What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrist’s are University trained health professionals who specialize in the examination, treatment and management of the foot and ankle.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
No, generally not. You will only require a GP referral in the following instances.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Remember to bring anything that will help the Podiatrist such as X-Rays or any other scan you may have had taken. If you are visiting our practice on a referral then please ensure to bring any paperwork that has been filled out by the referring practitioner. We also ask for patients to bring in 2 pairs of shoes they normally wear so we can check wear patterns and the type of shoes often worn. Shorts are also useful to allow the Podiatrist to check the foot, ankle, knee and leg when completing the examination.
Is podiatry covered by Medicare?
All of our patients who are enrolled in the EPC program are eligible through Medicare for up to 5 visits per calendar year. You must have a valid referral from your GP. You are not eligible for Medicare without an EPC referral. Please make sure you organise a referral first if you plan on visiting our clinic through Medicare. Adie will bulk bill consultations that are covered by EPC referral, while Nick charges a small gap fee. Any ancillary services including orthotics are financially not covered by Medicare and will be discussed with the patient before progressing with any further.
General
You can use your private health care insurance when claiming services from Podiatry. Note is made that every fund is different and you will need to check prior to meeting with Sprenger Podiatry with your private health fund to make sure you are eligible for rebate.
Does Sprenger Podiatry have HICAPS facilities? What is HICAPS?
Yes, we have HICAPS. HICAPS 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
- For more information on the HICAPS system see www.hicaps.com.au.
Do you bulk bill?
Adie will bulk bill clients with an EPC referral. Nicholas does charge a separate GAP fee on top of the EPC program. Most of our patients organise 5 visits per year. Medicare allow up to 5 visits per calender year.
NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme
Sprenger Podiatry is an accredited NDIS provider. For more information on how we can help your care needs, please contact the rooms on 07 3353 6558 to discuss.
What is/are orthotics?
Foot orthoses are inserts for the shoes that are designed to support, align, or improve the function of the foot. They are also commonly referred to as orthotics. Orthoses should fit comfortably inside your shoes. There are many different kinds of orthotic devices. The orthoses we recommend are prescription devices, both non-custom and custom-made to suit your individual needs and the way your body moves. These may be made from a variety of materials but are always prescribed for your individual needs. Orthotic devices are used as one part of your overall treatment plan for the management of your foot problem.
When are orthoses used?
Our podiatrists may prescribe orthoses for your particular foot problem after a comprehensive assessment. They will consider the way your body moves (your biomechanics), your footwear, and your occupational and lifestyle environment. Orthoses provide long-term solutions in the treatment and prevention of corns, calluses and ulceration by redistributing the pressure of the body’s weight on the feet. Orthoses also help with the rehabilitation of acute and chronic foot conditions such as tendinosis, recurrent ankle sprains and stress fractures, by providing consistent postural control. Children may benefit from orthotic devices to help maintain their foot alignment during growth and development.
Is it important to have my child's feet assessed?
Yes, especially if your child falls over a lot, complains of sore feet, knee pain or leg pain after sport, or complains that their shoes hurt. These are all signs that something is not right and the child should be professionally assessed by a podiatrist before the problem becomes worse.
Who wears orthotic devices?
People of all ages with a variety of problems of the feet or lower leg wear orthoses. Sports people are often prescribed orthotic devices by their Podiatrist to help maximise their performance and to help their recovery from injury. Anyone suffering from a chronic foot condition such as Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain or lower limb condition which is limiting their mobility or independence, may benefit from wearing orthotic devices.
