What is Podiatry?

Podiatry deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment, please call us on 9712 2006, email fivedock@footology.com.au or book online (COMING SOON):

Do I need a referral?

A referral is required if you are a Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), Workers Compensation or a Medicare patient. However, a referral is not required to see a podiatrist if you are a private patient. If you have been referred to us by another health practitioner and have been given a referral, please bring it with you as this aids in communication between your health team.

Can I claim for Podiatry through my private health fund?

Yes. If you are covered for podiatry through your private health insurance you're able to claim the treatment. Please bring your Health Fund membership card with you and we'll claim your rebate for you on the spot with HICAPS. If you're not sure what your private health fund policy covers you for, it's best to contact your Health Fund to check.

Can I claim for Podiatry through Medicare?

Medicare has developed an Allied Health program reduces the strain on the public health system and promotes prevention of illness. It allows up to 5 consultations per year to be rebated through Medicare for eligible people. To be eligible, your regular GP must agree that you have a "complex and chronic condition" and complete a referral and care plan which is lodged with Medicare to register you for the program. When you bring this paperwork along to your appointment and we can link it to your receipt, and then lodge it electronically for you. Medicare will then deposit the rebate into your nominated account. 

Do you see Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) patients?

Yes, we see Veterans and War Widows who have a gold card or a white card. A GP referral is required from your GP every year. All Footology Podiatrists are all qualified to refer you for DVA footwear, where clinically necessary.

What education do Podiatrists have?

Podiatrists complete a Bachelor Podiatric Medicine, Bachelor of Applied Science (Podiatry) or Bachelor of Podiatry, depending on which University they attended. To practice in Australia, every Podiatrist must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have current Senior First Aid certificate. At Footology, we are members of The Australian Podiatry Association.

What will happen at Footology?

An appointment is required for a consultation, where a thorough medical and social history will be taken. This ensures adequate management of your condition that suits your health and lifestyle. After diagnosing and discussing your problem, we will agree upon a management plan that works for you, and work together to make you feel better!

How often will I need to see you?

This varies from person to person and what treatment you needed. At your initial consultation when we discuss your management plan, we will talk about what will be the ideal time for you to see us again. As a general rule for management of nails, corns and callouses it is every 6 to 10 weeks; diabetes foot health checks are every 6 or 12 months; and orthotic checks should be done every 1 or 2 years. Everyone is individual and the aim is to tailor it for you to keep you pain free.

What is a Chiropodist?

Chiropody was the old term for Podiatry. Chiropodists would only treat nails, corns and callouses. The name changed in the late 1970s because of a development of scope of practice to include all lower limb health, orthotics and wound care. And to avoid some embarrassing conversations because people were confusing with Chiropractic and Chiropody!