How To Pay For Podiatry?

Ways To Pay For A Podiatrist In Australia

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

Out-of-Pocket Payments

Paying out of pocket for your podiatry appointment is a straightforward option. This means you will cover the full cost of the service at the time of your visit. While this method does not involve dealing with insurers or waiting for reimbursements, it does require you to bear the entire expense directly. This can be a convenient choice for those without private health insurance or those who prefer not to navigate the complexities of insurance claims. Additionally, out of pocket payments ensure that you receive immediate treatment without the need for prior approvals or referrals.

Private Health Payments

Many private health care providers offer podiatry cover for a range of 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 provide you with 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.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The Feet People are a registered provider with the NDIS to provide services to participants registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme. 

At The Feet People, our podiatrists are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our participants by significantly improving their mobility through the use of advanced assistive technologies. We offer custom foot orthotics, ankle foot orthotics, Surestep supramalleolar and ankle foot orthotics, medical-grade footwear, and bespoke footwear solutions tailored to meet individual needs. These specialised devices support and stabilise the feet and ankles, alleviate pain, and correct biomechanical issues, thereby enhancing mobility and allowing our participants to lead more active and fulfilling lives. By addressing specific mobility challenges with precision and care, we contribute to a marked improvement in our participants' overall quality of life.

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:

• 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.
• 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.

Home Care Package funded through My Aged Care

We are a registered provider through the Home Care Package - My Aged Care scheme, and are able to provide services within our clinic. To claim the costs of your appointment, you'll need to obtain a referral from your home care provider prior to your appointment. 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:

• Home Care Packages (HCP): The Home Care Packages (HCP) program is designed to assist older Australians in living independently at home for as long as possible. It offers four levels of care packages, ranging from basic to high-level care, tailored to meet the varying needs of individuals. The services covered include personal care, nursing, allied health, and support services like domestic assistance, home maintenance, and social support. The program is flexible, allowing participants to change services as their needs evolve, ensuring continuous and appropriate care. To access an HCP, an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is required​ (HCP).
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) aims to help older Australians stay independent and in their homes for longer by providing entry-level support services. These services include assistance with daily tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation, personal care, and transport. The program is intended for those who need a little extra help and is ideal for individuals aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Eligibility is determined through an assessment that identifies specific support needs​ (CHSP)​.
• Short-Term Care: The Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program offers up to eight weeks of care and services to help older Australians improve their wellbeing and independence after a setback or hospital stay. The program focuses on early intervention and provides a range of services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nursing support to help individuals regain their independence. STRC is available for people aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), and eligibility is determined through an aged care assessment​ (Short Term Care Options)​. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs, enabling older Australians to maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

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.

Department of Veterans' Affairs (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 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).

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.

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 an out-of-pocket fee.