Q. What does an Instep Podiatry Brisbane podiatrist do?
A. A podiatrist treats, gives advice and manages all lower limb and foot conditions as well as other foot related musculoskeletal conditions. At Instep Podiatry, we have a full range of podiatry services for our patients. We do biomechanical assessments / gait analysis, footwear assessments, kids podiatry, orthotics, general podiatry and the treatment of sports injuries.
Q. What training or qualifications do podiatrists have?
A. Instep Podiatry Brisbane’s podiatrists are university qualified podiatrists. At Instep Podiatry Brisbane, our podiatrists are registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia and regularly attend conferences and continuing education seminars to keep up to date with current research and treatment trends.
Q. I have a muscle / sports injury. Can a podiatrist help me?
A.Certainly, podiatry has a very wide scope of practice. Any foot, ankle, lower leg or ongoing musculo-skeletal problem can benefit from podiatry services. At Instep Podiatry we frequently treat a number of athletes in a wide range of sports, from professionals all the way down to recreational exercises. If you have experienced a sports injury of the lower limb or joints, come in to Instep Podiatry today.
Q. Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
A. You do not need a referral from a medical professional to see a podiatrist. Many patients first learn of podiatry and related services after referral from their doctor and this is perhaps where this misconception was born. Many of our patients and athletes come straight to Instep Podiatry without consulting their doctor first. We welcome anyone with a foot or lower limb complaint, joint or foot related musculoskeletalpain to contact us for aconsultation with one of our professionals.
Important note about referrals at our Fortitude Valley clinic: From 1 January 2021, we will no longer be accepting referrals for third-party funding arrangements such as Medicare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These changes do not affect our Mitchelton clinic.
Q. How often do I need to visit a podiatrist?
A. This depends on your individual condition. Footwear related problems are most often fixed with treatment with a footwear assessment, orthotics, or related treatment. Reoccurring problems due to genetic factors, lifestyle or sports injury may require ongoing care. If you are experiencing pain anywhere in the lower half of your body,contact us toarrange an appointment with one of our friendly Brisbane podiatrists today.
Q.Does my Medicare cover podiatry?
A. Not usually, Medicare only covers chronic conditions. However when you’re making an appointment, if you have a referral from your doctor for Medicare covering chronic conditions, please inform the receptionist when you call; or see your doctor for more information about eligibility.
Important note: From 1 January 2021, we will no longer accept Medicare (EPC) referrals at our Fortitude Valley location. This change does not affect our Mitchelton practice.
Q.Will my health fund cover some of the cost?
A.If you are in the top bracket of almost any health fund, you should be covered. All health funds differ in their level of cover and what is covered under their policies. It is always best to check with your health fund in regard to your individual policy.
Q.Do you have HICAPS / What is HICAPS?
A.HICAPS is available at Instep Podiatry. It is an electronic claiming service that provides members of participating health funds the convenience of electronic claims processing and payments at the point of service. This means you do not have to visit your health fund with an invoice to claim back your ‘gap’ or cover. Most Australian health funds participate in HICAPS.
Q. Are you registered with NDIS?
A. No, our practice is not registered with NDIS.
Q. Do you offer home visits?
A. Unfortunately we are unable to provide home visits at this time.
Q.What should I bring to my first appointment?
A.You should bring any paperwork such as written referrals, any relevant investigations such as x-rays, ultrasounds or MRI and associated reports.If you are coming in for biomechanical assessment, postural analysis or a sporting injury, you should also wear appropriate clothes such as shorts or at the very least trousers, and bring running shoes, work footwear, and any footwear that is worn on a regular basis.
FAQs
During your assessment you will be asked a variety of questions about you and the reason you have been referred. A review of your medical status and a footwear evaluation will take place along with a few simple and painless tests.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist in Australia? ›
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist? You don't need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. Ask your doctor for a referral to a podiatrist if you have a chronic medical condition, as you may be able to claim some costs.
How do podiatrists diagnose foot problems? ›
A podiatrist will: Ask about any symptoms you're experiencing and how you're managing your blood glucose. Examine your toes, feet and legs. Touch your toes, feet and legs with different tools to check for numbness and if you've lost any feeling.
What questions should I ask a podiatrist? ›
SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PODIATRIST
- Why Do I Have Foot Numbness? ...
- Why Do I Have Cold Feet? ...
- Why Do I Have Itchy, Flaky Skin on My Feet? ...
- Why Do I Have Heel Pain? ...
- Why Do I Have Discolored Nails? ...
- Why Do I Have a Painful Big Toe? ...
- Why Do I Have a Hammer Toe?
A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan based on your personal needs. To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist will do a physical exam of your feet to check for reflexes and sensation. Your medical history and blood sugar levels may also be reviewed.
Do podiatrists assess gait? ›
During a gait analysis, you'll stand, walk and run. Our podiatrists will observe and analyse the movement of your feet and the effect this has on your body, so we observe your movement flow from your feet upwards.
What is a foot doctor called in Australia? ›
In Australia, the profession is typically known as a podiatrist, not a chiropodist.
Can podiatrists prescribe medication in Australia? ›
In Australia, there are several professions that can prescribe medication, including medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, dentists, optometrists and also endorsed podiatrists. So who are endorsed podiatrists?
Is podiatry in demand in Australia? ›
Currently, there is an overall shortage of podiatrists in Australia. Demand for Podiatrists is anticipated to continue to grow making Podiatry a highly appealing career choice with high levels of job security.
What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist? ›
Common problems that podiatrists treat include bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, and athlete's foot. Treatment methods used by podiatrists can vary depending on the specific condition but often include things like orthotic devices, braces, or surgery.
A podiatrist can administer medication and order tests.
They can order tests such as MRI's, CT's to establish a diagnosis, give medications as needed for pain, immobilize the structure or perform surgery if needed. They may also direct a physical therapist if this treatment is needed.
What is the difference between a foot doctor and a podiatrist? ›
A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon performs complex surgical procedures, not performed by a podiatrist. There can be some overlap in what a podiatrist treats and what an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist treats such as the simpler conditions of sprains and strains.
Does a podiatrist check circulation? ›
Vascular testing is used by podiatrists to make sure that there is adequate blood flow to your lower limbs.
What a podiatrist will commonly treat? ›
Some of the medical conditions podiatrists treat include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.
What should I wear to a podiatrist appointment? ›
Choose Your Clothes Wisely
During your appointment, your podiatrist will not only perform a physical exam of your feet and ankles but will also examine your posture and gait. Be prepared to remove your shoes and socks for the exam, and wear loose-fitting pants that can be rolled up to the knee.
What does a foot exam consist of? ›
Your provider will check: The skin of your feet to look for dryness, cracking, calluses, blisters, ulcers, and other damage or abnormal areas. Your toenails for cracks and fungal infection. The temperature of your feet to see if they are the same.
What kind of shoes do you wear to a podiatrist appointment? ›
What shoes to wear to podiatrist? It's best to wear shoes that you commonly use, as they can provide valuable information about your foot health and walking patterns. If you have specific concerns about a particular pair of shoes, bring them along to discuss with your podiatrist.
What to expect at your annual foot check? ›
You should be asked to remove any footwear, including socks/stockings. Your feet should be examined – including looking for corns, calluses and changes in shape. Your feet should be tested for numbness or changes in sensation ('neuropathy') with a tuning fork or a fine plastic strand called a monofilament.
How long does a foot exam take? ›
Initial Evaluation: This type of appointment typically takes longer, usually around 30-45 minutes. It involves a comprehensive assessment that includes taking a detailed medical history, performing a thorough foot examination, and engaging in a discussion about your condition and the development of a treatment plan.
