Questions & Answers

Is a referral necessary?

No, anyone with a lower limb complaint can come and see a Podiatrist and if you are privately insured which covers ‘Podiatry’ services a rebate will apply.  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 usual General Practitioner.

Does Medicare cover my costs?

Yes, if you’re Doctor has placed you on a Team Care Arrangement under the National Enhanced Primary Care Program and authorised you to visit a Podiatrist our clinic will bulk bill your visits. You will have no out of pocket expenses. 

The National Primary Care Program is for Patients with complex or long term chronic conditions. Your usual General Practitioner will advise you if you can access this program.

What is included in an initial consultation?

Our initial consultation can take up to an hour to complete and includes:

• Our podiatrists taking a detailed medical history.
• During a general consultation ,toe nails cut and removal of any thickened nails, calluses or corns.
• Assessment of surgical conditions unless a surgical appointment as been made
• Biomechanical foot screen and a diabetic foot screen and assessment (if you are seeing us as you are diabetic this will include digital circulation tests and neurological checks).
• Warts, tinea and other skin pathology.

What is a biomechanical assessment?

A biomechanical assessment is used for people with muscular or tendon pain, falling regularly or feeling unstable when walking or running. An initial biomechanical consultation can take up to an hour to complete and involve:

• A detailed medical history;
• Extensive physical and stance assessment (standing and lying); and
• Comprehensive gait assessment including video gait analysis.

What you will need to bring: any x-rays or MRIs, your shoes (walking, running or any sporting shoes that you use regularly) and please wear shorts or bring shorts with you.

What is a vascular assessment?

Vascular assessment is a non-invasive study to determine how the blood flows through the arteries and veins between the heart and the feet. We usually recommend a vascular assessment for diabetics, long term smokers or patients with wounds that have not healed.

What is a neurological assessment?

A neurological assessment involves determining how healthy your nerves are and what you can feel. Often your nerves in your feet are first affected so it is important to regularly test sensation and ability of your muscles to function in your feet and lower legs. If you have lost some sensation we can assist you in looking after your feet and lower limbs or design exercises or footwear modifications to assist in maintaining the health of your feet and nervous system.

Do I need orthotics?

Very few people need orthotics and we are not a ‘pro-orthotic’ clinic especially when it comes to children. Orthotics are a last resort when we can not re-train the muscles and joints to work properly. We will always try exercises, strapping and padding prior to orthotics. We do not prescribe orthotics for children under 7 unless they have significant gait problems as their feet have not formed yet. We may prescribe some orthotic devices that have a short term impact

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 is it because you need to look after your feet. If your diabetes is controlled and you are of good health, we will only need to see you once per year. What we do is teach you how to cut your toe nails and care for your feet. Diabetics can lose circulation in their feet and this can lead to ulcers or other complications. This is mainly due to a thickening of the arteries as a result of high insulin levels in the blood. If you control your diabetes, weight and stay active more invasive care later on can be avoided. Thus, your Doctor will send you to us for a review and some education. Your initial appointment will take about an hour and we probably won’t need to see you for a year.

Poorly controlled diabetes can have significant lower limb complications. It should be noted that the majority of foot and lower limb amputations are an indirect result of poorly controlled diabetes. Ipswich has one of the highest foot amputation rates in Queensland.  Our goal as a practice is prevent amputations. We conduct patient seminars on caring for your feet when you are diabetic. If you’d like to enrol in one of these seminars, please call our clinic.

I am a long term diabetic, why do I need to see a Podiatrist?

Diabetes effects your peripheral nervous system and vascular system which can cause problems with your feet as it always affects your toes and feets as this is where blood pressure is at it’s lowest.  Diabetics with poorly controlled diabetes can have significant lower limb complications. We can assist you in caring for your lower limbs and keeping on top of your diabetes.  It should be noted that the majority of foot and lower limb amputations are an indirect result of poorly controlled diabetes. Ipswich has one of the highest foot amputation rates in Queensland.  Our goal as a practice is prevent amputations. We conduct patient seminars on caring for your feet when you are diabetic. If you’d like to enrol in one of these seminars, please call our clinic.

Do you do home visits?

Yes, we conduct home visits from Greenslopes to Gatton. Due to the time required to do house calls, there are some medical requirements that may need to be met.

Do you attend patients in nursing homes or hospice centres?

Yes, we will see patients in any of these facilities where we are permitted. Some nursing homes have a contracted Podiatrists and we are not able to attend patients within these facilities.

Is there car parking?

Yes. All of our locations have dedicated on site parking for our valuable patients.