How To Pay For Podiatry?

Here at The Feet People, we’re committed to getting you back on your feet so you can live and move without pain. No matter your podiatry needs, we accept a range of payment options to ensure everyone has a range of options to see and be treated by one of our experienced podiatrists. Here’s what you need to know about paying for your podiatry services with us.

Is Podiatry Covered By Medicare?

If you have been granted a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) referral, formerly known as an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, then you are able to claim a subsidy for up to five visits for podiatry per calendar year. 

The specific number of visits allocated to podiatry will be listed on your referral form, which you must bring with you to your first appointment with us along with your Medicare card. To be approved for this plan, you'll need to visit your GP who will complete a full assessment to determine your eligibility. Our podiatrists cannot create these plans, but we do accept all plans, meaning that you are welcome to have your podiatry care with us using your plan, regardless of any other practitioners listed on the referral.

If you do not have a CDM plan, then Medicare will not cover or subsidise your appointment with us. 

What Podiatry Services Are Covered By Medicare?

Podiatry services related to treating your approved chronic condition may be fully or partially covered by a Medicare rebate if you meet Medicare’s specific criteria, and your GP approves your Chronic Disease Management plan (CDM).

Medicare defines a chronic condition as one that is likely to be present for at least six months. While there is no list of eligible conditions, Medicare uses examples including asthma, cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and strokes. Of these, the most common condition we see and provide care for is diabetes.

Once you bring your plan to us, you’ll be granted an on-the-spot Medicare rebate on the day of your appointment, leaving you with only a small out-of-pocket fee.

Ways To Pay For A Podiatrist In Australia

There are several ways that you can choose to pay for your podiatry appointment with us:

Paying with Medicare

We offer HICAPS, meaning that you must pay the full amount on the day, and then submit the receipt to Medicare for them to process your rebate back to your bank account.

Paying through private health

Many private health care providers have the option of podiatry cover for a range of care treatments, although often not all of them. Whether you're able to claim these benefits will completely depend on what private health insurance company you are with, and your level of cover. We do not have this information, and cannot advise you over the phone of what your rebate will be - this comes from a legal agreement between you and your private health insurer.

To help you know what you can expect, you can give us a call so we can give you the item codes for the specific treatments you require. Then, you are able to call your insurer and quote these numbers, and they should be able to advise you about how much you’ll be covered for.

NDIS

The Feet People are a registered provider of podiatry and foot care services to participants registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 

Please fill out our NDIS Referral form when booking your appointment, as we use this information to ensure we bill you correctly for your podiatry treatment. Please also bring your NDIS number, and your NDIS plan with the start date listed.

Depending on how you manage your plan, there are two options to pay with your NDIS funding:

1. Make a payment request and then pay The Feet People. Once you receive an account, invoice or timesheet from us, make a payment request. This can be done online using the myplace portal. Money from your NDIS plan budget will be paid into your nominated bank account within 48 hours. You can then pay us as your podiatrist.
   
2. Pay The Feet People and then make a payment request to NDIS. At your appointment, pay for your treatment in full and get a receipt. Make a payment request to have the money from your NDIS plan budget paid into your nominated bank account. You will be reimbursed within 48 hours.

DVA

We are a registered provider of podiatry and foot care services to DVA clients, and are able to support and treat DVA clients if they hold either a DVA Gold Card or DVA White Card. In some cases, DVA may require prior approval for some items like orthotics.

Prior to your appointment, you must get a DVA D904 referral from your GP, made out to The Feet People in order to see our podiatrists. This referral will last for 12 months or a maximum of 12 visits, whichever comes first. There are usually no out of pocket costs for DVA gold and white card clients, but please discuss this with us at your initial appointment. 

Please ensure you bring:

• A DVA D904 referral from your GP (this is required), which states the issue or condition that needs to be treated.
  
• Your Gold or White Card
  
• A letter from DVA confirming what conditions you have on your cards. You can get this letter if you log in to MyService; or call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)

HCP (MAC)

We are a registered provider through the Home Care Package - My Aged Care scheme, and are able to provide home visits for patients. To claim the costs of your appointment, you'll need to obtain a referral from My Aged Care prior to your appointment, which you can do by contacting them on 1800 200 422. The government funds us with a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs, and we can coordinate and manage payment for these services for you on your behalf. These can include:

• Commonwealth Home Support Package (CHSP) - this is for those whose care needs are low and are still independent
  
• Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) - this is also available through My Aged Care for 12 weeks after your hospital admission. 

Workcover

If you've been injured at work, and the injury is deemed to fall under the requirements of Work Cover, then you'll have the costs of repairing and rehabbing your injury covered with worker's compensation. A referral won't be required for our podiatrists to treat your condition, however, prior approval from WorkSafe should be obtained.

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