare, or WorkCover.
DVA Gold/White Card holders and WorkCover cases are fully covered for initial consultations with a valid GP referral. Prior approvals from DVA or WorkCover may be required for certain specific treatments. Your podiatrist will request approval for them on your behalf where indicated.
Medicare rebates are available for up to five (5) services annually under a GP Management Plan. These referrals are for chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis and ongoing pain. We do not bulk bill these consultations.
NDIS
Patients with funding support under the NDIS are always welcome to see us. If you are self-managed or have included podiatry in their managed plan, we can easily assist in your care.
At this time, we have chosen not to be registered separately under the NDIS due to the administrative burden.
Initial Consultation and Fees
We require a longer Initial Consultation for all new patients. This is so we can assess your condition carefully and in detail.
Also, if you have not been to the practice for many years, we may also require you to attend for an Initial Consultation once more. This is because your general health, current medications, other medical treatments and condition will have changed.
What to expect at your Initial Consultation
During this visit, we will obtain a comprehensive history of your problem and a careful physical assessment. We will commence treatment for your problem immediately if it's possible. Sometimes we may recommend additional tests or investigations (eg x-rays, blood tests) before commencing treatment. This occurs if the nature of your problem is not immediately clear. We might also ask your permission to contact other health professionals involved with your care. This is when we are seeking more information to assist the management of your condition.
Please bring along your regular work or sporting footwear, even if they are quite old. This footwear can give us some valuable insights into how your feet are have been functioning. Please also bring any referral you may have been given. Likewise, any other relevant medical reports, imaging, or results of other tests or treatments.
Any recommended follow-up consultations and their associated costs will be discussed at your initial consultation. This is to allow informed financial consent. Costs for treatments such as custom foot orthoses or minor surgery will be discussed and a written estimate provided during this initial assessment. You can check with your private health insurer (if applicable) to what rebates may apply.